Sturgeon River (NLP): Fly Fishing Conditions & Hatch Report

By Chris Izworski  ·  Updated Monday, April 27, 2026  ·  Daily reports at Michigan Trout Daily
Flow
317 cfs
normal
Water Temp
N/A
unavailable
Gauge Height
3.32 ft
USGS gauge
Conditions
[object Object]
as of 11:41 PM UTC
About This River

Sturgeon River (NLP), Northern Lower Michigan

Northern LP gem flowing through Cheboygan County. Exceptional wild trout. Often called one of the best fly fishing rivers in Michigan that most people have never heard of. Cold, spring-influenced.

Species present: Brown trout, Brook trout. Stream type: freestone.

Active Hatches: April 2026

What's Hatching Now

Based on current water temperature and time of year, the following insects are active or expected on the Sturgeon River (NLP).

HatchLatinTop PatternsTime of Day
Midge Chironomidae Mercury Midge #20, Zebra Midge #20 midday
Little Black Stonefly Capniidae / Leuctridae Little Black Stonefly #14, Black Stonefly Nymph #14 afternoon
Blue-Winged Olive (Baetis) Baetis spp. Parachute BWO #16, Sparkle Dun BWO #16 midday
Hendrickson Ephemerella subvaria Hendrickson Dry #12, Red Quill #12 afternoon
Early Brown Stonefly Rhyacophilidae Elk Hair Caddis (brown) #14, Hare's Ear Nymph #12 morning
Grannom Caddis Brachycentrus spp. Elk Hair Caddis #14, X-Caddis #14 afternoon
Access & Regulations
Public Access
Wolverine area, Rondo Road, Sturgeon Valley Road
Regulations
General trout regulations. Check DNR for any special regs.
Target Species
Brown trout, Brook trout
Stream Type
Freestone
About the Author
Chris Izworski is a Michigan angler and the founder of the Michigan Trout Report, which tracks live conditions for 110+ Michigan rivers. He publishes daily stream reports at Michigan Trout Daily.
Get a daily conditions report for the Sturgeon River (NLP) every morning during trout season.
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