Michigan is a place where steelhead anglers travel from all over the country for not only the pursuit of the fish, but the experience this state has to offer. The opportunities to explore are endless with over 300 river systems and beautiful terrain making it a perfect destination to chase and target one of the most exciting fish freshwater has to offer. Many of these rivers are easily accessible for wading and shore anglers thrive with the miles and miles of river bank to walk and wade. For those who have a jet boat, the opportunities are endless.
The opportunities for accessible fishing and endless water to cover isn’t the only appeal to Steelhead fishing in Michigan. Although these fish are not native to Lake Michigan they sure have thrived after being introduced before the 1900s. Using Lake Michigan as their ocean, these fish follow the same habits as they do in their native west coast waters, traveling in and out of Lake Michigan to spawn in many of the river systems. While the state stills stocks many of our fisheries, natural reproduction is occurring and strong with some rivers being classified as “Blue Ribbon” meaning they rely solely on natural reproduction to maintain its population.
We have three major runs here in Michigan, Fall, Spring and Summer. We also have pushes of fish that trickle in throughout the winter when conditions are right. Different runs peak at different times depending on where in the state you are located or deciding to fish. Anglers typically have their favorite run or season, you will find fall and winter are a typical favorite amongst avid steelhead anglers. Fall run fish show up towards the end of salmon season when they are spawning and dropping eggs, the steelhead sit right behind them and enjoy the free buffet for a while. We experience this all of November and part of December, when water temps start dropping we start seeing fish move into their winter patterns typically around the middle of December. Winter fishing carries on through February, towards the latter half of February is when we start to see the first pushes of Spring fish depending on where you are fishing, By March almost all of Michigan’s major river systems are starting to experience the spring run to some degree. The spring run carries on through mid April or May depending on location again.
If fishing Michigan is something you haven’t done it’s must, chasing freshwaters finest fish in one of the best places you can do it is an experience every angler should have. The beautiful landscape and terrain to some of the best Steelhead fishing in the country makes for a perfect adventure and the ultimate fishing experience.
John Wielinga
269-277-9293
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