Fly Reels
Redington Behemoth Fly Reel
A strong, sealed drag at a modest price, made in sizes from trout to saltwater.
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A wild, free-flowing river with salmon in fall, steelhead in winter and spring, and resident browns.
Trip at a Glance
Anglers come to Pere Marquette River for brown trout, steelhead and chinook salmon. The best months overall are Mar to May, Sep to Nov. In October, brown trout, steelhead and chinook salmon are in season, and Parachute Adams, Blue-Winged Olive and Pheasant Tail Nymph are a good place to start. There are 12 shops within 60 miles (1 fly, 11 bait and tackle); the closest is 1884 Fly Shop in Baldwin, 13 mi away. Check the live USGS flow and water temperature before you head out. Manistee River is 22 mi away if you want to make a trip of it.
Best Months
Mar to May, Sep to Nov
In October
Brown Trout, Steelhead, Chinook Salmon
Methods
Fly fishing, Spin, cast & bait
Season at a Glance
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What You'll Catch
Pere Marquette River Species
Plan by Month
What to Use
Month
Fish
13 picks for October. ● means in season that month.
Pat's Rubber Legs #4-10
FlyNymph · Steelhead, Brown Trout
Shop This FlyIntruder 2 to 4 in
FlyStreamer · Chinook Salmon, Steelhead
Shop This FlyEgg-Sucking Leech #2-6
FlyStreamer · Chinook Salmon, Steelhead
Shop This FlyParachute Adams #12-20
FlyDry Fly · Brown Trout
Shop This FlyBlue-Winged Olive #16-22
FlyDry Fly · Brown Trout
Shop This FlyPheasant Tail Nymph #14-20
FlyNymph · Brown Trout
Shop This FlyEgg Pattern #8-16
FlyNymph · Steelhead · Indicator rig.
Shop This FlyWoolly Bugger #2-10
FlyStreamer · Brown Trout
Shop This FlySculpin Streamer #2-6
FlyStreamer · Brown Trout · Low light and fall.
Shop This FlyInline Spinner 1/16 to 1/4 oz
LureSpinner · Steelhead, Brown Trout
Shop This LureSuspending Jerkbait 4 to 5 in
LureHard Bait · Brown Trout
Shop This LureCasting Spoon 1/4 to 1 oz
LureSpoon · Chinook Salmon
Shop This LureCured Salmon Eggs Single or cluster
BaitNatural Bait · Chinook Salmon, Steelhead · Where bait is legal.
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Rod & Reel
Recommended Setups
Brown Trout
Fly 9 ft 5 or 6 wt rod, floating line for dries and nymphs, sink-tip with 0X to 2X for streamers.
Spin / Cast 6.5 to 7 ft light spinning rod, 2500 reel, 6 to 8 lb line. Jerkbaits and inline spinners.
Steelhead
Fly 11 to 13 ft 7 or 8 wt spey or switch rod with a Skagit head and sink tips, or a 10 ft 8 wt single hand rod with an indicator rig.
Spin / Cast 8.5 to 10.5 ft medium-light rod, 3000 spinning reel, 8 to 12 lb line. Float and jig or drift rigs.
Chinook Salmon
Fly 10 ft 9 or 10 wt rod, sink-tip line, 15 to 20 lb leader.
Spin / Cast 9 to 10.5 ft medium-heavy casting rod, line-counter or levelwind reel, 20 to 30 lb line.
Matched to These Species
Gear for Pere Marquette River
Fly Rods
Echo Spey Rod
A two-handed rod for swinging flies across big steelhead and salmon runs.
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Scientific Anglers Sink-Tip Fly Line
Gets streamers down to fish holding deep in current.
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RIO Fluorocarbon Tippet
Low-visibility tippet for nymphs and wary fish in clear water.
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Simms Freestone Stockingfoot Waders
Durable, breathable waders that hold up to seasons of wading.
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Simms Freestone Wading Boots
Supportive boots with good grip on slick rock.
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Redington Classic Trout Fly Rod
A smooth, moderate-action rod that is forgiving for new casters and protects light tippet.
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RIO Gold Fly Line
A trout line that casts dries delicately and turns over nymph rigs.
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Within 60 Miles
Shops Near Pere Marquette River
Bait & Tackle
Charlie's Marina Bait Shop & Gas Dock
Pentwater, Michigan· 19 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Pentwater, MI.
Bait & Tackle
HankandSons BaitandTackle
Brethren, Michigan· 29 mi
Bait and tackle shop in Brethren, MI.
Make It a Trip