Skip to content
Executive Angler

Trip brief · Baldwin River

How to go fish the Baldwin River

The months we list for the Baldwin River are May, June, September. August is outside that window, so this brief is written for September, the next month we list.

September

No USGS gauge is mapped to this river.

Flies to tie — September

Access

  • Forman Road near Idlewild

    43.926, -85.801parking

  • 8th Street at Baldwin

    43.897, -85.844parking

  • Public access trail west of M-37

    43.868, -85.862parking

Regs — check current rules before you go

Michigan DNR no longer maintains an active Blue Ribbon list; current rules are stream Types 1-4 plus any Gear Restricted listing on the Pere Marquette at the confluence. Confirm the 2026 Michigan Fishing Regulations and the Inland Trout and Salmon map for Baldwin River / Baldwin Creek in Lake County. Michigan fishing license required. The PM flies-only overlay applies on the Pere Marquette, not automatically on the Baldwin.

Pack list

  • A current state fishing licence
  • Waders and boots you have already leak-tested
  • Net, nippers, forceps
  • Floatant and desiccant
  • Tippet in the sizes the chart asks for
  • Water, sun cover, polarised glasses

Generic gear. Anything specific to this water is above.

Full hatch chart, access map and live gauge on the Baldwin River page →