Browns, brookies and rainbow trout attract fly anglers from around the country to the pristine Jordan River which empties into the South Arm of Lake Charlevoix in East Jordan.

Peak fishing comes in the month surrounding July 4th, when the mayfly hatch lures both fish and fly fishermen to its surface.

"The Jordan during hex season is as good as any river in the country," said Bob Cohen, owner of the Jordan River Fly Shop.

Cohen also recommends taking to the river after a good rain when higher water levels make the trip upstream easier for fish to navigate.

The protected tributary was dedicated in 1972 as Michigan's first National Scenic River. Originating in the picturesque Jordan Valley, the river meanders through hardwood forests and meadows on its way to East Jordan.

The river's terrain ranges from open and marshy to a soft bottom, to clear and deep, to gravelly and rocky. Spongy banks and soft-silt bottoms are a challenge to casters, but worth it to catch a glimpse of darting trout.

Downed cedars, stumps and moss-covered banks also serve as a perfect habitat for fish. Shore casting is possible in some areas, but rollcasting is a necessity in many others.

Catch and release fishing is allowed year round on the river below the put-in at Graves Crossing - the southern-most access open to vehicles. Several other sites are reachable by car - Old State Road, Webster's Bridge, Rogers Road - but taking a one- to two-hour casting float trip between each is well worth the time.

Neither gas nor electric motors are allowed on the river.

To get there from East Jordan, travel south on M-66 to access the river, which lies on the left.

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