We are getting there, slowly but surely spring is creeping closer. Things are still very slow around town and on the river. Snow machines and ice fishermen are the most common things you will see but there are a few folks fishing the river. This cold weather suggests that my time lately will be on the vise and working on stock, tying skills, a lil ice fishing, and some dog walking.

The ice on the river has cleared out enough that is accessible again. The launches and accesses are still slick so be very careful and come prepared. They days are getting longer and the first real thaw hopefully will be here within a month and once that happens the river game will begin. Until that happens there just isn’t much to report, update, or blog about…sorry folks. Go walk your dog or yourself and don’t forget your music.

Pere Marquette Watershed Conditions

Water Levels: low

Water Temp: 35

Water Clarity: Clear

I must start with an apology for those looking for a fishing report. I am sincerely sorry but with the recent holiday which brings family obligations and this not so beautiful weather I haven’t been able to fish. Hence the non worthy fishing report. I do believe and if the rumors are true the bite is tough on Pere Marquette. Which is perfectly normal and expected in January. Bobbing and swinging will still work just start to think winter menu and presentation.

This year I have taken up the opportunity to join some good friends on the ice to stare at Marcums and Vexlars. I must say that when you have all the correct goodies ice fishing is actually a great time. Shanties, buddy heaters, augers, cones, conductors, transducers, tip ups, and hot coco. Toss in some crappie and walleye it makes for a great way to pass the winter months. So do not get confused when you see ice fishing pictures.

Remember folks everything gets slippery this time of the year, boat launches even more. For your safety and everyone’s take your time launching your craft, bring ropes, sand and a shovel. Take the extra minute to clear a path or rope your boat at a launch. Fishing in Michigan shouldn’t be dangerous, let’s be responsible and not make it dangerous.

Water Temp: 36

Water levels: low

Water Clarity: clear

December is here but do not tell the weather that….please!! Actually Accu Weather’s extended forecast looks great for the warm weather fisherman like myself. So go brag about it….sorry ice anglers. We could use some rains but I dont want to be greedy. I know it is redundant but I feel the river usually can use a little rain, fish just seen to like it. Now is an absolute blissful time to be on the Pere Marquette.

Steelhead especially on the streamer have been difficult, bobber bite still is excelling over the rest with swinging and stripping following in that order. Water conditions are placing that order, as steelhead are getting spooky and just weird, they do that. Brown trout are working into their post spawn bite and chasing down streamers aggressively until cool temps tell them not too. Eggs flies still play big into the menu but stone and hex nymphs are becoming increasingly impactful as we further ourselves from the salmon run. Mix it up on flies or just throw streamers and turn a great time into an amazing experience.

24.5 inches of some Michigans natural churned butter for an angler that in my opinion deserved this fine golden laced lady more than anyone I know. If anyone needs some inspiration to go throw some hunks of feathers…there you go. Now go do something worthwhile like fish.

Water Temps: 48

Water Level: low

Water Clarity: slight stain

Out with the old chinooks and in with some new steel….hopefully!! The end of October is such a special time on our Northern Michigan rivers. The colors explode like Bob Ross paints the leaves daily, the hunters start to gear up, the salmon circus starts to depart, brown trout make sweet love, fall steelhead start to show their chrome. Simply put a great time to find yourself on the Pere Marquette!!

Still some kings around worth targeting if that is what you want, the run continues but is slowing down. No complaints though it was another good year for the big kings. There is some coho showing up and steelhead as well which is a good sign but the next couple weeks will be a better gauge of our fall steel run.

The brown trout enter their spawning time now and through November. Give these beautiful fish a break this time of the year so they and their young can continue to play this great game of tag with us. Get out and enjoy the cool, crisp fresh air!!

The river could use a little rain but looks great. Come enjoy while the temps last!!

Amazing and magical things are transpiring after the suns sets on the Pere Marquette…if you do not know what that is then you need to come dabble in some amazing and magical nights. Hexs are here folks!!! Words cannot fully describe the hex hatch or the fish it brings to the surface. If you have not seen or experienced the largest mayflies in the world bringing our largest salmo trutta to the surface to feed….you need too!!

With all this talk of amazing, magical, giant mayflies and trophy trout comes pressure and traffic. This time of the year not everyone on the water will be happy. Bug fever can bring out the Mr Hyde’s in anglers. Just please be respectful and be the better angler, trout karma is real!! Now is not the time to listen to a JBL or Bose on the river. Now is not the time to show off your boat headlights. Now is not the time to sit on a corner and have a frat party. Save that for the fall when the big fish are here or better yet a different watershed. This is a sentimental, cherished, and special event for a lot of anglers…let it become one for you as well.

Go Fish!!!

Pere Marquette Watershed Conditions

Water levels: Normal

Water temp: 62

Water Clarity: Slight Stain