Pere Marquette River Fishing Report

Here's what's happening in Northern Michigan

July 21, 2024

LOW AND CLEAR

pere_marquette_river_brown_trout
PERE MARQUETTE RIVER FISHING REPORT:

The Pere Marquette River is getting low and clear. We did see a good little storm come through late Sunday night and early Monday morning last week, but the rain did not bring the river level up much.  The upper stretches are clear.  Trout fishing last week was hit or miss with the bite.  Daytime fishing became tough with the low water and bright skies.  Evening seemed a little better when the sun dropped behind the trees. Flies right now are Terrestrial patterns during the day – Hoppers, Beetles, Ants and Crane Flies.  Smaller streamers fished slow can work well below the surface and of course Nymphs will work also.  Good luck and tight lines !!!

PIC:  (Above) Bob with a great daytime Brown trout from early last week that fell for a big beetle pattern twitched along the bank.
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

USED GEAR

Simms Classic Guide Jacket New without tags
Worn less than 2 hours.
Size Adult Small
$300 if shipped, $275 pick up.  Retails for $450
email me for info
Brand New Rock Dry-Strike Boat Shoes
Size Mens 9m / Womens 11
$80 shipped $65 pickup Retail for over $100
(Photos off the retail page)
Email me for info

FLY OF THE MONTH

Hub's Hopper
This is a typical foam Hopper or attractor pattern.  These flies float high and have a good amount of movement to them.
Check out the fly recipe here – Hub’s Hopper

JULY / AUGUST FLY FISHING TIP

July and August Fly of the month is the Hopper.  Grasshoppers and other Terrestrial style bugs, Ant’s, Beetles, Crane Flies, Damsel and Dragon flies can work well for Trout on the Pere Marquette River this time of year.   I like to tie my style of terrestrials out of foam.  Foam bodies on these types of flies work really well, add some rubber legs to them and they work awesome.
When fishing these flies, I would recommend using a faster action rod in the 9ft 5 or 6 weight range. Something that will roll the flies over and make quick punchy casts.  Whether it’s roll casting or making a cast with one stroke on the banks. The faster action rod is going to help you. Rods like the Echo Carbon XL and even the Echo Trout X work well.   I especially like the Carbon XL for small quarters and accuracy.  When fishing terrestrial don’t forget to use that high floating foam and those rubber legs to your advantage by using the “twitch.”  Manipulate the fly to make it look life like.  Real hoppers and beetles are not graceful when they hit the water.  They move all over in the current, so make your fly move too.  Good luck 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!