Escanaba River Michigan Trout Fishing Conditions
One of the Upper Peninsula's finest trout rivers. The Escanaba drains over 900 square miles through the Copper Country State Forest. Brook trout in the upper branches, browns and rainbows in the main stem near Cornell. Excellent caddis and mayfly hatches through spring and early summer.
The Escanaba is a major Upper Peninsula river system draining over 900 square miles. The Middle Branch above Humboldt holds wild brook trout in classic UP headwater. Below the confluence, browns and rainbows join the mix in faster, wider water near Cornell. Spring runoff brings steelhead from Little Bay de Noc into the lower reaches.
The Middle Branch through the Copper Country State Forest is the highlight for trout anglers. Cold, spring-fed water with gravel runs and deep bends. Caddis, Hendricksons, and BWOs from late April through June. Summer fishing tapers as the main stem warms, but the upper branches stay cold. Fall brings browns on redds and occasional coho.