This is the peak month for our spring steelhead season in west Michigan. Some spawn bags are tied so that they are neutrally buoyant, through the use of small Styrofoam balls, while others are meant to sink. Skip to main content . Trout are still active when water temperatures stay above the magical 40 degree mark and it’s common to find fresh steelhead in some river systems. Fishing can be very good for both spring steelhead and resident trout. These fighters make blazing fast runs, leap, and will strike savagely even in cold temperatures. I am going to Oscoda Michigan in a week for some winter Au sable river Steelhead and maybe some Atlantic salmon. If you're looking for some rivers to try you might start with this useful article on Michigan steelhead rivers that's been around for a while. Access is easy. Looking to catch some steelhead? We did get some precipitation the last few days, so wouldn’t surprise me to see 2K on the flows … They are one of the most popular sportfish in Michigan. When fishing winter steelhead in emerald green water color try using a 1/4 oz. We still have low and incredibly clear water on the Muskegon river and we’ll probably have these conditions until early spring weather, which brings snow melt, runoff and even some possible rain. Fish are abundant. With the salmon runs done for the most part in Northern Michigan, steelhead fishing should be picking up, especially with any increase in water levels due to rain. Michigan Fishing Reports – Spring Steelhead Fishing has been going strong on the Muskegon River. Most patterns are tied larger and brighter than real life and “suggest” caddis, but serve more as an attractor – especially when fishing stained water. The spawn is tied into mesh spawn bags of different sizes and colors. There are many ways to catch steelhead both from the shore and with a boat. The Muskegon river fishing report for January 21, 2021 in the Newaygo, Michigan area is focused on the onset of true “winter conditions” and the fish available to catch during the colder months. For gear anglers, the use of cured salmon or steelhead spawn is a fantastic choice. $350 Half Day - 2 People +$100 for a third person. 373 contributions 38 helpful votes. Those using spawn are reporting good days and slow days, as the waters were cloudy due to strong winds, the DNR said Most say it is still worth the time to fish the area. $450 Full day - 2 People. 1-877-801-3474. They tend to hold in deeper, slower holding water, where less energy is expended. Trout beads & small spawn sacks have been fishing well on light spinning tackle.Spinning Tackle Float fishing has been the best lately. FREE Shipping for orders over $100 (USA orders only) NEW Online Order Shipping Delays During Covid-19. Steelhead fishing is a multimillion dollar sport here in the Wolverine State. Steelhead respond best to jigs presented in a horizontal fashion. Great News! River levels and clarity are about average for this time of year water temperatures hovering around 35 degrees. Steelhead Alley – Lake Erie. Fishing for Michigan steelhead this year is going to be a fun and exciting challenge. I caught it on a Mepps Aglia #4 spinner. Fishing has been pretty good over the last couple weeks. Ask the fishing experts at Fat Nancy's Tackle Shop to point you in the right direction. There is no closed season. So, I was thinking I might try … And the fun is there for the taking. The heavy line from the rod is attached to one end of a three way swivel. Salmon smolt also feed well on Stone flies and Caddis.Bead fishing has also been very good. The fall steelhead run is just beginning in many Michigan rivers. Be sure to check with the Michigan DNR for regulations and season dates for the water you plan to fish. About Michigan Steelhead Fishing. Muskegon River Fishing Steelhead Fishing Lake Michigan Fishing. Steelhead enter their spawning streams from late October to early May. The Manistee River Steelhead Report for early January has the Manistee River in full winter mode. And truth is, despite a century of steelhead fishing in the Mitten State, it wasn’t until about 35 years ago that Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources began stocking any of those steroidal rainbow trout into a Lake Erie trib. This grub looking pupa ranges in size and color, but it seems that green and chartreuse are the most effective for Michigan steelhead. Fishing for Michigan steelhead this year is going to be a fun and exciting challenge. About Michigan Steelhead Fishing. They hit hard, leap high, and run like a freight train when hooked, which is why hundreds of anglers converge each fall on rivers in the Grand Rapids-area hoping to hook a steelhead. My husband and I chartered this guide out of Muskegon to fish for salmon. Fly fishing for steelhead can be a more expensive way to fish from the bank, but if you are willing to learn how to tie your own flies or get your feet wet by fly fishing for trout, it can be a highly effective (and enjoyable) way to fish. Centerpin reels look similar to traditional fly fishing reels but that’s where the similarity stops. Conclusion. Winter Steelhead Fishing. We are officially in the throws of steelhead season. Don’t miss your chance to experience Michigan’s wonderful fall fishing – for more information about opportunities in the southeast corner of the state, visit Michigan.gov/fishing or call the Waterford Fisheries Office. It has a lot of useful information on the Upper and Lower Michigan. Welcome Fisherman, I would like to thank everyone for fishing with Scott's Sport fishing Charters over the years. Centerpin fishing for Steelhead in Michigan’s rivers has become increasingly popular in recent years. Lake Trout. Water flows are currently at a good level, and running at 1950 cfs. Tipping your jig with a chunk of prawn, sand shrimp or coon shrimp tail also works. In northwest Michigan, steelhead fishing at Frankfort has been steady for pier and shore anglers. Winter steelhead are a slightly different beast than fall or spring steelhead. High season is November to December. They receive 7,500-10,000 steelhead during stocking each spring. Steelhead provide exciting winter fishing trips in northern Michigan. The husband got one bite and I didn't even get one. Servicing West Michigan’s pristine rivers; The Muskegon River, The Grand River, The Manistee River, and The Pere Marquette River. Troutscout is now part of Steelhead Hunter Guide Service. Rivers have the most fish and fishermen at this time of year. The salmon was about 7 pounds. Low season is April to August. Drifting Trout beads, spawn sacks, or jigs … The month of December can be very good fishing for both resident Brown and Rainbow trout, as well as steelhead, especially in bigger, tailwater rivers, which take longer to cool down than smaller, spring fed streams. The difference is due to several factors, water temperature, the urge to spawn, and available food supplies. It doesn’t require complex or expensive tackle to get in on the great river steelhead fishing that Michigan has to offer. Techniques to fish for winter steelhead vary: For gear anglers, the use of cured salmon or steelhead spawn is a fantastic choice. Bright Silver Steelhead have been throughout the mainstream, from the Croton Dam through the Newaygo area. I attempted to Steelhead fishing in November and had no luck with the Steelhead, but did get a nice Atlantic Salmon. Steelhead Fishing in the Grand Rapids Area. All reviews steelhead captain fishing. Size 5 to 15lbs; Food Value Good; Game Qualities Average; Habitats Lake; Michigan . Steelhead are around in most every river system at this point, and we are setting up for a good winter of fishing. Do any of you have any tips for winter Steelhead fishing? We got skunked. A simple, long, fishing rod and spinning reel with some heavy test line can be used. Fishing Report. Rainbow Trout (Steelhead) fishing in Michigan varies moderately throughout the year. The salmon spawn puts millions of eggs in the river that the steelhead feast on. They were a small group who wanted not only to protect their fishery, but learn how to catch their elusive prey and tell fishing stories. Steelhead begin moving into our rivers in fall. FREE Shipping for orders over $100 (USA orders only) NEW Online Order Shipping Delays During Covid-19. Their motivation is available food and the urge to spawn. Michigan August 20, 2016 East of Honor, the Platte River is well-known for its steelhead and salmon runs, but is also gaining popularity for it trout fly fishing. Maxi Jig™ tipped with the last few inches of a pink worm (I do this using the PowerBait® scent- filled steelhead worm), which can add to your success. King Salmon, Steelhead, Trout, Walleye and Smallmouth Bass * NOW BOOKING * Winter and Spring Steelhead Fishing Trips-Grand River near Grand Rapids, Mi-Muskegon River near Newaygo, Mi. Most anglers don’t have access to a boat, so I will concentrate on shore fishing opportunities for steelhead. Next you need some light leader line to tie to the other two ends of the swivel. As most of you know we have enjoyed consistent success, including winning the Cabela's Shootout, and averaging 13 fish per trip as well. Steelhead remain in the rivers after their fall salmon roe feast, creating great opportunities for winter river fishing. Trout activity picks up considerably once river temperatures rise above 45 degrees. The headwaters are above Bronson Lake and then the river flows through down to Platte Lake and then on into the confluence with Lake Michigan. Winter steelhead guided fishing trips are a terrific way to enjoy the beauty and serenity of Michigan's rivers. We've been on many Charters and have never been skunked before. Massive winter snows and lots of spring rain mean that high, fast moving steelhead … Michigan is home to some of the finest salmon and steelhead fishing on the planet and the fall spawning migrations offers angling adventure that can rival those found anywhere. Salmon and Trout Fishing on Lake Michigan and the upper and lower stretches of the Manistee river, walk in guided trips on Little Manistee & Bear creek for steelhead, land locked Atlantic … Please consider a trip with us this summer. Anglers may notice an increase in the number of fin-clipped steelhead showing up in their catch this year due to the efforts of the U.S. Fish Species Similar to Rainbow Trout (Steelhead) in Michigan . Michigan Steelhead and Salmon Fisherman's Association (MSSFA) was organized in 1971 by a handful of individuals who knew that Michigan's newly formed trout & salmon fishery was something worth working to protect. Temps are dropping, although they are dropping slowly and that is drawing out fall a bit which we are happy about. Spring steelhead fishing in Michigan is a different animal from fall steelhead fishing. Although many fish enter the rivers in the fall and overwinter there, they don't actually spawn until the spring. Mrs P wrote a review Sep 2019. Steelhead and Steelhead fishing has became one of the most sought after game fish and fishing pastimes in Michigan, rivaled by only the Chinook or King Salmon in popularity with Michigan anglers. 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