Free Resource · Updated 2026
Month-by-month hatch timing and fly pattern recommendations for the Black River in Michigan's Upper Peninsula in 2026. A remote freestone stream in the UP with wild brook trout and brown trout, a strong Hex hatch, and minimal angling pressure.
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Black River Hatch Calendar — Quick Reference
The Black River in Michigan's Upper Peninsula flows through Chippewa County before emptying into Lake Superior near Ironwood. It is a colder, faster stream than most Lower Peninsula rivers, reflecting the UP's harsher climate and granite-based geology. Wild brook trout dominate the upper river, with brown trout increasingly present in the lower, slower sections.
Hatch timing on the Black River runs one to two weeks later than rivers in the Lower Peninsula due to the UP's cooler temperatures. Hendricksons arrive in mid-May, Caddis and Hex in late June and early July, and Sulphurs through midsummer. The river sees minimal fishing pressure, and you can fish the Black River on a June evening during the Hex hatch and have it largely to yourself.
Access to the Black River is primarily through the Ottawa National Forest and Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park. Forest roads off Black River Road reach the lower stretches. The upper river requires hiking in. This is true wilderness fishing — bring appropriate gear, let someone know your plans, and be prepared for a remote experience.
See the full Michigan Fly Hatch Chart for hatch timing across all of Michigan's top trout streams.
Check Conditions Near Black RiverWhat to Fish
Hexagenia limbata
The Hex hatch arrives a week or two later here than in the Lower Peninsula. After-dark emergences in the slower pools of the lower river. With minimal competition from other anglers, this is one of the most pure Hex hatch experiences in Michigan.
Recommended: Hex Paradrake #4-6
Ephemerella subvaria
The first significant mayfly hatch of the UP season. Afternoon emergences in mid-May when the river is still cold. Brook trout in the upper reaches respond enthusiastically to Hendricksons. A productive hatch on a stream that sees almost no early-season pressure.
Recommended: Hendrickson Dry, Red Quill #14
Ephemerella invaria / dorothea
Sulphurs provide reliable summer fishing on the Black River. Evening emergences from June through July. The colder UP temperatures extend the Sulphur season into midsummer when Lower Peninsula rivers have moved past this hatch.
Recommended: Sparkle Dun, Sulphur Comparadun #16-18
Melanoplus sp.
Terrestrial fishing on the Black River's meadow and bank sections from mid-July through September. Brown trout and large brook trout hold tight to undercut banks and respond to hopper presentations. A fun and forgiving alternative during the midsummer lull between mayfly hatches.
Recommended: Parachute Hopper #8-10
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