Dowagiac River - Sumnerville - Michigan
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Dowagiac River – Sumnerville - Water Flow Chart
Dowagiac River – Sumnerville - Weather report & radar
Dowagiac River – Sumnerville - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Afternoon | #20-22 | Zebra Midge, Discos |
| Blue Wing Olives | Afternoon | #20-22 | RS2, Pheasant tail nymph | |
| February | Midges | Afternoon | #20-22 | Zebra Midge, Discos |
| Blue Wing Olives | Evening | #20-22 | RS2, Pheasant tail nymph | |
| March | Blue Wing Olives | Afternoon | #18-20 | RS2, Pheasant tail nymph |
| April | Caddis | Evening | #14-16 | Elk Hair Caddis, Peacock Caddis |
| May | March Browns | Afternoon | #10-12 | Parachute Adams |
| Sulphurs | Afternoon to Evening | #16-18 | Sulphur Dun, Pheasant Tail | |
| June | Hexagenia | Evening to Night | #6-8 | Hexagenia Dry Fly |
| Stoneflies | Early Morning to Afternoon | #6-10 | Golden stone, Rubber Legs | |
| Brown Drakes | Evening | #10-12 | Brown Drake Dun, Emergers | |
| July | Tricos | Morning | #20-22 | Trico Spinner, Trico Dun |
| Terrestrials | All Day | #10-16 | Hopper Patterns, Beetles, Ants | |
| August | Terrestrials | All Day | #10-16 | Hopper Patterns, Beetles, Ants |
| September | Blue Wing Olives | Afternoon | #18-22 | Micro Mayfly, RS2 |
| Terrestrials | All Day | #10-16 | Hopper Patterns, Beetles, Ants | |
| October | Blue Wing Olives | Afternoon | #18-22 | Micro Mayfly, RS2 |
| November | Midges | Afternoon | #20-22 | Zebra Midge, Discos |
| December | Midges | Afternoon | #20-22 | Zebra Midge, Discos |
Dowagiac River – Sumnerville Access Points
The Dowagiac River in Sumnerville offers numerous splendid access points for fly fishing enthusiasts. Note the best among them are:
- Arthur Dodd Memorial Park: With ample parking and easy river access, it is a must-visit for anglers. The park also has picnic facilities.
- Peavine Street: Located North of Niles, this access spot provides plenty of fishing opportunities along its banks.
- Losensky Park: Situated in Niles, it is a popular location for launching canoes and kayaks, and offers ample space for fly fishing.
- M-139 Bridge: Near Sumnerville, it offers convenient river access and some great spots close by.
- Mill Pond Park: It is a hub for trout fishing, particularly in the spring.
Remember, during summer, there is a catch-and-release restriction for trout in these spots which adds to the spirit of conservation among anglers.
Dowagiac River – Sumnerville Fishing Spots
The Dowagiac River in Sumnerville is renowned for its excellent fly fishing spots.
- Arthur Dodd Park: This is a tranquil fishing spot with clear, shallow waters that are abundant with fish, including brown trout and rainbow trout.
- Sumnerville Bridge: Located near McCoy Creek, it’s the go-to spot for anglers seeking brook trout.
- Losensky Park: This community park has shallow water with good trout streams and easy access to the river bank.
- Peavine Street Access: This section provides ample casting spots adorned with the scenery of overhanging trees.
- Sink Road Bridge Area: This spot is great for fly fishing enthusiasts during the trout season due to the large population of steelhead trout.
Before going, always verify fishing regulations and license requirements.
Dowagiac River – Sumnerville Local Fish Species
- Brown Trout: One of the most popular species for fly fishing in the Dowagiac River.
- Rainbow Trout: Known for its vibrant colors and great fight, making it a favorite among fly fishers.
- Brook Trout: A smaller trout species, but often more aggressive, making it an exciting catch.
- Smallmouth Bass: While not a trout, they are a fantastic fighting fish that can provide a nice surprise for fly fishers.
- Steelhead: A migratory species of rainbow trout that are larger and stronger.
- Chinook Salmon: Also known as King Salmon, can be caught mostly in the fall.
- Coho Salmon: Smaller than Chinooks but renowned for their fighting spirit and acrobatic leaps.
- Walleye: Not typically a target for fly fishers, but the Dowagiac River has an abundant population that can be a fun catch.
About the Dowagiac River – Sumnerville
Experience the pleasant charm of the Dowagiac River and its historical hill town Sumnerville. Originating from a Pottawatomi Native American term meaning ‘fishing [water]’, the Dowagiac River intertwines with local history and nature.
Features of the Dowagiac River:
- Quiet charm: A gentle river, it meanders through southwestern Michigan, providing a peaceful environment for fishing and leisurely canoe and kayak trips.
- Rich biodiversity: The river is home to a wide array of wildlife including native bass and trout.
On its course, Dowagiac River passes through Sumnerville, a quaint village with interesting history:
- The village named after Eleazer Morton Sumner was established in 1836.
- It was a booming town in the late 19th-century due to its thriving lumber industry.
Today, the combined allure of the Dowagiac River and Sumnerville’s historical charm make them ideal destinations for history buffs and nature lovers alike.
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