The largest tributary to Lake Charlevoix, the Jordan River is a gem to northern Michigan fly fishing. Renowned for being the first river to be designated ‘wild and scenic’ under the State of Michigan’s Natural Rivers Act in 1972, the river is a beautiful escape from the ordinary. From its spring-fed headwaters located near the junction of US-131 and M-32, the river flows for approximately 25 miles before pouring into Lake Charlevoix. The river varies in size from the tight technical headwaters to averaging 20-50 feet across for most of its length. The river above Graves Crossing Road is loaded with beautifully colored brook trout eager to take a fly with brown trout mixed in as well. Further down the system, the brown trout start to get larger with fish over 20 inches possible. Steelhead and salmon are very prevalent throughout the system in the spring and fall, respectively, however steelhead can be found in fair numbers in the late fall and winter as well. The water stays cold (rarely above 60 degrees) and clear throughout most of the year which produces extremely prolific hatches and healthy trout throughout the system. Close to the resort, the Jordan makes a fantastic opportunity for a full or half day float, or a walk & wade trip to the upper stretches, whether you are fishing or just enjoying the scenery of northern Michigan.
