Steelhead are one of the most exciting fish in Michigan and for good reason. Their speed, power and impressive acrobatics keeps people coming back for more. Although many rivers offer the opportunity at catching Steelhead almost 12 months out of the year, there are still prime times to target these fish. We get three major runs here in Michigan, Fall, Spring and summer. We get pods of fish that push and show up throughout the winter as well but it wouldn’t be considered a run. So when is the best time to Steelhead fish?
Some of this could come down to preference however, the best time to steelhead fish is Late October-December and February. The crowds are at a minimum and the fish are hot and plentiful. Water temperature plays a large factor in this, as well as the salmon egg buffet they have been enjoying for awhile. My favorite part about these months is the style of fishing. My primary and favorite way to target steelhead is float or bobber fishing but that remains the same throughout any run. When talking about the style I am referring to the run-and-gun pace we get to keep. Other months of the year involve sitting on spots and pods of fish and drifting the same water over and over again, while this is still fun, I much prefer to stay on the move covering a lot of water, looking for my quick bites until I find a pod to pick at before getting back on the move.Â
For many the best time to steelhead fish is whenever they get to go, which is more than understandable. However, if you’re planning a trip or taking a day off, pick those days strategically. We covered the best months to steelhead fish but there are also events and windows during those time frames that make for better fishing.Â
During the fall run we are looking for rain and cooler temps. It is not just the rain we are looking for, the rain is an indication to watch your flow charts. As soon as the rain starts you should at least see an improvement in your bite and fish moving around, however that isn’t the best time yet. I look for the flow charts to start rising and especially after a heavy rain that could cause the river to blow, I am waiting for the water levels to start dropping again, then it’s go time. You will have fresh fish entering the system that haven’t been targeted yet and the bite should be great.
That December and February window, we’re looking for warm days and snow melt. For all the same reasons as above, just a different source of precipitation to raise the water levels.
This article should hopefully give you an idea of the best time to steelhead fish. However, any day and time you get to target these incredible fish is a good day to go. We don’t need those events and specific situations to have a very successful day of fishing but when those events happen, we know good days are coming. Keep your eyes open for these conditions but fish when you can, ultimately the best time to steelhead fish is whenever you get to steelhead fish.
John Wielinga
269-277-9293
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