Boardman River
Current Conditions
Flows are around 119 cfs and holding steady, above normal for late August (Gauge above Brown Bridge Road near Mayfield — 04127000 and the Beitner Road gauge both stopped reporting). The hatch calendar has Trico on this water in August.
Boardman River Fishing Report
Post-dam-removal habitat continues to mature and improve. Browns are actively rising in the evenings throughout the restored reaches. Afternoon caddis hatches have been strong. The stretch through downtown is surprisingly productive and a unique fishing experience.
Live Flow Conditions
Hatch Calendar
Gear Recommendations
| Gear | fly Dry FlyRecommended | rod Nymphing | rod Euro Nymph | fish Streamer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rod | 9ft 4-weight or 5-weight | 9ft 5-weight | 10.5ft 3-weight | 9ft 6-weight |
| Line | WF5F floating | WF floating | Euro mono rig | WF floating or intermediate |
| Leader | 10–12ft to 4X | 9ft to 4X | Long mono rig | 6ft to 1X |
| Tippet | 4X–5X | 4X–5X | 5X–6X | 1X–2X |
| Waders | Chest waders | Chest waders | Chest waders | Chest waders |
| Boots | Felt-soled wading boots | Felt-soled boots | Felt-soled boots | Felt-soled boots |
Find Your Guide
Local Fly Shops
Public Access Points
River History & Character
The Boardman River flows through Grand Traverse County into the west arm of Grand Traverse Bay at Traverse City. Once impounded by four dams that degraded the fishery for over a century, a landmark dam removal project (2012–2019) restored miles of natural river habitat and dramatically improved trout access and spawning conditions. Today the Boardman is a model river restoration success story — and an urban-accessible gem that flows right through downtown Traverse City, the only trout river in Michigan accessible on foot from a walkable downtown.