What the Jordan River offers anglers
The Jordan River is a cold-water stream in Charlevoix County that holds walleye, pike, and brook trout in a setting that feels removed from the busier lakes nearby. The river runs roughly 30 miles from its headwaters near Grayling down through the Jordan River Pathway—a state-managed corridor—before emptying into Lake Charlevoix. What makes it distinct is the mix: you can fish for walleye in the deeper pools and slower sections, hunt pike in the weedy bays where the river widens, and find brook trout in the faster, colder stretches upstream.
The character of the Jordan changes as you move downstream. The upper reaches are narrow and technical, with overhanging brush and current that demands accuracy. The middle section opens into wider pools and flats where walleye hold during the day and feed at dawn and dusk. The lower river, closer to Lake Charlevoix, transitions into a slower, more lake-like environment where pike prowl the vegetation and walleye suspend in deeper holes.
Key Takeaways
- The Jordan River holds walleye, pike, and brook trout across different sections, with walleye concentrated in the middle pools and pike in weedy areas near the mouth.
- Access points are scattered along the Jordan River Pathway, with parking and boat launches at specific locations managed by the state.
- Spring and fall are peak seasons for walleye; summer requires early morning and evening fishing in deeper pools to avoid warm water.
- The river is catch-and-release for brook trout and has slot limits on walleye and pike—check current Michigan regulations before you fish.
Where to access the river
The Jordan River Pathway provides the main public access. There are several established access points with parking, though not all have boat launches. The most popular entry is near the town of East Jordan, where a state-managed access area sits close to the mouth of the river. From there, you can drift downstream or motor into the lower pools depending on water level and your boat size.
Upstream access is more limited and often requires wading or portaging. The Deadman's Hill area offers parking and a trail system that leads to the river, though launching a boat there is not practical. Many anglers use this spot to wade the upper sections or hike to smaller pools. If you plan to fish the middle section, scout the access points in advance—some are seasonal, and water levels can change what is passable.
Walleye fishing in the middle pools
Walleye in the Jordan respond well to live bait and jigs, especially in the deeper pools where the river slows. The middle section—roughly between the Deadman's Hill area and the lower flats—holds the most consistent walleye population. Fish the deeper holes and outside bends where current slows and walleye rest during the day.
Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the strongest seasons. In spring, walleye move into the river from Lake Charlevoix to spawn, and they hold in the deeper pools before and after the run. In fall, they return to the river to feed before heading back to the lake. Summer fishing is possible but requires patience—fish early in the morning or after sunset when water temperatures are cooler, and focus on the deepest holes you can find.
Nightcrawlers and shiners work well under a slip sinker rig, especially if you drift the pools. Jigs tipped with live bait are effective if you prefer to cast and work the structure. The river's current means you need enough weight to stay near bottom without dragging constantly.
Pike and weedy water near the mouth
Pike in the Jordan are aggressive and often larger than what you find in many Midwest lakes. They concentrate in the weedy flats and slower sections near where the river meets Lake Charlevoix. This is also where the river widens and vegetation takes hold—perfect pike habitat.
Spinnerbaits, crankbaits, and soft plastics all produce. Pike here are not shy, so don't hesitate to throw larger lures and work them with confidence. Early morning and late evening are best, but pike will bite throughout the day if you fish the thickest cover. The lower river is also easier to navigate by boat than the upper sections, making it a good choice if you want to cover water without wading.
Brook trout in the upper river
The upper Jordan holds native brook trout in the faster, colder water upstream of the main pools. These fish are smaller than walleye or pike but offer a different kind of fishing—technical, often sight-based, and rewarding if you can read the current and place your cast accurately.
Brook trout in moving water respond to small spinners, inline spoons, and dry flies if you fly fish. The upper river is catch-and-release only for brook trout, so bring a net with a rubber bag if you want to handle them. Wading is the primary method here, and the narrow, brushy sections mean you need to move slowly and watch for fish before you cast.
Seasonal patterns and water conditions
Spring brings spawning walleye into the river and higher water levels from snowmelt. The current is stronger, and visibility is lower, so use heavier jigs and live bait to stay in the strike zone. By late May, water temperatures rise and walleye move back toward the lake, though some stay in the deepest pools.
Summer is slow for walleye but can be good for pike if you fish early and late. Water temperatures in the Jordan can reach the low 70s by mid-July, which is warm for a river system. Focus on the deepest holes and any springs that cool the water locally. Fall is the second peak season—walleye return to the river in September and October, and pike feed aggressively as they prepare for winter.
Winter fishing is possible but requires checking ice conditions and local access. The lower river near Lake Charlevoix often stays open longer than upstream sections, and some anglers fish through the ice in the deeper pools once it is safe.
Regulations and what to bring
Michigan's current walleye regulations on the Jordan River include a slot limit—check the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website for the exact size range before you fish, as it varies by water body and changes periodically. Pike also have size and bag limits. Brook trout are catch-and-release only. These rules exist to protect the fishery, and they change, so verify them before you go.
Bring waders if you plan to wade the upper sections or even the middle pools—the water is cold year-round, and wading gives you access to spots you cannot reach from a boat. A net is useful for landing walleye and pike. If you drift the middle section, bring a push pole or small electric motor; the current is gentle enough that you can control your drift without a large outboard. Insect repellent is essential in spring and early summer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I fish the Jordan River year-round?
Yes, but seasons matter. Spring and fall are best for walleye. Summer is slower for walleye but good for pike early and late in the day. Winter fishing is possible once ice is safe, though access may be limited. Check local conditions before you go.
Do I need a boat to fish the Jordan River?
No. Wading is productive in the upper and middle sections, and many anglers fish the entire river on foot. A boat helps you cover more water and access the lower pools, but it is not required. The river is narrow enough that wading is often more effective than drifting.
What is the best time of day to fish for walleye?
Dawn and dusk are most reliable, especially in spring and fall. Walleye feed actively during low-light periods. In summer, fish early morning or after sunset to avoid warm water. Overcast days can produce throughout the day.
Are there pike in the Jordan River?
Yes. Pike are concentrated in the weedy flats and slower sections near the mouth where the river meets Lake Charlevoix. They are aggressive and often larger than pike in nearby lakes. They bite throughout the day but are most active early and late.
What size lures should I use for pike?
Pike in the Jordan respond to larger lures—spinnerbaits in the 1/2 to 3/4 ounce range, crankbaits 4 to 6 inches long, and soft plastics 5 to 8 inches. Pike are not subtle, so don't downsize. Work lures with confidence and cover the thickest vegetation.