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Northern Michigan Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing for Steelhead
smallmouth bass on the fly

Garden River Report

October 1, 2022

The Garden River fishing this year was a mixed bag! Large numbers of average to slightly larger than normal pink salmon. The king run was smaller than expected but the fish were of good quality and size. Steelhead didn’t show up until late, like Sept 26th, a good week to ten days later than usual.

Water levels and color were normal to slightly low as we had no significant rain until late in the month.

Due to water and sky conditions the streamer bite was very weak on kings however it was good on steelhead when they showed up. Nymphing was very productive with Firetiger Crystal eggs and Peacock Sparrow leading the charge. Follow those with Orange Crystal eggs and Black Stoneflies.

We are now booking next year from Sept 13 to the 27th, absolute prime time. That gives us 4 trips with 6 anglers each. The trips are Sun-Ties and Weds-Fri. The price is $1250 for three full days of private salmon and steelhead fishing.

Call or email me at chuck@hawkinsoutfitters.com to reserve your spot.

Tight lines,

Capt. Chuck

For those of you wondering what’s happening at Eleven Mile, I don’t have any information. However the water level is fine and fish are moving steadily up stream, my guess is there are a bunch of fish up there.

PLEASE MAKE SURE IF YOU WADE THE ST MARY’S RAPIDS TO CLEAN YOUR WADERS AND BOOTS. THERE IS DIDYMO IN THE ST MARY’S, WE DON’T WANT IT IN THE GARDEN RIVER!

ALSO BE AWARE OF MOVING MUD SNAILS FROM THE PERE MARQUETTE OR AUSABLE TO OTHER RIVERS IN THE STATE. IF YOU FISH ONE RIVER THEN MOVE TO ANOTHER TAKE PRECAUTIONS TO AVOID TRANSFERRING INVASIVE SPECIES TO OTHER RIVER SYTEMS.

UNFORTUNATELY THIS IS THE REALITY FROM NOW ON WHENEVER AND WHEREVER YOU WADE.

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