Seasons and Licenses

• Anglers over 17 years of age must purchase a license to fish in Michigan. License exceptions include visiting US Military personnel and those who are registered disabled. Licenses can be purchased online from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website or from one of several official dealers listed on the same website. The Pine River fishing season runs from the last Saturday in April until the end of September, as per 2010 guidelines. Permits are also required for watercraft during the busy season, from May 15 to September 10.
  
  

Pine River Is for Trout

• Fishermen come to Pine River for the trout. The populations of wild brook and brown trout are impressive, and the river is also home to the largest population of non-migratory rainbow trout in the state, according to the State of Michigan website. The river is not restocked by the state government. Yellow perch are occasionally caught in the river.
  
  

Locations and Access

• Both boat and shore fishing is available in Pine River. Fishermen can access the river at a number of points. Several campgrounds are set along the river, including a facility at the Peterson Bridge. Other popular fishing points include Skookum Bridge, Lincoln Bridge and Elm Flats. The Michigan Department of Natural Resources provides a list of registered fishing guides for the area.
  
  

Techniques

• Fly-fishing is the most popular method of catching trout on the Pine River. As a Blue Ribbon stream, Pine River has been confirmed as offering good fly-fishing conditions, including enough room to effectively cast a line. The river is ideal for standing in the flow wearing rubber waders and even seeing the fish moving in the clear waters. Sculpin patterned flies, including small yellow flatheads, work well on the Pine River, according to a Hawkins Fly Fishing report. Other methods include lure spinning and bait fishing.
  
  

Bag Limits and Sizes

• All trout in the Pine River are wild and the river is not artificially stocked. To preserve trout populations, Michigan imposes a bag and size limit on all trout species. The daily limit during the fishing season is five fish per person. Brown and brook trout cannot be kept if under 8 inches. Rainbow trout must be a minimum of 10 inches long.