Michigan is known on a national level as one of the best places in the United States for fly fishing for trout, steelhead and salmon. This makes it no real surprise that anglers come from various states to fish the state with thousands of miles of water. But what about game fish like smallmouth bass?
Smallmouth bass enjoy the warmer waters in Michigan. The Flat River offers exactly that. Add in an annual run of spring steelhead and you have another great place to fish in Michigan. Read on to learn more about planning your next fishing expedition into Michigan.
Flat River Description
The Flat River, also known as the Winding Stream, acts as a tributary of the popular Grand River and is located in the southern lower peninsula. This southern Michigan river is highly rated among those who prefer to fish for smallmouth bass rather than Michigan’s typical brown and brook trout.
Grand River Tributary
This river rises from the outflow of the First Lake, one of a series of connected lakes known as Six Lakes in Belvidere Township near Edmore in Montcalm County. The river largely moves in a southern direction and trails to the west through Montcalm, Ionia, and Kent County before ending up in the Grand River in Lowell.
Cover Bridges
Lowell isn’t the only city where you can access the Flat River. It also moves through places like Belding and Greenville. Years ago, this river was an essential water route and fishing source for Native Americans who lived near it throughout the 18th and 19th centuries.
Two covered bridges pass over the Flat River, offering easy access to the waters below. One of them is located in Kent County at Vergennes Township and is known as the Fallasburg Bridge. The other is in Keene Township, Ionia County, and is called the Whites Bridge.
Dam Access
Another benefit of the Flat River is the number of dams available that provide easy places to fish. The dams are at Whites Bridge, Greenville, Lowell, Belding, and Burroughs. The Flat River runs about 70 miles and has many entry points for any fly fisher coming into the area.
Warmwater Fishery
This is a warmwater fishery that is only about a 15-minute drive from Grand Rapids. It is excellent for fishing in warmer months for species like carp and smallmouth bass. Top water fishing and fishing with nymphs and streamers are popular here. Carp sight fishing offers a serious challenge even for the most professional anglers.
Flat River Map and Fishing Access Sites
Get directions to fishing access points and real-time stream flow data with the DIY Fly Fishing Map
Best Places to Fish the Flat River
Anglers who want to fish the Flat River will have a variety of options. The two bridges mentioned earlier give easy access to the waters to bring in fish. Whites Bridge is especially popular and can be accessed at 1600 Whites Bridge Road in Belding.
Canoe Access
Those who plan to use a canoe will have the best luck on the stretch from Greenville downstream to Lowell. It has a moderate current, access to both bridges, and plenty of fish to be caught. However, there will be water enthusiasts other than fly fishers, so it can get a bit crowded during some times of the year.
If you go about two miles downstream from Jackson’s Landing, you will run into the Flat River State Game Area. This spot is where the river widens to 50 or 70 feet and moves through a wooden shoreline. Those who want more privacy and a bit of a challenge will appreciate this spot for its rugged appeal.
Anglers in boats can access the river at Tower Riverside Park near Greenville Road or off of Michigan #57 at Jackson’s Landing. Those who wish to visit White’s Bridge should take M #21 east leaving Lowell two miles to reach White’s Bridge Road. Then, take the road for six miles to get to an excellent access spot.
Best Time to Fish the Flat River
Anglers who want to bring in spring steelhead and smallmouth bass need to be sure they hit the water in the right seasons.
Spring
The best time to catch bass is during the pre-spawn, which will occur in spring when the waters hit around 60 degrees Fahrenheit. After that, both male and female fish will move into shallow waters to nest and feed.
Beyond the time of year, you also need to consider the time of day when chasing steelhead and bass in Michigan.
When the sun is shining down on the water, most fish will make their way into the deeper waters. This is why fishing in the early morning or at night tends to be the most rewarding; you can avoid the heat and crowds while catching more fish.
Summer
While spring is the best time to catch a variety of fish in the Flat River, that doesn’t mean all other seasons are off-limits. Fishing for smallmouth bass is excellent all summer. The fish may be slightly more challenging to catch but can offer a challenge for the average fly fisher.
In the middle of summer, smallmouth bass will be feeding at a faster rate than other times. As a result, the bass may scatter across the water between both deep and shallow water, other than the hottest days, when most of them will be buried deep in the water to stay cool.
Stream Flow and Current Conditions
Be sure to check the stream conditions before heading out to fish the ABC River. The USGS stream gauge at Smyrna, MI provide a good indication of current conditions.
The graph below shows the stream flow (discharge) for the past 7-days. If flows are considerably above or below historical norms (yellow triangles on the chart) then fishing conditions maybe not be ideal.
Best Flies for Flat River
Top-water patterns like foam poppers will get the attention of most bass. Simple streamer patterns like a wooly bugger will also draw many strikes.
Spring steelhead respond well to stonefly nymphs, swung streamers, and egg patterns.
Need flies?
Ventures Fly Co. offers a great selection of dry flies, nymphs and streamers that will catch fish just about anywhere. Set includes 40 high quality, hand-tied flies (see list below) and waterproof fly box.
Dry Flies
- Adams Dry Fly
- Elk Hair Caddis
- Blue Wing Olive
- Royal Wulff
- Griffith's Gnat White
- Stimulator, Organge
- Chernobyl Ant
Nymphs/Wet Flies
- Rubber Leg Nymph, Brown
- BH Pheasant Tail Nymph
- BH Prince Nymph
- BH Hare's Ear Nymph
- Barr's Emerger Nymph
- Zebra Midge Nymph, Black
Streamers
- Wooly Bugger, Black (Size #8x2)
- Wooly Bugger, Olive (Size #8x2)
Gear Recommendations
The best fly rod for bass is a nine-foot, seven-weight with a matching fly reel. The best fly line for bass is a floating line with a heavy front taper that makes it easier to cast big bass flies such as poppers or streamers with ease.
Need Gear?
Check out our DIY Guide to the Best Fly Fishing Gear for recommendations.
Flat River Fishing Report
Area fly shops, guides and websites that can provide a Flat River fly fishing report and update on current conditions are listed below:
Fishing Regulations
The state of Michigan requires that all people who are 17 years of age and older have a valid fishing license. There are resident and non-resident sport fishing licenses available.
You can purchase a Michigan state fishing license and learn about the most current regulations through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.
Trip Planning Tips
The nearest major airport for anglers who want to fish the Flat River is Gerald R. Ford International Airport. However, since it’s several miles from the closest towns to the river, you will likely want to rent a car for your excursion. Hotels, restaurants, and a few bait shops are available in Lowell and other nearby towns.
The Flat River doesn’t offer any public campgrounds very close to the water. However, anglers can take advantage of a private campground at the Double R Ranch. It can be found near the river close to Smyrna.
Looking for more places to fish? Check out our DIY Guide to the Best Fly Fishing in Michigan