Pere Marquette River - Scottville - Michigan
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Trip planning summary
Pere Marquette River – Scottville fly fishing at a glance
Use this page to check rules, flow, access, hatch notes, flies, and tactics before planning a trip.
Rules first
Check the current rule before fishing. Seasons, limits, methods, and closures can change.
Flow check
Open the gauge or source context before wading, floating, or driving to the river.
Access plan
Use legal public access and confirm posted, park, tribal, or private boundaries.
Report status
Source review queued. Fly notes are planning guidance; current rules control.
Pere Marquette River – Scottville - Water Flow Chart
Pere Marquette River – Scottville - Weather report & radar
Pere Marquette River – Scottville - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges, Stoneflies | Midday | 18-22, 4-8 | Zebra Midge, Black Stonefly Nymph |
| February | Midges, Stoneflies | Midday | 18-22, 4-8 | Zebra Midge, Golden Stonefly Nymph |
| March | Stoneflies, Little Black Caddis | Midday | 4-8, 18-20 | Golden Stonefly Nymph, Elk Hair Caddis |
| April | Blue Winged Olive, Hendrickson | Afternoon | 14-20, 12-14 | Parachute Adams, Pheasant Tail Nymph |
| May | Gray Drake, Sulphur | Afternoon – Evening | 10-12, 16-18 | Sparkle Dun, Soft Hackle Pheasant Tail |
| June | Stoneflies, Caddis | Afternoon – Evening | 4-8, 14-18 | Pat’s Rubber Legs, Elk Hair Caddis |
| July | Hopper, Trico | Morning – Afternoon | 8-12, 20-24 | Parachute Hopper, Trico Spinner |
| August | Trico, Terrestrials | Morning – Afternoon | 20-24, 8-12 | Trico Spinner, Chernobyl Ant |
| September | Terrestrials, Blue Winged Olive | Early Morning, Late Afternoon | 8-12, 14-20 | Chernobyl Ant, Pheasant Tail Nymph |
| October | Blue Winged Olive, Salmon Egg | Morning – Afternoon | 14-20, 6-10 | Parachute Adams, Glo Bug |
| November | Midges, Stoneflies | Midday | 18-22, 4-8 | Zebra Midge, Pat’s Rubber Legs |
| December | Midges, Stoneflies | Midday | 18-22, 4-8 | Zebra Midge, Black Stonefly Nymph |
Pere Marquette River – Scottville Access Points
The Pere Marquette River in Scottville is a haven for fly fishers. Here are the best access points:
- Mason County Campground: Offers easy access to the stream, with picnic tables and restrooms available.
- Scottville Riverside Park: Provides fishing access in both the park and downstream river area.
- Upper Branch Bridge: Located off Tyndall Road, it provides a quiet, secluded fishing location.
- Indian Bridge: Off Custer Road, Indian Bridge is known for its plentiful brown trout.
- Custer Bridge: This is a state-operated access point offering a good location to start a float trip.
Remember to respect private property while fishing and always adhere to Michigan’s fishing regulations. Enjoy your time on the beautiful Pere Marquette River!
Pere Marquette River – Scottville Fishing Spots
- Baldwin: Known for its superb trout fishing especially in Spring and Fall. A variety of insects present here offers the opportunity for dry fly fishing.
- Custer: This spot is perfect for Salmon and Steelhead fishing in Fall and Winter respectively. The depth of the river here allows for big fish to linger.
- Indian Bridge: With deep holes and undercut banks, this spot is an excellent one for trophy brown trout.
- M-37 Access: Easy to access spot that lures Steelhead in the Winter and Spring. Good for wading and float fishing.
- Green Cottage: This fishing spot is fabulous for its Salmon fishing throughout the Summer and Fall.
Pere Marquette River – Scottville Local Fish Species
- Brown Trout: A highly sought-after species in the Pere Marquette River, known for its distinctive dark spots and golden-brown hue.
- Rainbow Trout: Notably vibrant and versatile, Rainbow Trout offer a thrilling challenge for fly fishermen in the area.
- Brook Trout: Known as Michigan’s state fish, Brook Trout are native to the Pere Marquette River and provide a fulfilling fishing experience.
- Salmon: Although typically larger than other species, the Pere Marquette River supports a healthy population of Salmon making it a popular target for fishing.
- Steelhead: A unique trout species that provides an exhilarating and rewarding catch due to their strength and size.
- Smallmouth Bass: These resilient fish are a popular target for fly fishermen due their consistent availability throughout the year.
- Walleye: Known as the ‘Fish of 10,000 casts,’ Walleye present a gratifying challenge for fly fishing.
- Northern Pike: A dominant and aggressive species, the Northern Pike provides a thrilling experience for those who are up for the challenge.
About the Pere Marquette River – Scottville
The Pere Marquette River in Scottville holds a rich and bountiful history worth exploring. Etched in its course are stories spanning centuries, from the native American tribes that once fished its waters to the European settlers who made their homes alongside it.
- The Pere Marquette was designated as a National Scenic River in 1978, a testament to its natural beauty and ecological significance.
- In the 1800s, it was extensively used for logging, with timber floated downstream to mills in Ludington and Scottville.
- Today, the river draws tourists from around the world, boasting one of Michigan’s best fisheries with a diverse array of fish, including brown trout, smallmouth bass, and the ever-elusive steelhead.
Sources checked
Source review queued
This river report has not yet received a full official-source review. Fishing rules, access, flows, and closures can change quickly; confirm current details with official state and local sources before planning a trip.
Community Contributions
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