It seems like we are finally stating to break free of a very long winter here in West Michigan. Most of our snow has melted and all of the ice has broken apart and flushed out finally allowing us to access the rivers. With that being said, fishing has been decent for us over the past week of fishing. We have seen big air temperature swings going from the upper 50s plummeting down into the low 20s over a few days. With air temperatures fluctuating quite dramatically, this means warmer weather windows are the shots to take when hitting the river. Water temps were around 34-35 degrees and if we can get water temps a degree or two above that, fish have been a little more willing to feed. The clarity and hight of our river seem almost perfect right now.
Numbers of fish have been average for us across the board. The masses of spring steelhead haven’t arrived just yet but with that being said there have been steelhead around to be caught. Spawning gravel has not been touched yet and we have found all of our fish residing in more “winter water”. Deeper, slower water from 4-7 feet have been most productive for us. Really focusing on slower “walking pace” seams. Almost all of our fish found this past week have been dark colored “hold over” male’s. Not many chrome fish have been found but rest assured they will be coming very soon. We just need warmer water temps to trigger the spring migration of steelhead.
On the gear side, bigger egg patterns have been the best for us. Larger rag eggs or 10mm-12mm beads have been the #1 choice. Peach colors have been producing the most fish for us but I would not be afraid to throw oranges, some yellows or even chartreuse colored eggs as well. Nymphs have been working fine but it had primarily been an egg bite for us and our guides. On the streamer front, flies in the 3-4 inch range have been the best size and sticking to more natural colors with a lot of flash has been working great for us. Orange and pink hot spots/heads have also been most productive. With water levels being up, we recommend using T-14 to T-17 sink tips and a slightly weighted fly.
We have been chomping at the bit to get out on the rivers and that time is finally here. Some fish are around and more fish will be arriving soon. The shop is loaded up with all the gear, flies and accessories you need for hitting the spring steelhead run. Get out and hit the rivers, cure the cabin fever, and you might just be rewarded with a beautiful winter/spring steelhead.