Brule River Fishing Guides
The border Brule, a forested smallmouth and trout river dividing Wisconsin from Michigan above the Menominee.
Guides on the Brule River
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About the Brule River
This is the border Brule, not the more famous Bois Brule that runs north to Lake Superior, and the distinction matters when planning a trip. This river forms part of the boundary between Wisconsin and Michigan in Florence and Iron counties, joins the Michigamme, and together they become the Menominee. It flows through heavily forested, lightly populated country, and long stretches of it feel considerably more remote than the drive in would suggest.
The fishery changes character along its length. The upper river is cold enough to support brown and brook trout, with stocked rainbows in places, and it fishes like a northwoods trout stream – tea-stained water over sand and gravel, cedar sweepers, and deep holding pockets on the outside of bends. Downstream the gradient eases and the water warms, and smallmouth bass take over as the dominant sport fish. Northern pike, walleye and rock bass are all present through the lower reaches.
Because the river is a state boundary, licensing deserves attention. Wisconsin and Michigan maintain a reciprocal arrangement covering designated boundary waters, but the details and the seasons are not identical to the inland rules of either state. Anglers should confirm the current boundary-water regulations rather than assuming their inland license and season apply.
Canoe and kayak floats are the most rewarding way to fish the middle and lower river, since bank access is limited by forest and private holdings. There are several developed landings, and the river is generally friendly water with only modest rapids at normal summer levels.
Summer smallmouth fishing on topwater is the highlight for most visitors, and the surrounding Nicolet and Ottawa national forest lands offer camping close to the water.
Guiding on the border river is a small-scale business compared with the famous Wisconsin destinations, and most trips are run by local outfitters working out of Florence or Iron Mountain. Anglers fishing on their own should carry a good map, since forest roads in this country are numerous, poorly signed and easy to confuse.
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The photo at the top of this page is not Brule River.
It is a regional stand-in, honestly captioned but generic — we will not put a name to a river we cannot prove. Send us a photograph you took here and it replaces the stand-in, with your credit on it.
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Access
Commonwealth - the gauge vicinity and nearby river access.
Florence - the county seat with services and river information.
US 2 crossing - a bridge access on the lower river.
Brule River State Forest lands - public frontage along parts of the river.
Canoe landings - several developed put-ins along the border reach.
Michigamme confluence - where the Brule becomes the Menominee.
Nicolet National Forest roads - forest access to the upper river.
Seasons
Spring: high water from snowmelt; trout fishing opens on the upper river as levels drop.
Summer: the best smallmouth fishing of the year, with topwater action through the warm months.
Fall: cooling water, aggressive smallmouth and good trout fishing in the upper reaches.
Winter: cold and largely inaccessible, with heavy snow through the border country.
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Questions
What is the current flow on the Brule River?
As of Sep 17, 5:30 am, the USGS gauge BRULE RIVER NEAR COMMONWEALTH, WI reads 466 cfs. Conditions update every 15 minutes.
What species can you catch on the Brule River?
Anglers target Brook Trout, Brown Trout, Northern Pike, Rainbow Trout, Rock Bass, Smallmouth Bass, Walleye on the Brule River in Wisconsin.
Where can you access the Brule River?
Commonwealth - the gauge vicinity and nearby river access. Florence - the county seat with services and river information. US 2 crossing - a bridge access on the lower river. Brule River State Forest lands - public frontage along parts of the river. Canoe landings - several developed put-ins along the border reach. Michigamme confluence - where the Brule becomes the Menominee. Nicolet National Forest roads - forest access to the upper river.
When is the best time to fish the Brule River?
Spring: high water from snowmelt; trout fishing opens on the upper river as levels drop. Summer: the best smallmouth fishing of the year, with topwater action through the warm months. Fall: cooling water, aggressive smallmouth and good trout fishing in the upper reaches. Winter: cold and largely inaccessible, with heavy snow through the border country.
Where are the fishing regulations for the Brule River?
Regulations change by season and section. Read the current rules on the Wisconsin agency site: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/topic/fishing/regulations