PERE MARQUETTE RIVER TRIPS

The Pere Marquette River flows 66 miles through west-central Michigan’s Lake and Mason counties, carving through pristine hardwood forests before emptying into Lake Michigan at Ludington. Fed by cold springs and protected tributaries, the river maintains ideal temperatures for steelhead, salmon, and resident brown trout year-round. In 1978, Congress designated a 66-mile stretch as a National Wild and Scenic River—Michigan’s first to receive this prestigious conservation status.

Named after Father Jacques Marquette, the 17th-century Jesuit missionary who explored the Great Lakes region, the river has long been revered for its natural beauty and abundance of fish. By the late 1800s, logging operations had devastated much of Michigan’s forest landscape, but the Pere Marquette’s remote headwaters escaped the worst of the industry’s impact. When commercial logging declined in the early 20th century, the river’s ecosystem began to recover, eventually becoming one of the Midwest’s premier wild trout fisheries.

In the 1960s and 70s, Michigan DNR biologists began stocking Chinook and Coho salmon in Lake Michigan tributaries, transforming the Pere Marquette into a world-class destination for migratory fish. Each fall, thousands of salmon return from the Great Lakes to spawn in the river’s gravel beds, followed by waves of steelhead throughout winter and spring. The river’s combination of excellent habitat, consistent flows, and public access has made it a cornerstone of Michigan’s recreational fishing economy.

Today, the Pere Marquette is recognized as one of the finest steelhead rivers in the Great Lakes region, offering exceptional fly fishing opportunities from October through May. Its clean, cold waters, accessible wading, and stunning natural scenery draw anglers from across North America seeking trophy steelhead and hard-fighting salmon in a true wilderness setting.

What to Expect

Trips launch at first light from various access points from M-37 to Green Cottage, Gleasons, Sulak, Rainbow, to Walhalla, Custer & even Scottsville access points depending on what we are fishing for & the time of the year. You’ll spend a full day drifting from Westley’s StealthCraft Bighorn drift boat — a low-profile, purpose-built platform designed for technical river work on the PM. Depending on the season, you’ll nymph deep runs, swing streamers through logjams, fish dry flies over rising trout, or drift egg patterns behind spawning salmon. Westley adjusts technique to conditions — not a script.

Seasonal Breakdown

Spring steelhead season runs October through May, with peak numbers from late March into April. Chrome fish push upriver from Lake Michigan and stack in gravel-bottomed runs throughout the flies-only water and mid-river sections. Techniques range from swinging flies and nymphing to indicator fishing depending on water temperature and clarity.

Summer shifts to resident brown trout. May and June bring prolific hatches — caddis, sulphurs, and the famous Hexagenia limbata hatch after dark. Dry fly fishing on the PM in June is some of the best in the Midwest.

Fall means salmon. Chinook and Coho push into the river from late August through October, followed by a second wave of fall steelhead. The lower river from Walhalla to Scottville sees the heaviest runs, while the upper flies-only water holds fish on gravel into November.

What’s Included?

All flies, terminal tackle, and use of quality fly rods and reels are included. Westley provides everything you need to fish — just bring yourself, a valid Michigan fishing license, and appropriate clothing for the weather. Lunch and drinks are provided on full-day trips.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many anglers per boat?

• One to two anglers per trip. The StealthCraft Bighorn comfortably fishes two, but single-angler trips mean more water and more casts per person.

What should I bring?

• A valid Michigan fishing license, polarized sunglasses, layered clothing appropriate for the season, rain gear, and sunscreen. Waders if you want to get out of the boat. Everything else is provided.

Can beginners do this trip?

• Absolutely. A significant number of Westley’s clients are first-time fly anglers. He’ll teach you to cast, read water, and set the hook. You’ll catch fish.

What happens if the weather is bad?

• Trips run rain or shine — some of the best fishing happens in poor weather. Trips are only cancelled for unsafe conditions like severe storms or dangerously high water. See the cancellation policy for details.