Fishing Middle Branch River

Osceola County, Michigan

Fish Species

Brown trout

DNR Fish Stocking

Brown trout: 8,484 total
DateSpeciesStrainNumberAvg Length
5/20/2025 Brown trout Wild Rose 740 6.94"
5/20/2025 Brown trout Wild Rose 740 6.94"
4/30/2024 Brown trout Wild Rose 700 7.34"
4/30/2024 Brown trout Wild Rose 700 7.34"
5/10/2023 Brown trout Wild Rose 673 7.03"
5/10/2023 Brown trout Wild Rose 671 7.03"
5/17/2022 Brown trout Wild Rose 750 7.13"
5/17/2022 Brown trout Wild Rose 750 7.13"
5/6/2020 Brown trout Wild Rose 710 6.59"
5/6/2020 Brown trout Wild Rose 710 6.59"

Source: Michigan DNR Fish Stocking Database

Ice Fishing

The Marion Millpond historically froze reliably enough for ice fishing given its shallow, impounded nature. However, with the 2021 drawdown and ongoing restoration, ice conditions and fishability are uncertain — check local conditions before heading out.

Fishing Tournaments & Competitions

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

Michigan Fishing Resources

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you fish at the Marion Millpond on the Middle Branch River?

You can, but don't expect much right now. The millpond was drained in 2021 as part of a dam and sediment project, and locals report the fishing has been poor since — perch and panfish that used to be reliable are largely gone. The river itself still holds some fish, but the impoundment needs time to recover.

What fish are in the Middle Branch River?

Historically, the river and millpond held perch, panfish, and crawdads. Longtime locals have even reported catching sturgeon decades ago. Current fishing is limited at the millpond due to the 2021 drawdown, but the river corridor still supports warm-water species.

Data: Michigan DNR · ← Back to Middle Branch River Guide