Sturgeon River Upper Peninsula Brook Trout Conditions
The Sturgeon River in the Ottawa National Forest near Sidnaw is one of Michigan's finest brook trout streams. Cold, remote, and flowing entirely through national forest, it represents UP brook trout fishing at its most authentic.
The Sturgeon River flows south through the Ottawa National Forest in Houghton County before joining the Ontonagon River system. The watershed is almost entirely forested, with no significant development or agricultural land use. Cold springs throughout the upper basin maintain water temperatures that brook trout require — rarely exceeding 60°F even in late summer.
Wild native brook trout throughout the system have been self-sustaining for generations without stocking. The fish are smaller than their hatchery counterparts — 8 to 12 inches is typical — but they are wild in every sense. The upstream sections accessible only by forest road and trail fishing path hold the densest populations and the least pressure.
Special regulations apply to the Sturgeon River and its principal tributaries to protect the brook trout population. The regulations specify artificial lures only in designated sections and may set special bag limits. Check the current Michigan DNR Fishing Guide before fishing. The regulations exist for good reason and they work.