Free Resource · Updated 2026

Pere Marquette River Fly Hatch Chart

Month-by-month hatch timing and fly pattern recommendations for the Pere Marquette River in 2026. A nationally designated Wild and Scenic River in Michigan's Lower Peninsula known for its Hex hatch, wild brown trout, and trophy steelhead runs.

Wild Brown Trout · Steelhead Freestone Baldwin to Scottville, MI Current Month Highlighted

About Pere Marquette River

The Pere Marquette flows 66 miles from its headwaters near Baldwin to Lake Michigan near Ludington. The catch-and-release section between M-37 and Gleason's Landing is the most productive dry fly water, holding self-sustaining wild brown trout in a spring-fed, clear-running corridor protected from development.

The PM's defining event is the Hex hatch in late June, but the river fishes well across a longer season than most Michigan streams. Brown Drakes in May, Sulphurs through July, and Hoppers in August keep trout looking up well past the prime hatch window. Fall Mahogany Duns draw feeding activity from mid-September through October.

Canoe traffic is significant on the PM from Memorial Day through Labor Day. For dry fly fishing during hatches, target weekday evenings or wade the catch-and-release section early and late in the season when boat pressure drops. The section below Bowman Bridge sees fewer anglers and holds good fish.

See the full Michigan Fly Hatch Chart for hatch timing across all of Michigan's top trout streams.

Check Conditions Near Pere Marquette River

What to Fish

Pere Marquette River Key Hatches

Hex

Late June to Early July

Hexagenia limbata

The PM's marquee event. After-dark emergences in late June push the biggest brown trout in the river to the surface. Fish slow, deep pools and undercut banks after 10 PM. The catch-and-release section produces fish to 20 inches on the right night.

Recommended: Hex Paradrake, Natural Drift Hex #4-6

Brown Drake

Late May to Mid-June

Ephemera simulans

An evening hatch that precedes the Hex by a few weeks. Brown Drakes emerge at dusk in slower runs and pools. Fish the spinner fall the following evening for more selective rises from large browns holding in flats.

Recommended: Brown Drake Paradrake #10-12

Hopper

July to September

Melanoplus sp.

Summer terrestrial fishing on the PM is underrated. Hoppers blown off grassy banks produce aggressive strikes from mid-July through September. Fish them tight to the bank with a hard drift and be ready for fast takes.

Recommended: Parachute Hopper, Chubby Chernobyl #8-10

Mahogany Dun

September to October

Isonychia bicolor

Fall Mahogany Duns bring the last consistent dry fly opportunity of the season. Afternoon and evening hatches from mid-September through October. Brown trout are in fall condition and feeding aggressively before the steelhead runs begin.

Recommended: Mahogany Dun, Isonychia Comparadun #12-14