Brule River Trout Fishing Conditions
The Brule River forms the boundary between Michigan and Wisconsin in Iron County, flowing through remote forest to the Menominee River. Wild brook trout and brown trout on both sides of the state line, in water that few anglers visit twice — because it is far enough from everywhere to require commitment.
The Brule River flows along the Michigan-Wisconsin border, with Michigan water on the north bank and Wisconsin water on the south. Anglers must carry a valid license for whichever state's water they intend to fish. The remote character of the river — accessed via county roads near Florence, Wisconsin and Iron County roads on the Michigan side — ensures minimal pressure on fish that have rarely seen a fly.
Wild brook trout throughout the upper Brule. Brown trout in the lower sections. The forest corridor on both sides is largely undeveloped — the Nicolet National Forest on the Wisconsin side and Ottawa National Forest lands and county forest on the Michigan side protect the watershed. Cold, clear, tannin-stained water over gravel and sand produces the kind of wild brook trout fishing that anglers plan trips around.