Pere Marquette River Fishing Report

Here's what's happening in Northern Michigan

APRIL 12, 2026

RIVER IS RISING

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PERE MARQUETTE RIVER FISHING REPORT:
The Pere Marquette River water levels and water temperatures continue to fluctuate. Rain is expected to push levels up again this week. Use caution if heading out. Steelhead are scattered throughout the system. A few fresh fish moved in with last week’s high water, which was good to see.  Look for fishing to be good when water levels start to drop again.
Flies last week: 
Productive flies last week included Salmon Fry, Parr, and Alevin patterns. Stonefly nymphs worked well on sunny days, while Sculpin and baitfish patterns were effective on the swing.
Picture:
(Above) John wrapped up last week with a couple of great days swinging flies.  He was able to shake hands with this fresh steelhead that fell for the June “Bug” Sculpin.
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
Learn More About booking a trip with Outfittersnorth

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!