Michigan Steelhead Fishing!

Steelhead

There are many species of fish to chase in fresh water but the Steelhead tops our list. The average size of the steelhead we catch is eight pounds Although many Steelhead enter the rivers in the fall and stay until spring we break their time in the river into 3 categories. Fall, Winter and Spring The steelhead enter the rivers in Oct, will remain in the river until early May.

Fall Steelhead

As the leaf's start to fall and the salmon start to spawn, many steelhead will enter the rivers in West Michigan. Though it is not know 100% why some steelhead enter the river at this time being they do not spawn until spring, some people think it is the scent of thousands of salmon spawning flowing down the river. If I had to guess I would say that the water temps, river flow and length of days trigger them to enter the river. Whatever the reason Fall steelhead feed like crazy when they hit the river in the fall and put up a great fight. This is our favorite time of year to chase Steel. On most days we hook up on a bunch of these scrappy fighters.

Winter Steelhead

When the river water temps start hit the mid 40's the steelhead that are in the rivers move to their winter holding areas. At this time steelhead become more predictable as they pile into slower deep water. There are few other anglers on the water this time of year and we have the river to ourselves on most days.. We try to fish the warmest part of the day in the winter and our boats are equipped with propane heater to cut the chill. It may be cold outside and but the fishing can be hot.

Spring Steelhead

As the first mid winter warm ups start to melt the snow pack new fish start entering the systems daily. Most years by mid march the fish that have been in the river all winter will start to spawn. The new spring fish will quickly take their place on the gravel and remain so through April. Unlike the salmon, these fish spawn and then return to the lake.

Skamania Steelhead

Know as summer run steelhead the Skamania enter West Michigan Rivers mid-summer on most years. The St. Joe River and Big Manistee River produce the most "Scams" due to the fact these rivers still receive a plant of fish. These fish put up the most intense fight of any fresh water species. Once hooked it is not uncommon for these fish to jump 6' out of the water a dozen times. We do offer a few guided trips for the Skamania but they are limited and very weather dependent.

Methods

Float fishing with centerpin, Back Bouncing, Drop back plugs, Casting plugs & Fly fishing

Peak Seasons

Peak times Nov 1- Dec. 20 March 10- April

Lakes fished

Lake Michigan, Muskegon Lake, Manistee Lake, Pere Marquette Lake, White Lake, Rivers Fished- Muskegon River, Manistee River, Pere Marquette River,Grand River, White River, Betsie River

To book a Fishing Charter Contact:
Great Lakes Guide Service
Capt. Kyle Buck
231-638-5752

Remember - “Good Guides aren't cheap and cheap guides aren't good.”