Trip brief · Boardman River
How to go fish the Boardman River
The months we list for the Boardman River are May, June, July, September, October, November. August is outside that window, so this brief is written for September, the next month we list.
September
Reading the gauge…
Flies to tie — September
Blue-winged Olive#16-20
Parachute BWO
Mahogany Dun#14-16
Mahogany Sparkle Dun
Access
Brown Bridge Road Access
44.706, -85.496parking
Shumsky Road Access
44.680, -85.529parking
Forks Area
44.656, -85.558parking
River Road Access Traverse City
44.744, -85.610parking
Regs — check current rules before you go
Michigan fishing license required. Season: last Saturday of April through September 30 for trout. Steelhead and salmon have extended seasons — check Michigan DNR regulations. Special regulations apply in Traverse City sections — consult current DNR synopsis. Dam removal has changed access; some former impoundment areas have new public access points.
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 Boardman River page →