Black River Trout Fishing Guide

A Stream Worth the Trip

The Black River in Cheboygan County has a reputation among Michigan anglers that punches well above its size. Unlike the crowded Au Sable or Manistee, the Black River offers excellent fishing without the elbow-to-elbow lineup of anglers. The Upper Black River is the only river in Michigan's Lower Peninsula managed exclusively for brook trout, and it's earned a following dating back to Ernest Hemingway, who fished — and wrote about — these waters.

What You'll Catch

The Black River holds a genuinely diverse mix of fish, which is part of what makes it special:

• Brook trout — the star of the show. Native, colorful, and the reason serious anglers make the trip. The Black River system is considered one of the best brook trout fisheries in the state.
• Brown trout — present throughout, especially in the lower and middle sections, and known for putting up a smart fight.
• Lake trout, rainbow trout, and splake — found in certain stretches and connected waters.
• Walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and muskie — the river's lower reaches and connected lake systems add even more variety for anglers who want to mix it up.

Best Time to Fish

Spring and summer are widely considered the best windows on the Black River. As the water warms through the season, fishing tends to improve, with many anglers reporting their best luck in the warmer months. Early morning and evening hours typically produce the most action, especially for brook trout, which feed actively at dawn and dusk.

Access Points

The Black River has several well-known public access points for waders, canoes, and kayaks:

• Black River Road Bridge — reached by heading south on S. Black River Road from Onaway.
• Crockett Rapids Bridge — one of the most popular access points locally, with an easy wade and water that suits most tackle.
• Milligan Bridge — a favorite for those who want to float while fishing. Larger trout can be caught here, though they're less abundant due to warmer water downstream.

Gear & Tactics

A 9-foot, 3- or 4-weight fly rod with floating line handles the Black River well for dry flies and small nymphs. Pair it with a tapered 9-foot leader and tippet in the 3X–5X range depending on fly size. The native brookies here aren't especially fussy about fly choice, but a stealthy approach while wading matters more than fly selection — these fish spook easily in the slower, clear stretches.

For brown trout, small spoons or live minnows in natural silver or brown tones are a reliable starting point. Spinning gear with small spinners or live worms works well for brook trout if fly fishing isn't your thing.

License & Regulations

Anyone 17 or older needs a valid Michigan fishing license. Both resident and non-resident licenses are available, and the Black River falls under Michigan's Inland Trout and Salmon Stream Regulations — always check current rules before you head out, since sections of the river carry different classifications.

Get your Michigan fishing license through the DNR →