Jordan River
Current Conditions
Flows are around 200 cfs and rising, above normal for late August. The hatch calendar has Trico on this water in August.
Jordan River Fishing Report
Wild brook trout are actively rising to dry flies in the morning. BWO hatches have been reliable in the afternoons. Small stream techniques are key — careful wading, long leaders (12–15 ft), and delicate presentations. The upper river above Alba is extremely intimate and rewards patience.
Live Flow Conditions
Hatch Calendar
Gear Recommendations
| Gear | fly Dry FlyRecommended | rod Nymphing | rod Euro Nymph | fish Streamer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rod | 7.5–8ft 3-weight | 8ft 3-weight or 4-weight | 10ft 2-weight or 3-weight | 8ft 4-weight or 5-weight |
| Line | DT3F floating | WF floating | Level mono rig | WF floating |
| Leader | 9ft tapered to 5X | 7.5ft to 5X | Short mono rig (10–12ft) for tight brush | 6ft to 1X |
| Tippet | 5X–6X | 5X–6X | 6X–7X | 1X–2X |
| Waders | Hip waders or wet wading in summer | Hip waders | Hip waders | Hip waders |
| Boots | Wading sandals or lightweight shoes | Wading sandals | Wading sandals | Wading sandals |
Find Your Guide
Local Fly Shops
Public Access Points
River History & Character
Michigan's first designated Wild and Scenic River (1972), the Jordan flows through a glacially-carved valley in Antrim County. The Jordan River National Fish Hatchery was established here in 1906, reflecting the river's exceptional cold, spring-fed water quality. The surrounding landscape is a patchwork of northern hardwood forest, cedar swamps, and gently rolling farmland — one of the most scenic and pristine river valleys in the Lower Peninsula. The Jordan runs cold enough year-round to support wild brook trout, an increasingly rare find south of the Mackinac Bridge.