Steelhead Fishing in Michigan

Presented by

Creg Hartman

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What is a Steelhead

Steelhead are rainbow trout that migrated out of fresh water as

juveniles and spent some portion of their life in the ocean before

returning to fresh water to spawn. According to Steelhead Program Coordinator Terry Jackson, adult Michigan steelhead are usually at

least 16 inches in length.

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Popular

Steelhead Rivers

in Michigan

1. Big Manistee River

2. Little Manistee River

3. Au Sable River

4. Betsie River

5. Muskegon River

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River Steelhead

There are many different techniques that an angler may choose when fishing for steelhead. All of these techniques will catch steelhead under certain

conditions. The key to success is to develop several techniques that can be matched to the particular river, or drift you are fishing, based on the current river conditions. Some techniques are better suited to fishing from a boat, such as pulling plugs, while others will work well while bank fishing. Some

techniques are better suited to fishing downstream from the anglers position, while other can be fished upstream.

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Float Fishing

Each year, more and more anglers are utilizing floats on American streams as

the knowledge of their versatility, effectiveness, and ease of use becomes

broader in the angling circles.

Under the bobber, a variety of lures / bait can be used to entice strikes from

either salmon or steelhead: jigs, plastic worms, and eggs or sandshrimp are the most often used in our boats.

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Best Baits

Jigs and Wax Worms Spawn Bags

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Different Rods and Reels

Spinning Reel

Fly Reel

Center Pin

Spinning reels are the easiest to use. And are made for casting lures.

Fly reels are more difficult to use and are made to cast flies.

Center pin reels are the hardest to use. They are made for float fishing.

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How to excess the Rivers:Waders vs Boats

WadersWaders are designed to get you in the water without getting wet. You are able to cross rivers and also keep your body warm in the winter time. Having a good pair of waders is key to success in steelhead fishing if you are fishing from the bank.

Jet Boat and Float Boats

Jet boats do not have a propeller and are able to get through a river system with ease. Float boats do not have any motor. They are rowed down the river with paddles.