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The Jordan is a small to medium size river located in
the northern part of Michigan's lower peninsula. Steelhead
and salmon migrate this river while resident trout abound.
Averaging from 20-60 feet wide throughout much of its
journey, the Jordan River eventually flows into the South
Arm of Lake Charlevoix at East Jordan. Lake Charlevoix
empties into Lake Michigan creating the steelhead and
salmon fishery this river provides.
Traveling from Traverse City on MI Route 31 and along
Lake Michigan's Grand Traverse Bay, you would eventually
reach MI Route 66 and Lake Charlevoix after an approximate
50 mile drive. Once on 66 a 15-30 minute drive to the
south would put you along the Jordan River. A beautiful
and pristine river will be found encased in a forest
of hardwoods and characterized with a bottom of silt,
sand, gravel and large rocks. You would also find a
river averaging 20-50 feet wide filled with wild brook
and brown trout. It runs clear most of the time through
and around beautiful riffles, runs, pools, fallen trees,
logs, and boulders.
Brook trout are found best in its headwaters starting
near the junction of US Route 131 and Michigan's Route
32 downstream to the town of Chestonia. They are beautifully
colored and eagerly take a well presented or ill presented
fly. Matching the hatch is not always necessary as
these indigenous fish are not overly selective (at
least not all the time-there are exceptions). As always,
check all the Special
Regulations before fishing. |
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Steelhead enter the Jordan in the greatest numbers during
the springtime when the driving instinct to spawn increases.
Late March, April, and early May is the best time although
they can be found during the fall and winter months as
well. Steelhead fishing is best in the larger lower reaches
of the river. They can be found sulking behind boulders,
fallen logs, or holding in a tight seam of a deep run
or pool. Floating lines with long light leaders and split
shot (traditional nymphing techniques) will work. Generic
nymphs (hares ears, zug bugs, montana nymphs, etc.) are
the best bets during the spring. Woolly buggers, egg
sucking leeches, and egg patterns are also effective.
The upper river is tight and narrow while the lower
river is larger and provides room for better casting.
The lower river is not overly wide averaging approximately
50 feet but has many deep runs and pools. Careful wading
is necessary. Several (well over 10) feeder creeks
increase the rivers volume along its path and account
for the deep pools and hard flow found in its lower
reaches.
The Jordan River can be found along side roads leading
off of US Route 131, MI Route 32, and MI Route 66.
A few side roads that follow or cross the river include
Mount Bliss Road, Graves Xing off of MI 66, Penny Bridge
Road, Old Bridge Road, and Jordan River Road. Access
is available in many areas along its path.
Michigan's Jordan River provides the angler with migratory
runs of steelhead and salmon from fall through spring
along with quality hatches of mayflies for its resident
trout throughtout the summer. If your looking for a
smaller stream to test your skills, stop by the Jordan
next time your in the northern part of Michigan's lower
peninsula. |
