Michigan
Boardman River above Brown Bridge Road near Mayfield
Location Snapshot
The Boardman River above Brown Bridge Road is an upper northwest Michigan trout stream flowing through a relatively narrow, wooded valley before reaching the Traverse City area. Brown and brook trout define a coldwater fishery built around riffles, pools, and abundant streamside cover.
Current River Rating
Fair · 56
Conditions are mixed. Review the details below before heading out.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Medium confidence
Should I Go?
Wait
Timing Outlook
This timing outlook is informational only; current river conditions remain Fair.
Why
- Very clear skies may make trout more cautious in shallow water.
- Water temperature is unavailable.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
Timing Evidence
Dawn low light is favorable.
Current Readings
- Flow
- 108 CFS
- Gage Height
- 3.27 ft
- Water Temperature
- Not available
- Observation Time
- Oct 20, 2026, 11:15 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 04126970 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
Loading readings from the past 7 days…
Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
Loading advisory…
Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Clear
Temperature
36°F
Feels like
32°F
Wind
1 mph W
Wind gust
8 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Oct 20, 2026, 6:00 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Tue 8 AM
Clear
Temp 35°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 4 mph
Tue 12 PM
Clear
Temp 55°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Tue 4 PM
Clear
Temp 64°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Tue 8 PM
Clear
Temp 51°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Wed 12 AM
Clear
Temp 45°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 1 mph
Wed 4 AM
Clear
Temp 40°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Tue, Oct 20
Partly cloudy
High 64°F / Low 35°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 11 mph
Wed, Oct 21
Overcast
High 63°F / Low 38°F
Chance 3%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 12 mph
Thu, Oct 22
Overcast
High 68°F / Low 48°F
Chance 2%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 7 mph
Fri, Oct 23
Overcast
High 68°F / Low 48°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 20 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
Loading historical flow…
Fishing Overview
The Boardman River above Brown Bridge Road is the Grand Traverse and Kalkaska river that empties into Grand Traverse Bay at Traverse City.
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Boardman River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Target species
Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalis
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Present
- Population
- Unknown
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Mixed wild and stocked
- Great Lakes tributary
- Yes
- Flow regime
- Natural flow
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Dry flies
- Fly fishing
- Nymphing
- Spinning
- Streamers
Official sources
Hatch Match
General fly suggestions
- Parachute-style dryGeneral attractor dry family — not a claim that a named mayfly is hatching.
- Pheasant-tail-style nymphGeneral nymph family for trout rivers without destination hatch timing.
- Elk-hair-style dryGeneral dry/attractor family. Pattern choice only — not a report that caddis are hatching.
- Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral streamer family. Not a forage or insect Hatch event.
These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.
Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Grand Traverse, Michigan
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Grand Traverse
Management Category
Restored Great Lakes tributary trout river
Regulation Scope
Boardman River above Brown Bridge Road near Mayfield.
Regulation Summary
Boardman above Brown Bridge: MDNR inland trout stream rules. Confirm current official regulations.
Target Species
brown-trout, brook-trout, rainbow-trout
Access, Parking, and Regulations
Loading access and regulations…