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March 2011
 It is that time of year again to perhaps dust off your steelhead gear or to concentrate your efforts more on your favorite steelhead waters. The steelhead have been making their way into the rivers with moderate pushes and the winter fish are becoming more active. It will not be long before the stream temps reach 40 degrees and above and the annual spawning migration will take place. Remember as well that these winter fish may be working on redding up very soon. There has already been reports of polished gravel in a few of our Michigan rivers. Try fishing a variety of different flies as the lethargic fish may be turning on and fueling up before their spawning efforts take place. Small egg patterns are always a good choice this time of year as well as nymphs. Many bugs are dislodged from the stream bottom as these fish begin to dig their redds and eggs are often found rolling down the stream bed and caught in the wash. Large buggy patterns can be effective as well to create that aggressive strike from
aggravated or hungry fish. Locally here in Southeast Michigan there has been a mix of winter and spring fish caught with some very nice chrome fish brought to hand. Enjoy these March days here in Michigan and enjoy the action and be safe!
February 2011
Spring is fast approaching although it may not feel like it here in Michigan. We received our big snow storm at the start of this month and the temps are bone chillin' cold. However, the steelhead action has been fair to good and we suspect that with a mid to late February thaw the action for these fish should only get better! We are currently booking spring steelhead trips for destination fishing and local trips are still available for those that may want to try the action close to home. Remember that these winter fish will need to feed sooner than later and a few warm days coupled by some possible rain in the mix will get these fish out of the wood and out of the holding depths to feed. The winter stonefly may be very active this time of month and is a relatively small critter that the steelhead and trout will key in on. Try fishing a small egg with a winter stonefly dropper size 12 to 16. Stay warm out there and we hope to see you on the river!
January 2011
The weather here in Michigan has been the typical wintery conditions with good amounts of snow, chilling wind and below 32 degree temps. For those of you willing to brave the elements the steelhead bite can be good. We have received good reports from a few anglers swinging flies up north as well as indicator fishing. If you can not get the streamer bite to go try using small naturals and eggs for these lethargic fish. Look for the second January/February thaw and some ambient temps above 40 degrees to really get the fish cooperating. Always remember to cover a lot of water out there and do not let the frozen eye guides frustrate you when fishing near or below freezing. Also, this is a good time to stock up your fly box with new and 'tried and true' patterns for the spring action. We hope that everyone is having a safe and happy New Year!
December 2010
Well folks, we are closely nearing the winter season and the steelhead action has been fair to good in our Michigan river systems. We unfortunately did not have much rain the last month and many of our rivers have been low and clear making it challenging to hook-up many steelhead. However, with light line and a good presentation many anglers have been successful with nymphing. The morning bite with some good cloud cover has been rewarding anglers as well. Streamer fishing with swinging techniques has been producing a good number of fish through out the state and remember that with a swung streamer you most often do not have to fish that light of leaders and tippets. When the water is high and dirty try swinging streamers or bottom bouncing and if the water is clear and low and the fish are a bit spooky an indicator rig with light line and small eggs and nymphs may just do the trick. Remember to cover a lot of water out there and fish tight to the wood and other structures. Happy Holidays and as always FISH ON!
November 2010
We made it through another successful fall king salmon fishing season and now
our focus has turned to the fall run steelhead. The water temps are mostly ideal this time of year for some aggressive fish to be taking streamers. The indicator
approach can be good at times but the aggressive fish tend to show themselves a bit more this month and a properly swung streamer will often get some great
results. Remember to cover a lot of water in search for these aggressive steelies and try all different types of color combos with some flash. Enjoy your
time on the water, be safe out there and FISH ON!
October 2010
Well folks, the salmon finally arrived and a bit late in many of our Michigan rivers. The fishing has been good to great the last
two weeks and the salmon will most likely be here for a few more weeks with a few pods trickling in late October. If you have not had the chance to get out
for some Michigan salmon action, now is definitely the time to go! Try fishing black stones in the 4-6 size, eggs in the 6 to 8 size and egg sucking leeches in
sizes 4-8. Remember to cover a lot of water out there as some holes will have more fish than others. This is also the month that most browns will begin to
spawn. These river browns have expended a lot of energy in preparation for their spawn especially after many salmon have overtaken their habitat and its
important to release them carefully after they have been caught so they can continue their spawning ritual. Enjoy this crisp and cool fall season and be
safe out there!
September 2010
The weather is still very hot and humid here in Michigan but we are definitely at the right month for the salmon to start their annual fall migration. We may just see a long season with pods of fish moving in through out October and early November. This is a busy time of year on the rivers for many anglers and the crowds can get quite large at times, so please remember to respect your fellow angler and give him or her plenty of room out there and remember to politely ask if you can fish in close proximity if there is no alternative fishing spots. Also try and cross the river atleast 25 to 50 yards above or down stream from your fellow angler to avoid spooking fish or disturbing the habitat. Another good mention, is to avoid walking through spawning bedds (redds) as these fish deposit their eggs here and the silt from your feet disturbing the stream bottom can smother the developing egg and the direct contact from your wading boots can crush the eggs. Have a great season out there and when fishing runs, slots, pockets, pools and holes try a variety of different flies. For runs and slots no deeper than 3 to 5 ft I like to fish attractors and naturals. With pockets I tend to fish flies that the fish can see quickly and or natural nymphs that are washed to behind the focal point of a rock, log or some other structure. Finally, for fishing pools and holes deeper than 5 ft with moderate currents I like to dead drift large nymphs and streamers and it never hurts to throw an egg pattern up top as well. Have a great salmon season everyone and for those browns and bows that you may catch near the salmon please consider releasing them as the browns may be on the spawn and the bows are not stocked in many of our Michigan rivers. Practice Catch & Release when you can and never take fish that you do not intend on eating and make sure to check the stream restrictions/regulations so that you are angling lawfully.
August 2010
We are in the 'dog days' of summer folks and this is a transitional period for Michigan fishing. The trout fishing remains fair to good with many fish being brought to hand by hoppers and other terrestrials. We are quickly approaching salmon season and that means a large push of migratory fish will be in the rivers soon. Usually by late August we will begin to see good numbers and by September and October it is game on! Remember to use heavier leaders for these 'king' salmon such as 8 to 10 pd test and large nymphs such as stoneflies and Hexes will do the trick. Dead drifting streamers such as egg-sucking leeches and wooly buggers is a great way to go as well for these aggressive river beasts. The crowds do pick up this time of year so remember to give plenty of room to your fellow angler and please also remember to discard your trash in the proper place and not on the river banks when you are done fishing. For those of you looking to do a guided fly-fishing trip for fall salmon we still have some dates open and would love to have you join us for a day of good fishing! Enjoy these summer days and enjoy the soon coming 'King' salmon. Keep your lines wet, Fish On and we hope to see you on the river!
July 2010
It's been a down right hot and humid July this year and many of our trout streams are suffering. Trout have become lethargic as water temps have been reported in the low to mid 70's. Please remember that the stress levels are greater to trout with the warm water temps and that it is always a good idea to let the night lows reach below 70 degrees before considering a day out on the river catching and releasing stressed fish. If you decide to fish these warm river temps please take the time to revive your fish a bit longer than on average as they will need that extra time for oxygen to reach the gills. This is the time of year we start concentrating on terrestrials such as ants, beetles and hoppers. Streamer fishing remains good but a hopper and dropper combo can be quite deadly. There are also still a good smattering of mid season hatches so keep your eyes peeled and match the hatch! Keep your lines wet and as always FISH ON!
June 2010
Its trout time folks and that means streamer fishing for big browns and bows as well as dry fly fishing for the annual 'Hex' hatch occurring any where from mid June until the first or second week of July. The 'Hex' hatch is a night time hatch that occurs on many of our northern rivers. Be prepared to catch or hook a trophy brown over 20 inches during this hatch. Remember to use strong tippets and short leaders for this hatch and do not shine your head lamps on to your drift or presentation when fishing for these nightly brutes. For you day time anglers there is still a good smattering of hatches that will bring about some day time feeders on a dry and remember that nymph fishing can be very productive as well since trout do about 90% of their feeding sub-surface. Best of luck out there, keep your lines wet and FISH ON!
May 2010
Well Michigan steelhead season has come and almost went. There are still a good number of steelhead to be found in some of the big water systems up north but for the most part the season is coming to a quick end. We are now transitioning into trout season and seeing some great hatches as well. Remember to use light tippets during the day when dry fly fishing and look about for adult insects in the shrubs and trees along the river banks. Match the hatch when you can and also utilize attractor patterns to get the job done. Small nymphs can be deadly this time of year as well as large streamers. Hope to see many of you on the river. Keep your lines wet and FISH ON!
April 2010
Steelhead season is in full swing and many Michigan rivers are experiencing that annual spring migration ritual. You may want to concentrate your efforts in deeper holes and runs allowing spawning fish on the gravel a chance to court and finish their spawning efforts. Some good flies to fish for the spring season are egg patterns, stoneflies, green caddis, sparrow nymphs, hexes and pheasant tails. If you decide to target steelhead on their redds remember to try and fish the bucks as the hens when hooked will often spook the bucks from nearing the nest. Also remember to practice catch and release out there as steelhead have multiple spawning generations and do not perish like their close cousin the Chinook 'King' salmon. The spring weather has been great in Michigan and we encourage folks to take advantage of this great resource. Please also remember that some of our fisheries are rather fragile and exploitation, over-harvesting, etc. can damage the resource and cause problematic effects for a good period of time. Practice good sportsmanship and leave the river and its banks clean. The Fish are here folks, now go get em' and FISH ON!
March 2010
Spring steelhead season is here folks and that means good numbers of fish with often times good numbers of people. Remember that there is usually plenty of room for every angler but it's always important to practice good etiquette while fishing. Give plenty of space between anglers and never cross the river in close proximity without their permission. Please also throw away or recycle your used monofillament after fishing and remember to pack out what you have packed in. We need to continue to keep our rivers and banks clean and trash is not only unsightly but does a lot of damage to the waters and the aquatic life as well. Have a great season everyone and please remember to not keep more fish than you can eat and practice catch and release as often as you can. Go get em'!
February 2010
Well folks, we have just about made it through another Michigan winter and that means spring steelhead to soon follow. February can be a very good month for steelhead as many of these winter fish will start to feed. With their several month stint in the river system, these fish often gain the urge to feed and the instinctual pre-spawn mode is usually evident. There are a few species of winter stone flies that begin to hatch in January and throughout the month of February. Steelhead will key in on this hatch activity and will take the nymphal stage when presented correctly. Try fishing stones in sizes 10 through 14 and be prepared for a few good hook-ups. Remember that a few days above 40 degrees with some possible rain in the mix can trigger these elusive creatures into taking your offering. Best of luck out there, keep your lines wet and FISH ON!
January 2010
Happy New Year Everyone! With this new year means new fish to pursue and some old ones. Winter has set in and hunting has slowed down as well as the fishing to some degree. However, the fishing can be quite good if folks are willing to brave the Michigan elements. All we can say is pound the water and move around and tiny flies are usually on the menu for these lethargic steelhead. If fishing indicators remember that the bite is often light as well as for light line nymphing. With the indicator bite you may see a small upstream twitch or a subtle stop and with light line nymphing you may just feel a pause in between the tick or the line may stop for a second or two through your drift. Good luck out there, stay warm and keep your lines wet. FISH ON!
December 2009
Well folks we have all made it through the summer and late fall and the fall fishing was quite good for the kings not to mention some decent steelhead action as well! This time of year the fishing can slow a bit for trout on open streams and rivers but the steelhead action can remain good. Try fishing smaller egg patterns with small nymphs and concentrate your efforts in the softer water. Look for a few days above 40 degrees for outside temps to raise the water temps a bit and the 3rd day or 4th day after some warm weather and heavy rains can really turn these fish on. Remember to cover a lot of water and your efforts may just pay off. FISH ON!
November 2009
Fall is most definitely here with the chill in the air and cold night time lows. November can be a great month for Michigan steelhead folks. As many outdoor folks are concentrating their efforts on deer hunting or duck hunting our rivers can be less crowded with anglers and the steelhead bite can be on! This is a fun time of the year to indicator fish as many stream run fish are still looking to feed quite regularly and a more vertical drifted presentation can be deadly. Remember to layer up with the proper attire out there and concentrate your efforts in the runs and holes. The bite can be light or it can be hair raising and rod jolting depending on water temps and the mood of the fish. Remember to take plenty of pictures of your Fall run steelies as these fish are quite spectacular in color this time of year and feel free to post your pics on our Forum. Great Fishing Everyone!
October 2009
The salmon fishing continues to be quite good for many western Michigan rivers. The coho will also start to run this month and you will find them to be very aggressive toward the properly presented fly. Flies of choice for these october coho are green caddis, pink nuc-eggs, egg sucking leeches and hex nymphs. There should be a good number of steelhead entering many river systems as well and late October can be a good time to search these fish out. The steelhead that may not be positioned behind salmon will more than likely be in the holes and certainly watch for some aggressive resident browns to be gorging themselves on salmon eggs. Best of Luck out there and FISH ON!
September 2009
Fall salmon season is here folks for Michigan and that means great fishing with sometimes great numbers of people. Please remember to give plenty of room to your fellow angler out there and remember to use good etiquette. You may want to concentrate your fishing efforts on deeper holes early season as this is where the salmon like to pod up and hold awaiting their spawning efforts. Flies of choice would be black stoneflies and egg sucking leeches. Have a great fall salmon season everyone and FISH ON!
August 2009
This time of year and always make sure to watch the river flow rate and the temps (both ambient and water). As we near fall salmon and steelhead season it is important to note water temperature and ambient temps. Remember that many steelhead will come into the river system to feed on salmon eggs and many will stay over as fall/winter hold overs. Fall temps can provide very good fishing for steelies and as winter approaches the water temps below 40 degrees some times make it hard to feel or get that good bite. Look for fall steelies to be positioned behind spawning salmon and as late fall approaches try fishing deeper runs and holes. Good Luck and Fish On!
July 2009
When fishing streamers remember to keep the strip going when a trout begins to follow your fly. Often times we get caught up in the excitement and as the fish follows we stop our strip retrieve therefore turning the trout completely off and losing the hook up. Good Fishing!
June 2009
This is my favorite time to fish for bass and trout. When bass fishing remember to concentrate your efforts near the shallows as this is prime spawning location. Try fishing baits that match the vegetation and suggest natural aquatic life. When trout fishing remember to match the hatch the best that you can. There is a large variety of bugs this time of year and fish are keying in on all sorts of bug life. Light tippets in the morning and afternoon are key with heavier tippets at night to fight those trophy sized night predator browns. Folks, this is also the Hex month with evening fishing often times becoming spectacular with good dun hatches and spinner falls. Remember to fish a short leader with strong tippet and get ready as you may tangle into a trophy sized brownie past the hour of midnight. Good Fishing Everyone!
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