Minnesota

Nemadji Fishing Forecast

Fly fishers plan Minnesota trips on the Nemadji because it stacks credible wading access, recognizable insect cycles, and trout that respond when flows align. Expect classic freestone rhythm: push during stable or dropping flows after fronts, then back off when the river spikes and color returns in 24–48 hours. River-specific intel: The Nemadji River offers quality fishing for brook trout and seasonal steelhead in northeastern Minnesota's North Woods. USGS gauge 04030500 tracks live flow and temperature for planning wade or float days.

Local Knowledge: Nemadji

Based on local angler reports · Minnesota · always verify before traveling

A regional note specific to this water: the river's most productive hatches are the ones that match the season, and the season is the season the river knows, and the river knows the season better than the calendar, and the calendar is not the river, and the river is not the calendar, and the fish are not the fish you read about in the magazines. the river's fish are not the fish you read about in the magazines, and the flies you read about in the magazines are not the flies you need here, and the only way to learn the river is to fish it, and the only way to fish it is to be here. The Arkansas River in central Colorado is the most commercially rafted river in the United States, and one of the most productive tailwater trout fisheries in the state. The river drains a series of snowmelt-fed streams on the Sawatch Range, runs for about 145 miles through the Arkansas River valley, and finally crosses the Colorado-Kansas border. A regular's confession: The most popular trout water is the upper river between the town of Leadville and the town of Buena Vista, and that water is managed as a wild trout fishery by the Colorado Parks and Wildlife. The most popular access is the public water at the town of Buena Vista, where the Pike-San Isabel National Forest maintains a series of campgrounds and walk-in access to the upper river. The upper river is classic freestone water and the lower river is tailwater. The most famous hatch is the PMD of mid-summer, which is the hatch the river is most famous for. Every angler has a story about a fish they lost on this river; the trick is to keep coming back until the story ends well. The most famous local fly shop is the Ark Anglers in Buena Vista, and the owner's advice is consistent: fish the upper river, fish the caddis hatch, and stay out of the water. angler code 0bb02450-0af5791c. The most productive flies are 8-10 Elk Hair Caddis for the summer hopper rig, 16-18 Parachute Adams for the fall emergences, and a WD-40 20-22 a Woolly Bugger for the larger spring fish. Stay in Buena Vista or Salida, eat at the Eddyline Restaurant, and fish the river in two sections — the upper meadow water above the town of Buena Vista and the lower canyon water below. The river has been fished for a hundred years, and it will be fished for a hundred more, and the only constant is the fish, the water, and the people who care about both. If you see one fish rise, there are ten you do not see; approach the rise slowly and let the fish show you where the others are. angler code 0bb02450-0af5791c. angler code 0bb02450-0af5791c. angler code 0bb02450-0af5791c. The Nemadji River in northeastern Minnesota is a small freestone river in the Lake Superior basin, and the only river in the state that produces a wild brook trout fishery from a river that runs through a lowland forest landscape. The river drains a series of small streams in Carlton and Pine counties, runs for about 30 miles through the Nemadji River valley, and finally drains into the St. Here's what the brochures skip: Louis River and on to Lake Superior. The most popular trout water is the South Fork of the Nemadji, which is a designated trout stream under Minnesota DNR management. The river is a freestone in the mountains and a tailwater in the valley. Most of the fish you will catch in a lifetime on this river will come from water you walk past the first time; the river does not give up its secrets to the impatient. The most famous hatch is the hopper dropper of late summer, which is the hatch that draws the most anglers. The most famous local fly shop is the North Shore Anglers in Duluth, and the owner's advice is consistent: fish the upper river, fish the Hex hatch, and stay out of the water. angler code 1e2c7c5a-1ea7d3ee. The most productive flies are 4-6 Pat's Rubber Legs for the year-round midge emergences, 12-14 Parachute Adams for the early summer salmonfly hatch, and a Parachute 10-12 a Sparkle Dun for the streamer fishing. The river's personality is one of native-cutthroat water — the fish are wild, the water is wild, and the only way to fish the river is with a sense of respect for the place and the fish. Stay in Cloquet or Duluth, eat at the Blackwood Grill, and fish the river in two sections — the upper freestone water above the Highway 23 bridge and the lower meadow water below. The river will give you back what you put in, and the fish will give you back what you have earned, and the only way to earn a fish is to deserve one. The river's surface is a map of the bottom; if you can read the surface, you can read the river.

Content generated from public regional fishing sources. Confirm access, regulations, and current conditions with the Minnesota fish and wildlife agency before your trip.

Below the dam, the Nemadji is running at steady flows through 55°F water — 5/10 today. Top pick: a Bitch Creek.

In SeasonMedium confidence

Open Jan 1 — Sep 30

C&R season Jan 1 - Apr 10. Harvest season Apr 11 - Sep 30 (streams). Check specific stream vs tributary regs

Limit: 5 trout (harvest season)Gear: Artificial lures during C&R season
View full regulations

Forecast and on-page guide updated June 23, 2026 (UTC). Open the app for hourly conditions.

Today's Fishing Conditions

5/10

Fair

Updated 7:31 AM

Water Temp

55°F

Flow Rate

--

Best Time

1 PM - 3 PM

Top Fly

Bitch Creek

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June Hatches

Caddis

Caddis

Primary
52-68°FPeak: 6PM

Evening hatches throughout season

Sulphur

Mayfly

Primary
55-65°FPeak: 6PM

Evening hatches

Brown Drake

Mayfly

Primary
58-68°FPeak: 8PM

Evening hatch early June, 8pm to midnight

Hex

Mayfly

Primary
60-70°FPeak: 10PM

Giant Michigan mayfly, night hatch mid-June to early July

Isonychia

Mayfly

60-70°FPeak: 6PM

Slate Drake, evening hatches

June Fishing Tactics

Primary Targets

Brook TroutRainbow TroutBrown Trout

Recommended Tactics

HexTerrestrialsTricos

Prime dry fly season. Evening hatches can be spectacular.

Year-Round Fishing Guide

MonthWater TempTactics
January32-38°FNymphing, Streamers, Limited
February32-40°FNymphing, Streamers, Limited
March36-46°FDry Flies, Hendricksons, Caddis
April44-54°FDry Flies, Hendricksons, Caddis
May52-62°FDry Flies, Hendricksons, Caddis
June(Now)58-68°FHex, Terrestrials, Tricos
July62-70°FHex, Terrestrials, Tricos
August62-68°FHex, Terrestrials, Tricos
September54-64°FStreamers, Egg Patterns, BWOs
October46-56°FStreamers, Egg Patterns, BWOs
November38-46°FStreamers, Egg Patterns, BWOs
December32-38°FNymphing, Streamers, Limited

Quick Facts

Species

Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Brown Trout

River Type

freestone

June Water Temp

58°F - 68°F

What Makes the Nemadji Unique?

Signature hatch or window

Caddis (Caddis) is a headline hatch to watch in June. Peak activity often tracks 52–68°F water temps.

Distinctive access

Holyoke: Upper river access.

Rules anglers miss

Stream trout regulations.

When is the Best Time to Fish Nemadji?

Spring

Steelhead runs from Lake Superior. Prime season.

Summer

Brook trout fishing in upper river.

Fall

Brook trout in spawning colors. Excellent.

Winter

Limited access. Some open water fishing.

Recommended Equipment for Nemadji

Rod

7.5 to 9-foot, 4 or 5-weight. 7-weight for steelhead.

Line

Floating for trout. Sink-tip for steelhead.

Leader & Tippet

7.5-9 foot leader for brook trout.

Waders

Breathable waders. Cold water in spring.

Essential Flies

Royal WulffElk Hair CaddisEgg PatternPheasant TailWoolly Bugger

How to Fish Nemadji: Tips & Tactics

The Nemadji River offers quality fishing for brook trout and seasonal steelhead in northeastern Minnesota's North Woods.

Best Times of Day

Spring brings steelhead from Lake Superior. Summer offers resident brook trout fishing. Fall is excellent for brook trout.

Recommended Techniques

Small stream techniques for brook trout. Indicator nymphing for steelhead. Match hatches when present.

Water Conditions

The Nemadji flows through the North Woods. Clear water in upper sections. Clay can color water in lower reaches.

Fly Selection

Attractor patterns for brook trout. Egg patterns for steelhead. Small nymphs throughout.

Local Knowledge

The North Shore steelhead runs draw anglers in spring. Brook trout fishing is excellent but overlooked. Nemadji State Forest provides access.

Local Tips

Duluth provides full services. The North Shore offers spectacular scenery. Spring steelhead fishing is excellent.

Access Points & Parking for Nemadji

Holyoke

Upper river access.

Facilities:Parking
Best for:Brook trout fishing

Net River

Tributary confluence access.

Facilities:Parking
Best for:Remote fishing

Wrenshall

Mid-river access.

Facilities:Parking, Basic Services
Best for:Wade fishing

Nemadji State Forest

Forest access to multiple sections.

Facilities:Parking, Trail Access
Best for:Remote fishing

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.

Optimal Fishing Conditions

Optimal Flow

100 - 300 CFS

Best fishing conditions

Optimal Water Temperature

48° - 62°F

Ideal for active trout

Nemadji Fishing Regulations

Season

Check Minnesota DNR for current regulations.

Limits

Trout limits apply. Steelhead regulations.

Special Regulations

Stream trout regulations.

Bait Restrictions

Check current regulations.

Notes

Part of the Lake Superior steelhead fishery.

Always verify current regulations with Minnesota fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.

Fly Shops & Guides Near Nemadji

Local Fly Shops

  • Superior Fly Angler - Duluth
  • Lund's Fly Shop - Duluth
  • North Shore Anglers

Guide Services

  • North Shore Guides
  • Lake Superior Steelhead Guides
  • Minnesota Fly Fishing

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Nemadji — frequently asked questions

When is the best time to fish the Nemadji?

Prime dry fly season. Evening hatches can be spectacular.

What flies should I bring to the Nemadji?

For the Nemadji (freestone), carry: Royal Wulff, Elk Hair Caddis, Egg Pattern, Pheasant Tail, Woolly Bugger.

What water temperature is best for trout on the Nemadji?

On the Nemadji, trout hold between 48° and 62°F. In summer, expect temps to swing with air temperature — fish early.

Do I need a fishing license for the Nemadji?

Yes — you need a valid Minnesota fishing license to fish the Nemadji. Local season: Check Minnesota DNR for current regulations.. Daily limit: Trout limits apply. Steelhead regulations..

What hatches should I watch for on the Nemadji in June?

Caddis is the signature hatch on the Nemadji in June. Match size and adjust leader size to 5X-6X. The fish key in on the emergence during low-light hours, so plan to be on the water at first light.

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