Boardman Fishing Forecast
Traverse City area river
Opens Last Sat in Apr
General trout season. Some sections open year-round
Today's Fishing Conditions
Fair
Updated 8:38 AM
52°F
--
11 PM - 1 AM
Scud
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Quick Facts
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Brook Trout
freestone
36°F - 46°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Spring transition begins. BWOs emerge on overcast afternoons.
March Hatches
Midge
Midge
Winter midge fishing
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 32-38°F | Nymphing, Streamers, Limited |
| February | 32-40°F | Nymphing, Streamers, Limited |
| March(Now) | 36-46°F | Dry Flies, Hendricksons, Caddis |
| April | 44-54°F | Dry Flies, Hendricksons, Caddis |
| May | 52-62°F | Dry Flies, Hendricksons, Caddis |
| June | 58-68°F | Hex, Terrestrials, Tricos |
| July | 62-70°F | Hex, Terrestrials, Tricos |
| August | 62-68°F | Hex, Terrestrials, Tricos |
| September | 54-64°F | Streamers, Egg Patterns, BWOs |
| October | 46-56°F | Streamers, Egg Patterns, BWOs |
| November | 38-46°F | Streamers, Egg Patterns, BWOs |
| December | 32-38°F | Nymphing, Streamers, Limited |
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Brown Trout
Spawn months: October, November
Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Brook Trout
Spawn months: September, October
Males develop vibrant red bellies and white-edged fins during spawning. Early fall spawners.
Access Points & Parking for Boardman
Brown Bridge
Upper river access above former dam site.
Forks Pool
Famous pool where forks meet.
Ranch Rudolf
Historic access to quality water.
Traverse City
Urban access through the city.
How to Fish Boardman: Tips & Tactics
The Boardman River flows through Traverse City, offering excellent fishing for brown and brook trout. Recent dam removals have improved fish passage and habitat.
Best Times of Day
Morning and evening are most productive. Spring and fall offer the best conditions. Match the diverse hatches that occur.
Recommended Techniques
Classic small stream techniques work well. Match the hatches when active. Stealth is important in clear water.
Water Conditions
The river flows through diverse terrain from forests to urban areas. Dam removals have improved the fishery. Water clarity is typically excellent.
Fly Selection
Hendrickson and Sulphur patterns for mayflies. Caddis patterns throughout summer. Attractor dries in pocket water.
Local Knowledge
Traverse City offers excellent services and dining. Dam removals have reconnected the river. The Forks Pool is a legendary fishing spot.
Local Tips
Traverse City is a vibrant destination with excellent restaurants and wineries. Dam removals have improved fishing. This is accessible quality fishing.
When is the Best Time to Fish Boardman?
Spring
Hendrickson hatches bring fish up. Steelhead may be present.
Summer
Caddis and mayfly hatches. Fish early and late.
Fall
Brown trout become aggressive. Excellent conditions.
Winter
Some open water fishing. Careful wading required.
Recommended Equipment for Boardman
Rod
8 to 9-foot, 4 or 5-weight for trout.
Line
Floating line for dry flies.
Leader & Tippet
9-foot tapered leader, 5X-6X tippet.
Waders
Breathable waders. Careful wading in urban areas.
Essential Flies
Boardman Fishing Regulations
Season
Check Michigan DNR for current regulations.
Limits
Type classifications determine limits.
Special Regulations
Special regulations in some sections.
Bait Restrictions
Check by section.
Notes
Dam removals have changed regulations - check current rules.
Always verify current regulations with Michigan fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Boardman
Local Fly Shops
- The Northern Angler - Traverse City
- Streamside Orvis - Traverse City
- M-22 Glen Arbor
Guide Services
- Boardman River Guide Service
- Northern Michigan Fly Fishing
- Traverse City Anglers
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
100 - 300 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
50° - 65°F
Ideal for active trout
Other Michigan Trout Rivers
Au Sable
Pere Marquette
Manistee
Betsie
White River
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