Pere Marquette River Fishing Report

Here's what's happening in Northern Michigan

DECEMBER 5, 2025

SNOWMAGEDDON

PERE_MARQUETTE_RIVER_STEELHEAD
PERE MARQUETTE RIVER FISHING REPORT:
I hope everyone is doing well and had a great Thanksgiving!  Winter landed on the Pere Marquette River over the Holiday and does not want to loosen its grip. We have received a good amount of snow along with some really cold weather. The snow was really heavy which caused a lot of trees to come down along the river. I only managed to get out a few days this week due to the weather and river conditions.  I was glad I had my chainsaw and the raft. The river was a mess trying to navigate down it.  I did inform the USFS and will keep you posted on what sections are clear. The Steelhead fishing is still about the same. The water is still very low and clear.  The winter weather has really dropped the water temps.  You can find Steelhead scattered throughout the whole river system.  The numbers are low.  Covering a lot of water and soaking your fly in a bunch of pools has been the key.
Flies to try include smaller darker flies on the low light days when hunting on the swing. Don’t be afraid to get out a purple fly too. Purple can be effective, especially in the later afternoon and evenings when the light is low.  For nymphing with the Indicators and fat lines try Hex Nymphs, Smaller Stoneflies and Steelhead Buggers.  Egg flies in a smaller size but a little brighter hue is working.  A little bit of Chartreuse or Blue can work well this time of year.  Good luck if you venture out and be safe.  Tight Lines and screaming reels.

PIC (ABOVE) Tom with a “Snowmageddon” steelhead taken on the swing.

For anyone who might be interested I have a few Outfitters North Hooded Sweatshirts.
You can shoot me an email (outfittersnorth@hotmail.com) if you would like one. $40.00 plus shipping.
Here are the sizes still available:
  • Large – 6 left
  • XL – 7 left
  • XXL – 7 left
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YOUTUBE: I’ve started a new YouTube page! Click on the link for some new videos and click the subscribe button. https://www.youtube.com/@OutfittersNorthJeffHubbard
LIVE FLY TYING WITH THE NORTHERN ANGLER:  If you missed it – I had the opportunity to head up to Traverse City to visit good friends Brian and Matt at The Northern Angler Fly Shop. Thanks to all who joined us on YouTube for the Live event. If you missed the live event, you can still watch the full video on the Northern Angler’s YouTube Page.
If you are ever in Northern Michigan stop by their shop and say “hi!” They have a great assortment of gear, tackle and fly tying materials. You can find them online at The Northern Angler

FLY OF THE MONTH

LOW WATER LEECH

low_water_leech_pere_marquette_river

THE TRADITIONAL MARABOU LOW WATER LEECH

Low_water_leech_swing_fly_pattern

SHANK STYLE VARIATION  USING A COMPOSITE LOOP OF CRAFT FUR, ICE DUB AND FINISHED OFF WITH A WOOD DUCK FLANK FEATHER

TIED BY RANDY RIKSEN

Low water levels in the fall seems to be the norm now on the Pere Marquette River.  With the extremely low and clear water, it’s important for Steelhead Anglers to adapt.  Over the years, I have toned down my swing patterns with water levels. The Low-Water Leech has been a staple in my box for well over fifteen years now. This fly is smaller in size, subtle in flash, and works great on cloudy or sunny days with low water.  The pearl fringe grabs light as it drops in the current and the natural hot spot of the egg head, grabs the fish’s attention while there are still a lot of Salmon eggs in the river.  Normally, I fish this fly with a small worm weight in front of it, however with the river levels extremely low, I would recommend a medium or small size bead chain eye on the fly to get it down without hanging up through the swing.

You can watch my YouTube video tying this fly and please subscribe to my page.  Look for more videos to come this winter when I get some time at the bench. Please spread the word of my channel to anyone who loves to fly-fish and tie flies.  Thanks, and tight lines !!!!

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I am Jeff Hubbard. I grew up in West Michigan with a real love for the outdoors. After guiding in Alaska for a few years, I returned to my favorite rivers and streams, here in Michigan. Among these, the Pere Marquette River is my favorite by far. I have spent many years next to this great river in the town of Baldwin and have a great love for this great natural scenic river. I became a professional guide in 1998, and fishing still remains a real passion to me.

I’m a licensed USFS Special Use Permit holder and State of Michigan Permit holder.  This allows me to fish the whole water shed of the Pere Marquette River.  I am fully insured and CPR Certified. I run Full and Half Day Trips, Instructional, walk and wade, or float trips.

Always feel free to drop me a note if you have any questions or ideas!  Thank you for stopping by!