How to go fish the Paint River

The months we list for the Paint River are May, June, September. 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

Midge (Chironomidae)#20-24
Zebra Midge

Access

Paint River Forks Campground
46.232, -88.718parking
Gibbs City / USFS 137
46.229, -88.700parking
Paint River near Alpha
46.011, -88.258parking

Regs — check current rules before you go

Michigan DNR no longer maintains an active Blue Ribbon list; current rules are stream Types 1-4. Confirm the 2026 Michigan Fishing Regulations and the Inland Trout and Salmon map for Paint River in Iron County, including separate Type listings on the North Branch, South Branch, and main stem. Michigan fishing license required.

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 Paint River page →