Pere Marquette River Fishing Report

Here's what's happening in Northern Michigan

SEPTEMBER 12, 2026

SCATTERED SALMON

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PERE MARQUETTE RIVER FISHING REPORT:
Salmon fishing on the Pere Marquette River was a little tougher this week.  After the recent rains we had before the Holiday weekend, the river bumped up and became dirty.  This high water, however, didn’t last long. Within two days, the river dropped quick and became clear again. Especially in the upper stretches.  This drop in water and warmer river temps really spread the fish out. The Salmon are really dispersed throughout the whole river.  This will probably change if we see some cooler weather and rain.  I’m sure we’ll get another round of fish soon.  Right now, covering a lot of water has been the key. There are still a lot of fish out in the Big Lake.  With the warm water temperatures, they’re sitting in 100 plus feet deep out there.  We just need some cooler weather and those “Chinook Winds.”
I did get a little break this week from chasing Salmon, and went back into Trout mode. Dan joined me, wanted to switch it up, and learn more about Trout fishing.  I rigged up the 5 weights and tossed the trout bag back in the boat.  I was a little skeptic on how the day was going to go. With the clear, low water and lots of sunshine I wasn’t sure what to expect.  Surprisingly, we had decent Dry Fly fishing.  We fished Terrestrial type flies like Hoppers, Beetles, and Flying Ants.  It was a fun day!
YOUTUBE: Be sure to check out my Youtube Channel. Check out the videos and be sure to click the like button and subscribe! 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

HUB'S SIMPLE STONE

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Spring on the Pere Marquette River is a great time for early season insect activity. One of the earliest insect hatches we see is the little black stonefly. Sometimes you’ll see these little flies sitting on the snow banks along the river early in the spring before the snow melts off. As the air temperature rises on Sunny days, you can see these little, dual-winged flies dropping their eggs on the water. If you’re lucky, you can even see trout rising to them. In their nymph stage, these little black stoneflies are a good food source for migratory steelhead and resident brown trout. You can fish this fly pattern under an indicator, bottom bounce it, or add a tungsten bead on a jig hook if you want to tight line.
Check out the video below and be sure to like and subscribe to the channel for more videos.
HUB’S SIMPLE STONE
  • Hook: 1X Strong / 1X Long Down eye Nymph hook / Size 6 or 8
  • Tail: Black Goose Biot
  • Rib: Medium Copper Wire
  • Body: Black UV Ice Dub
  • Wing Case : 2 strands of Copper Flashabou / Black Swiss Straw
  • Legs: Black hen Saddle
  • Finish off the fly with Clear UV Glue / UV Fly Finish on the wing case
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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!