PM River fishing report provided by Indigo Guide Service

Click here for a PDF version of this West Michigan fishing report for the Pere Marquette River

West Michigan fishing report for the Pere Marquette River, August 18th, 2008

Water Conditions — Low and clear.

Fishing Conditions  — Trout:  Hoppers and other terrestrials are the way to go during the day.  At first light look for tricos (Tricorythodes), blue wing olive and other hatches around the riffles.  In the evening there has been a mix of Isonychia, Ephoron (white flies), and other bugs.  Mousing is still producing after dark, with a little action helping to trigger strikes.

Salmon:  We’ve had salmon in the river for a few weeks but the numbers are still low.  A good rain in the next week or so should kick-off the season with enough fish in the system to make a trip worthwhile. 

Looking for something different or possibly for anything that will take a fly and put a good bend in the rod.  Freshwater drum (Aplodinotus grunniens) are now in the shallow waters of many Great Lakes harbors and will quickly jump on a large streamer.  The drum in our area average 4 to 10 pounds and are good fighters.

Walt Grau with an average Freshwater Drum from Pere Marquette Lake near Ludington, Michigan

Freshwater Drum with a big Walt's Wobbler

Steve Martinez with a big drum... a great fly fishing option in West Michigan in August

Kevin Morlock with a drum from PM Lake