Pere Marquette River Fishing Report

Here's what's happening in Northern Michigan

NOVEMBER 16, 2025

COLD, CLEAR WATER

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PERE MARQUETTE RIVER FISHING REPORT:
I hope everyone is doing well. Not much has changed with the Steelhead fishing on the Pere Marquette River.  We saw colder weather a week ago with a little snow. This cold snap dropped water levels and water temps even more.  The river is still extremely low and clear.  Steelhead are scattered throughout the river, but we need some significant weather to really get the fish pushing in.
Flies last week included the Low-Water Leech which continues to work well along with smaller olive baitfish patterns on brighter days. A smaller version of the June “Bug” Sculpin has been effective.  Egg flies using neutral tones like Oregon Cheese, Apricot, and Steelhead Orange are working well. For nymphs, try Hares Ears, small Steelhead Buggers, and Hex Nymphs.
PIC (ABOVE):  Nelson is all smiles with his personal best Brown Trout that took a swung fly.
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

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THE TRADITIONAL MARABOU LOW WATER LEECH

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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!