Most anglers will never have the chance to visit all of Michigan’s trout-filled streams, but the Ontonagon River in the western Upper Peninsula is one of the best in the state and one you don’t want to miss.
This river is best known for its native brook trout, brown trout, and rainbows. Read on to learn how to fish this wild and scenic river.
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About Ontonagon River
Fly fishing the East Branch Ontonagon River for brook trout in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan
The Ontonagon River is a tributary of the Keweenaw Bay of Lake Superior. It flows for about 96 miles and drains an area of about 1,000 square miles in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.
Its main tributaries are the west, east, middle, and south branches, each of which flows at least partially through the Ottawa National Forest.
West Branch Ontonagon River
The West Branch Ontonagon River is located entirely within Ontonagon County. It starts at the outlet of Lake Gogebic near Bergland and then flows in a primarily northeastern direction for just under 35 miles. The South Branch meets up with the West Branch before moving through a dam that creates the Victoria Reservoir.
South Branch Ontonagon River
The South Branch Ontonagon River starts out in the southwestern part of Ontonagon County near the confluence of the Cisco Branch Ontonagon River and Tenmile Creek. The Cisco Branch begins at Cisco Lake in Gogebic County and then moves to the northeast for about 33 miles. It meets the South Branch and then heads north as it goes through Ewen to connect with the West Branch.
East Branch Ontonagon River
The East Branch Ontonagon River is almost 60 miles long and starts out at Jingle Lake in the northern part of Iron County before moving in a northwest direction. It goes into Houghton County before reaching Ontonagon County and joining the Middle Branch.
Middle Branch Ontonagon River
The last part of the river is the Middle Branch Ontonagon River, which is over 70 miles long. It starts at Crooked Lake and then moves in an eastern direction while passing by Watersmeet before connecting with the Tamarack River. It continues north while collecting the Baltimore River until it reaches the East Branch.
Ontonagon National Wild and Scenic River
Part of the waters has been designated the Ontonagon National Wild and Scenic River since March 1992. This includes the middle section of the West Branch from the Victoria Reservoir to Cascade Falls, the entirety of the Cisco Branch, and the upper areas of the Middle and East branches located in the national forest.
Ontonagon River Map and Fishing Access Sites
Get Directions to the Fishing Access Points shown above with the DIY Fly Fishing Map
Best Places to Fish the Ontonagon River
Largely populated with brook trout, brown trout, and seasonal steelhead, the Ontonagon River has a few different access areas for fly anglers. One of them is at Sparrow Rapids on the East Branch of the river. Both wild and stocked fish can be caught at this location.
Sparrow Rapids
From Kenton, take Forest Highway 16 north to Sparrow Rapids Road and follow it for just over four miles. Then, park the car and walk one-quarter of a mile down a gravel road to the Ontonagon River. You can also go three miles down the road to the campground for rapids rather than gentle, deep water.
Burned Dam Campground
Anglers can take advantage of the waters at the Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River at Burned Dam Campground. This location offers a campground with bathrooms, picnic tables, and areas for camping in a tent or a trailer. Keep in mind that the facilities are only open from the middle of May through September.
Take US 45 north from Watersmeet for one mile to US 2 before turning right. Keep going about seven miles and then turn left onto Farm Road 4500 before moving another mile. You will reach the campground and find parking access at this location.
Best Time to Fish the Ontonagon River
The Ontonagon River follows the regular trout season except in any special regulation areas.
Spring
In the springtime, anglers can fly fish on the river for trout as they start feeding on prolific aquatic hatches. This is also one of the best times of year to haul in a large steelhead or two that typically start to run in the first few weeks of April.
Summer
Things tend to slow down a little in the summertime months, but you can still catch plenty of fish as the temperatures rise. The water will remain pretty chilly in most areas. It might take a bit more patience and knowledge of local fly hatches and fly patterns to bring in the largest fish.
Fall
Fall can also be good for fly fishing, especially since this is the spawning season for brown trout. The fish may not be as lively as they are in spring, but they are easier to catch than during the summer months. If you do decide to fish during fall, some of the largest trout can often be found.
Stream Flow and Current Conditions
Be sure to check the stream conditions before heading out to fish the Ontonagon River. The USGS stream gauge near Rockland, 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.
ONTONAGON RIVER NEAR ROCKLAND, MI
- Temperature: 66.92 ° F
- Streamflow: 453 ft³/s
- Gage height: 5.19 ft
Best Flies for Ontonagon River
The major hatches in Michigan give you a lot of insight into what kind of flies you should use. Some of them include hex, brown drakes, black caddis, and Hendricksons. Sulphurs, cahills, isonychias, and mahoganies can also be good for trout.
Here is a list of general fly pattern recommendations for the Ontonagon River:
Dry Flies
- Yellow Sally (#12 – 16)
- Yellow Humpy (#10 – 18)
- Parachute Sulphur (#14 – 18)
- Parachute Adams (#12 – 22)
- Light Cahill (#10 – 18)
- Elk Hair Caddis (#8 – 16)
- Yellows Stimulator (#8 – 14)
- Chernobyl Ant (#8 – 12)
- Griffith’s Gnat (#16 – 24)
Nymphs
- Pheasant Tail (#12 – 20)
- BH Hare’s Ear (#12 – 20)
- Rainbow Warrior (#14 – 22)
- Pat’s Rubber Legs (#4 – 12)
- Golden Stonefly (#6 – 10)
- Tellico Nymph (#12 – 18)
- Zebra Midge (#16 – 22)
- WD40 (#16-20)
- Y2K Egg (#12 – 16)
Streamers
- BH Wooly Bugger (#2 – 6)
- Sculpzilla (#4)
Gear Recommendations
A 9-foot 5-wt fly rod and matching fly reel with floating line is perfect for fishing for trout on the Ontonagon River. A tapered 9-foot leader, with tippet size 3X to 5X to match the flies you are throwing, is pretty standard.
You’ll want to step up to a seven- or eight-wt fly rod for steelhead, salmon and lake-run brown trout.
Ontonagon River Fishing Report
Area fly shops, guides and websites that can provide a Ontonagon 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 closest airport to the Ontonagon River is the Houghton County Memorial Airport. However, the two locations are about an hour away so a rental car will be a must for anglers coming into the area.
Along the way, there are also many hotels and restaurants. Several campgrounds also provide convenient lodging including:
- Burned Dam Campground
- Marion Lake Campground
- Taylor Lake Campground
There are also a few tackle shops up and down the river so you can stock up for your Michigan fishing journey.
Looking for more places to fish? Check out our DIY Guide to the Best Fly Fishing in Michigan
