Address: NF-2270, Pelkie, MI 49958. Smallmouths continue to be present in good numbers all the way to Manistee Lake, and they are joined by increasing numbers of walleyes and northern pike as you move downstream. The whitewater rapids at Piers Gorge are a special feature of this reach.
You must register your harvest online or by phone. For a full list of regulations and legal descriptions, see the Fisheries Orders. Quick turns, scenic bluffs, and a variety of flora and fauna provide for a scenic experience. Unfortunately Rock Bottom (Feral) was not present so he may have to audition all over again. The bottom of the stream was black from silt throughout much of this stretch of river. Matt landed the 17er and shortly thereafter, I got bumped by one that size or bigger. Find camping and overnight lodging options, reservation info, rules and regulations and more. Six fish per day. WebFisheries Lake Sturgeon Management Together with numerous partners, we use streamside rearing to increase Michigan's lake sturgeon population. The East Branch of the Black joins the mainstream in this reach and almost doubles its size. Moving north across The Bridge we find perhaps the Upper Peninsulas best brook trout stream, the Fox River. I can almost feel the cool breeze from the river, maybe even fooling us into thinking the sun was not a problem, only to notice sunburned ears later. Families have enjoyed canoeing, rafting, kayaking and tubing the It is a Class I/II river. From the north line of Section 26, T43N, R19W, to Lake Michigan. Published April 4, 2023 at 5:41 PM EDT. Photo by Jim Bedford. Summer steelhead move out of the St. Joseph River to cool off, and there is a chance for a bonus encounter with one of these high-flying fish through most of the summer. Michigan bag limits for all four waterbodies are now the same and are updated each year on May 1 and run through the following April. Quick turns, scenic bluffs, and a variety of flora and fauna provide for a scenic experience. I was able to zero in on the Pigeon River state game area and was surprised to see a section of land I did know the state owned with the Sturgeon River running through it. Drive 9.5 miles and turn left on Prickett Dam/SIlver Mountain Rd for another 39 miles. Ohio regulations. The 2023 Fishing Guide is in effect until March 31, 2024. Brookies dominate but you will also find browns and rainbows in the upper section. WebThroughout this rugged, steep Wilderness, the Sturgeon and Little Silver Rivers and their tributaries have carved falls, rapids, ponds, oxbows, and terraces. WebSturgeon River is a 106-mile-long (171 km) river in Baraga County and Houghton counties in the U.S. state of Michigan. Early summer and late fall are the best times to canoe the Sturgeon River. For more information on these and other trout streams in southwest Michigan, contact the Department of Natural Resources at (616) 685-6851. Very obviously a brown trout with the spots if you are not sure of your trout species. This Michigan river is a blue-ribbon trout stream that also qualifies as having the fastest current in the Lower Peninsula. USE THE BUTTON ABOVE TO VISIT THE SNOWMOBILE HOMEPAGE or go directly to you area of interest below: Want to find tasty morel mushrooms in the forest? What you dont see in this photo is the log strewn bottom and gale force river trying to drag him backwards. These fish are a late-maturing, long-lived species and knowing what sizes these fish are being harvested is helpful to maintain a healthy population. Another Big Creek joins the mainstream of the Au Sable from the south near Luzerne. St. Clair River and Lake St. Clair. 
Additional road crossings provide access, but they are far enough apart that you should plan on all-day float-fishing trips. Please enable javascript for an optimal experience. Much of this water is wadeable in the summer and smallmouths are plentiful, with 50-fish days a definite possibility. Phone: (231) 238-8181 I suspect it wasnt much of a fishing day with the blue sky. Web Sturgeon River Map Cheboygan County Michigan Fishing The Sturgeon River, as well as being a Michigan "Blue Ribbon" Trout stream, has the fastest current in lower Michigan. An MSU researcher tagging a lake sturgeon. Website: www.bigbearadventures.com, 2023 Indian River Regional Chamber of Commerce, All Rights ReservedHome | Site Map | Contact, Website Design and Development by: Pro Web Marketing. - Calendar
It's nearly time for the yearly all-hands-on-deck effort to protect a fragile population of lake sturgeon. But here is the point of this untimely post: How can you appear to share a secret location without giving away the garage? There are only two road crossings below Tippy Dam, but there are a number of public boat launches, with the ones at High Bridge, Blacksmith Bayou, Bear Creek and Rainbow Bend in the prime smallmouth water. In the above video, NWTF's Jason Burckhalter talks about the group's accomplishments and future plans with Game & Fish Editorial Director Adam Heggenstaller at SHOT Show 2023 in Las Vegas. Stunning views are possible from the eastern rim of the gorge. Since the Brule is a boundary water, the regulations may be slightly different and you should consult your 2003 Michigan Fishing Guide. A few short hours later we were driving to a secluded river where we got to do some amazing fishing and hiking. There is a cluster of fine trout streams in western Iron County. Calendars: 25.0 miles (40.2 km) of the river were added to the National Wild and Scenic Rivers System in 1992. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. The Sturgeon River rises on the glacially-eroded plateau that forms much of southern Baraga County. The river travels an impressive 40 miles as it heads to Burt Lake, offering a bevy of fly fishing options for the savvy angler.The presence of gorgeous bluffs, all sorts of native plants, and quick turns make this river one that is hard to forget. Sturgeon River Gorge Wilderness (U.S. Forest Service), Sturgeon River Management Plan (1.4 MB PDF). When I arrived not fifteen minutes later our campsite was open and the folks left a pile of store bought, dried, split wood. The upper river is loaded with brookies, and the browns increase as you go downstream. All Rights Reserved. WebFisheries Lake Sturgeon Management Together with numerous partners, we use streamside rearing to increase Michigan's lake sturgeon population. Areas that did not have silt last year have silt buildup this year. He caught it on the Sturgeon casting from the bank because the river was too high and muddy to wade. St. Clair River and Lake St. Clair. Currently, lake sturgeon and muskellunge have mandatory reporting requirements. 
WebThe Sturgeon Wild and Scenic River, in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, has outstanding wildlife, heritage, ecological and hydrologic resources. For current hatch status on any of the streams described in this article, you will find that the local fly shops are the best source for information. Their numbers continue to build, and the river above and below Crystal Falls is loaded with small- to medium-sized bronzebacks. For information on motels, tackle shops and restaurants, you can contact local chambers of commerce at (906) 265-3822 for Iron County and the Paint, Michigamme and Brule rivers; you can call (906) 774-2002 for Dickinson County and the upper Menominee River; you can call (906) 863-2679 for Menominee County and the lower Menominee and upper Ford rivers; and the number to call for Delta County and the lower Ford and lower Escanaba rivers is (906) 786-2192. I am trying to remember if the fridge is still there or if I have become so numb to it that it doesnt register any more. (If they wanted to learn about some of our spots they should have pretended they were Cabellas road fisherman). Haakwood S.F.C.G
If we run into you camping next fall maybe we can share some stories over a Labatts. That's why a large part of the river's lower stretches is riddled with private residential and commercial developments. Browning Ammunition has two big-game hunting loads new for 2023 that are effective on a wide range of species: the Max Point and Silver Series. 5. WebDesignated Reach: March 3, 1992. The smallmouth bass leaped as soon as it felt the tug on its jaw from the hookset and I quickly steered it away from the cedar tree. The upper river is loaded with brookies, and the browns increase as you go downstream. WebDesignated Reach: March 3, 1992. Brett related their day on the Sturgeon in his email. The reach between M-37 and Gleasons Landing near Baldwin is classified as flies-only and probably offers the best trout fishing in the whole river. Available in 180- and 200-grain sizes. Here is a picture of Brett with brown trout measuring 23-1/2 (and more proof I should keep quiet about where I fish). There is a Big Creek that flows into the North Branch just upstream from its juncture with the mainstream.
Ontario regulations. Denny had his Martin and played some James Taylor and John Prine and I might have surprised them when I played Norma Jean by Elton John (a song about Marilyn Monroe) and a pop song called Wake me Up by Avici. Totals were 4 7-9 each, 3 13-15 each, 1 17er (Matt) and 2 missed that were or were pushing 20. Bass Crash Course: Technique tweaks to maximize distance and accuracy. WebSturgeon River is a 106-mile-long (171 km) river in Baraga County and Houghton counties in the U.S. state of Michigan. Luther with a chunky Michigan Brown Trout, Refer to a landmark that may have nothing to do with the location. But as the river becomes wider, you may want to choose a nine to 10-foot rod with a five or six-weight. Scavenger Hunts Adrenaline & Extreme Tours. Natch, Mike, Denny and I worked in a few days of fishing. While in the area you might also want to check the Pigeon River and Black River that are nearby. Check out our DIY Guide to the Best Fly Fishing Gear for recommendations. Remember, the DNR number to call for all these U.P. We administer grants that enable our local partners to promote the lifestyles we all enjoy by providing recreational opportunities, enhancing wildlife habitat and ensuring public safety. There are over 20 river miles in this section, with the Witbeck Rapids area a prime spot. The east branch has headwaters in the hills near Gaylord in Otsego County, while the west branch starts at Huffman and Thumb Lakes in Charlevoix County. If you want to catch a trophy brown and dont mind the occasional walleye or smallmouth bass mixed in, try below the Hodenpyle Dam. Brett, along with Matt Hilliard, get together with a crew of devoted spin fishermen like ourselves for the closer, or ender as they call it. Sturgeon River (Ottawa National Forest) If you want to catch a trophy brown and dont mind the occasional walleye or smallmouth bass mixed in, try below the Hodenpyle Dam. 
There is a gravel boat launch at Erickson's Landing about two miles west of the U.S. 141 bridge, and two bridges near Crystal Falls give you four access points to the prime smallmouth water. The prime fly-fishing water is found between Deward and Smithville. A northern exception is the Thunder Bay River in the northeastern part of the peninsula. For more information on these northern Lake Huron tributaries and the Au Sable, contact the DNR at (989) 732-3541. Drive 9.5 miles and turn left on Prickett Dam/SIlver Mountain Rd for another 39 miles. As I write this, I find myself chuckling. Over the winter I found an online search tool that works similar to google maps but has property lines and owner data. The lower river is also blessed with some fine trout-containing tributaries. Master the subtle nuances of the sidearm cast for increased accuracy. Ruger's popular American bolt-action rifle has been a hit with hunters for years. The average depth is 3-4 feet. On one of our favorite streams, the Sturgeon, there is a very wide gravelly bend where the water level drops down to a foot deep that gives us a chance to relax a bit, mainly because the straight stretch leading to it is log filled and treacherous, and just above the bend the water is channeled so thin it cant be waded because the water is over the waders. Streamside rearing allows young sturgeon to "imprint" to the river water, increasing the chances they return to the target river as mature adults. Sturgeon Bay Charters. 3. It is a big river but is surprisingly wadeable in the reaches where there are rapids. Avoid backlashes by making simple adjustments to your reel and matching your lures to your rod's power and action. White Road (south)
Juvenile steelhead are common in both Bear Creek and the Little Manistee, and a larger rainbow is always possible. To do it from the bank is next to impossible. The DNR number for these streams is (906) 353-6651. You can wade much of the Escanaba for several miles below the Boney Falls Dam, but a boat will help you as you near the impoundments on the lower river. It is one of the few areas on the Upper Peninsula with a southern-floodplain microclimate. WebThe Wild and Scenic Sturgeon River rushes out of the northern portion of this wilderness, over the 20 foot volcanic outcroppings of Sturgeon Falls, and through a gorge that reaches 350 feet in depth and a mile in width. See the fishing guide for current fishing rules and regulations. While some sections can be waded, floating is the best way to fish these streams. var pageTracker = _gat._getTracker("UA-4130504-1");
Key features include muzzle velocities of 2,215-2,400 fps. If you want to catch a trophy brown and dont mind the occasional walleye or smallmouth bass mixed in, try below the Hodenpyle Dam. Both of these branches flow due North and meander through largely forested areas and come to a head at Wolverine, a town in the Southern part of Cheboygan County. The Model 336 is expected to be launched soon; the Model 1894 should launch this spring. Click the box above to see all our offerings, or click the program below. According to the Michigan State Department of Natural Resources, the river has an average depth of about 4 feet, making it ideal for wading. The good news is that Wolverine is outfitted for outdoor lovers with all sorts of shops to fill your fly box.Whether you stick to Wolverine or move farther away, the location offers restaurants, hotels, and campsites so you can enjoy your journey in whatever way works best for you. Not quite whitewater, but cold and well oxygenated, the Sturgeon River has plenty of fantastic fishing opportunities along its 40 mile journey north to Burt Lake. Brown trout are the primary resident trout but you may also catch an occasional brookie, especially in the upper river and the tributaries. Check with the DNR in Escanaba for more information on these streams at (906) 786-2351. Except for a few naturally bare slopes, most of the land is forested with pine, hemlock, aspen, sugar maple, birch, and basswood. An MSU researcher tagging a lake sturgeon. I took it as a good omen. We'll start in the western Upper Peninsula and work our way east and south to the northern Lower Peninsula. WebThe Sturgeon River is the fastest river in Michigan's lower peninsula. This hatch normally occurs in late June but can vary with the weather. From its entry into the Ottawa National Forest to the northern boundary of the Ottawa National Forest. St. Clair River and Lake St. Clair. The river keeps flowing North from Wolverine and makes its way through some of the most scenic countryside in the Lower Peninsula. You can expect unusually good fishing this season for browns in the 15- 20-inch class. Ruger's popular American bolt-action rifle has been a hit with hunters for years. In June you have a chance at larger than normal smallmouths in a river situation when bass move out of Green Bay and into the lower river. Located in the eastern upper peninsula of Michigan, the Indian River is an excellent destination for any fly angler looking to hook up with monster brown trout. Classification/Mileage: Wild 20.0 miles; Scenic 8.0 miles; Total 28.0 miles. One of the many rivers in Michigan bearing the name Sturgeon River joins the Menominee River in the Sturgeon Falls Dam impoundment and offers good smallmouth fishing in its lower reaches, especially above and below the U.S. 2 crossing. The Manistee River starts in the center of the Lower Peninsula, about 20 miles north of Grayling, and then meanders for over 200 miles before flowing into Manistee Lake. Not much chance they were hauling out large brown trout. ~ Everett Kircher, Founder of Boyne Resorts. 
Large numbers of brown trout are also stocked below Tippy Dam. A few short hours later we were driving to a secluded river where we got to do some amazing fishing and hiking. Ohio regulations. The prime smallmouth bass fishing is found below Bridgeton, and this is definitely boating water. Many of these streams have reaches with special regulations. WebFisheries Lake Sturgeon Management Together with numerous partners, we use streamside rearing to increase Michigan's lake sturgeon population. They can be reached at (231) 775-9727. Get directions to access points, boat ramps, and real-time USGS stream flow data. WebAs a fly fishing guide for almost 20 years in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, there is a sense of magical mystery about our woods, streams, and most of allthe brook trout that live here. WebThe average depth is 3-4 feet. So there you go, Denny is a trout fisherman and certainly has earned a seat at trout camp, not to mention a spot at the family table. in its headwaters. WebThe average depth is 3-4 feet. Maps have been developed to assist you in identifying inland trout waters and the regulations associated with each waterbody type. 
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WebThroughout this rugged, steep Wilderness, the Sturgeon and Little Silver Rivers and their tributaries have carved falls, rapids, ponds, oxbows, and terraces. The outside has some log structure and I normally pass right by it without making a cast even though the structure likely holds trout. Although trout is plentiful in this river, it pays to visit and go fly fishing at the right time. The temperature is a refreshing 42 to 52 degrees. var gaJsHost = (("https:" == document.location.protocol) ? DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Sturgeon River in Michigan, Sturgeon River Map and Fishing Access Sites, Michigan State Department of Natural Resources, DIY Guide to the Best Fly Fishing in Michigan, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the St. Joseph River in Michigan, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Thunder Bay River in Michigan, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Kalamazoo River in Michigan, DIY Guide to Fly Fishing the Pere Marquette River in Michigan, I-75 (Excellent access to Little Sturgeon River). Sturgeon Bay Charters. Avoid backlashes by making simple adjustments to your reel and matching your lures to your rod's power and action. Made up of two branches, several sources feed the Sturgeon River. Local Chamber of Commerce contact numbers for the Lower Peninsula rivers include (989) 354-4181 for the Thunder Bay and Alpena County; (989) 739-7322 for the lower Au Sable; (231) 723-2575 for the lower Manistee River; (231) 734-5555 (Evart) and (231) 796. While our state is blessed with many outstanding trout streams in its north country, there are a number of relatively lightly fished smallmouth bass streams. Personal defense in the hunting woods could involve taking down a charging bear. Spots we are willing to give up? law enforcement, legislation, rules and regulations, Accessible recreation opportunities in Michigan, All DNR-related boards, committees, and advisory groups, Find seasonal, part-time and full-time job openings with the DNR, information about volunteer and donation opportunities. The main thing is Natch kept reasonable good time with the two beer drinking guitar players and he drinks my brand so he will be getting a very strong recommendation. - Snowmobiling
WebDesignated Reach: March 3, 1992. Both of them move in a northern direction and meet up in Wolverine, where you can find access points.One spot to try for anglers in this part of Michigan is the Mackinaw State Forest. Matt landed the 17er and shortly thereafter, I got bumped by one that size or bigger. 3. A lowhead dam slows the water at Hemlock Falls, but below this falls there is another good stretch of fine smallmouth water. Find cross-country ski, ice fishing , snowmobiling info and much more. https://dev.michigan.local/som/json?sc_device=json, Screenshot of the trout and salmon maps page, Go to Ralph A. MacMullan Conference Center, Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center, Go to Recreational safety and hunter education, Natural and Historical Education Resources for Home, Cultural & Scientific Collectors Permit (Fisheries), Collaborative Forest Management: The Good Neighbor Authority, Assistance for Private Forest Land Owners, County and Municipal Law Enforcement Information, Fisheries Division Citizens Advisory Committees, Michigan History Center Commissions & Committees, Northern Lake Michigan Islands Collaborative, Pigeon River Country Equestrian Committee, Timber and Forest Products Advisory Council, Upper Peninsula Citizens' Advisory Councils, 2022 walleye sport fishing regulations PDF. Feral and I need to talk those two into an exploration of the Upper Peninsula which I understand is undeveloped. Stunning views are possible from the eastern rim of the gorge. Six fish per day.
Below this dam the river is not dredged and you will find good fishing below it.