Fishing Dead River

Marquette County, Michigan

Fish Species

Brown trout

DNR Fish Stocking

Brown trout: 440 total
DateSpeciesStrainNumberAvg Length
5/12/2020 Brown trout Sturgeon River 440 4.69"

Source: Michigan DNR Fish Stocking Database

Ice Fishing

As a relatively small impoundment in the Upper Peninsula, Dead River likely freezes solidly most winters given Marquette County's harsh climate. Always check ice thickness locally, especially near any hydro outflows where currents can thin the ice unpredictably.

Fishing Tournaments & Competitions

Check for upcoming registered bass, walleye, and muskellunge tournaments on Dead River.

Michigan Fishing Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the fishing good on Dead River?

Fishing reports are mixed at best. Some visitors have found the lake largely unproductive, with one reviewer bluntly calling it 'almost like the river is dead.' It's not a destination fishery — if you're in the Marquette area primarily to fish, you have much better options nearby.

Data: Michigan DNR · ← Back to Dead River Guide