Spring Steelhead are on the way!
Over the past several days, Steelhead fishing has steadily improved. New fish hve moved into the lower to middle sections of the Muskegon River. Chrome fish are always an added bonus for fly fishermen. Bright Steelhead are far more aggressive towards the fly, especially closer to Spring.
 |
| Centerpin Float Fishing in the Spring is deadly effective. |
During late February, March, and April, Steelhead key in predominately on small black winter stone flies. Usually about a size #10 - #12, black stone flies are very prolific and make up a good portion of a Steelhead's diet. Anglers can cash in with stoneflies because steelhead actively seek them out as food, and consume hundreds each day while the hatch is going.
There are several very good techniques for fishing stone flies for Steelhead. Probably the most effective is chuck and duck, or free style nymphing. This technique works best because the egg fly or trout bead, and a black stone fly nymph is drifted along the bottom. During periods of colder water, free style nymphing works best, keeping the flies on or very near to the gravel bottom of the river.
 |
| Spring offers warm weather when everyone can catch fish! Muskegon River Guide Service for Steelhead. |
The second most effective is fishing two flies on a floating fly line and a strike indicator. Dropping two flies below an indicator works wonders some days. This technique also works well while drifted off the side of a drift boat or jet sled. The angler casts off the side of the boat, as the guide keeps the boat rowing at the same speed as the current.
Efforts for fishing spring Steelhead should be focused on the deeper portions of the runs, and the deep sections of gravel. Cold water Steelhead hand out in slower, deeper water. The path of least resistance to conserve energy, in preparation for the spring spawning run.
Go BIG or go home! Huge Spawning buck steelhead
Our guides do very well during late winter months fishing stone flies and other dark nymph patterns. Stone flies and egg patterns are a winter staple in Michigan rivers. If you'd like to learn more about winter / Spring Steelhead, please check out our daily fishing for the Muskegon River.
Michigan Fishing Trips & Reports Or Send Us a Text. (231) 519-7348
