Pine River
Current Conditions
Flows are around 216 cfs and rising, about normal for late August. Water was 57°F at the gauge.
Pine River Fishing Report
The Pine is fishing well for resident browns in the faster riffles and pocket water. Caddis hatches have been strong in the evenings. Wade with care — the Pine's fast current and slick rocks demand felt or studded soles. The Peterson to Elm Flats stretch is producing the best numbers.
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 |
| Leader | 9–10ft to 4X | 9ft to 3X | Long mono rig | 6ft to 1X |
| Tippet | 4X–5X | 4X–5X | 5X fluorocarbon | 1X–2X |
| Waders | Chest waders | Chest waders | Chest waders | Chest waders |
| Boots | Felt-soled with aggressive carbide studs — mandatory on the Pine | Felt with studs — mandatory | Felt with studs | Felt with studs — mandatory |
Find Your Guide
Local Fly Shops
Public Access Points
River History & Character
The Pine River is one of Michigan's most storied and demanding fly fishing rivers, cutting a fast, boulder-strewn path through the Manistee National Forest in Lake and Wexford Counties before joining the Manistee River near Tippy Dam. Designated a federally protected Natural River, it runs cold and clear year-round thanks to abundant spring seeps and minimal agricultural influence in its watershed. The Pine earned its reputation as a "canoer's river" — swift, rocky, and unforgiving — but those same characteristics create ideal holding water for large brown trout. Wading requires careful footwork and a healthy respect for the current. The river gained additional conservation attention in 1969 when it was one of the first Michigan rivers designated under the Natural Rivers Act, protecting it from development and dams in perpetuity.