Iron County :
Brule River
The Brule River runs nearly the full length of Iron County, Michigan's southern
boundary withFforest and Florence counties, Wisconsin.Begining at Brule
Lake in Michigan and flowing southeast for about 50 milles before passing
into the Brule Island Flowage and the Menominee River. Several key tributaries
enter enroute. The entire watershed drains 193 square miles and includes
nearly 100 miles of fishable trout streams in Michigan including the Iron
and Paint Rivers. Best stretch is this. Three miles below Elvoy Creek M-73
crosses the river, and from here to M-179 the Brule has been designated
a Blue Ribbon Trout Stream. Gradually ther streambed changes
to one of gravel and cobble size stone yet with the exception of of a few
deep holes it remains shallow and broad, 60-80 feet, for the first two or
3 miles. Brook and Brown Trout fishing is great in this stretch. M-73 is
not a good access point. The first good spot downstream is accessible from
USFS-2172 on the Wisconsin side in the Nicolet National Forest, whose northern
boundary runs along the river for several miles. Go south on M-73 to USFS-2457
and then 4-5 miles to USFS-2172 then 5 miles to the river. a campground
is located here. A current fishing license from either state is valid. but
consult a Michigan Fishing Guide for special regulations. Motels in Iron
River, Mi. Fly/Bait/Tackle Guides
Paint River
Two branches that are about the same length form the Paint River in Iron
County. One of the Upper Penisula's best trout rivers. The North Branch
rises from a stream flowing from impounded Mallard Lake. It and Thirty Three
Creek, the North Branches most important upstream tributary, contain Brook
Trout. Although fishing pressure is low and trout are available in the North
Branch, most anglers concentrate in the South Branch. It rises in southeast
Gogebic County at Paint Creek Springs and flows a few miles in a northeast
direction. Meandering across western Iron county, the South Branch collects
the North Branch a mile west of Gibbs City at a a popular spot known as
the Forks. The South Branch is currently a candidate for inclusion in the
National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. It has a very stable flow and a good
temperature regime for trout. Water depths are comnductive to wading in
most areas; however, the stream bottom in some spots contains many slippery
rocks. Re! mnants of several old logging dams still exist, and each has
a large pool below the old structure. These are favorite places of local
anglers in search of larger browns.
Motels in Iron River. Fly/Bait/Tackle Guides.
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