5.0(1 Reviews)Private 6-Hour Steelhead River Fishing Trip
5.0(1 reviews)
Private Trip
River Fishing
Private 6hour steelhead fishing on Saint Joseph RiverEnclosed boat accommodates up to four passengers comfortablyCombines jigging and trolling techniques for winterrun steelhead
The Saint Joseph River in Michigan is hands down one of the best places to chase winter-run steelhead, and this private 6-hour charter gives you the perfect chance to experience it firsthand. Captain Jarrod from In The Box Fishing Charters knows every bend, pool, and current break on this productive river system. You'll be fishing from an enclosed boat that keeps you comfortable while you focus on what matters most – hooking into these hard-fighting chrome rockets. With space for up to two anglers, this trip is perfect for a father-son day, a couple looking to try something new, or just you and your best fishing buddy wanting to chase some serious fish.
This isn't your typical lake fishing experience. River fishing for steelhead requires patience, skill, and local knowledge – all things Captain Jarrod brings to the table. The Saint Joseph River offers diverse fishing opportunities throughout its system, from deeper holes where steelhead stage during their spawning runs to faster current breaks where they feed aggressively. The enclosed boat is a game-changer during Michigan's colder months, giving you protection from wind and weather while still allowing easy access to prime fishing spots. You'll spend your day moving between productive areas, reading the water, and adapting your approach based on what the fish are telling you. The trip runs up to six hours or until you hit your legal limit – whichever comes first. Most days, you'll find yourself hoping the fish slow down just so you can stay out longer.
Captain Jarrod uses a combination of jigging and trolling methods that are proven effective on the Saint Joseph River. Jigging involves working lures vertically through deeper pools and current seams where steelhead hold during their river runs. You'll learn to feel the subtle strikes and how to work your jig through different water columns. Trolling comes into play when covering water to locate active fish, especially in the lower river sections. The captain provides all the gear you'll need, from rods and reels to the specific lures and jigs that produce results on this river system. He'll teach you how to read the water, understand current breaks, and position your bait in the strike zone. Don't worry if you're new to river fishing – these techniques are easy to pick up with proper instruction, and Captain Jarrod has a knack for getting first-timers into fish.
"Captain Jarrod gave us a fantastic time on the lake. I go deep sea fishing every year in Florida and this was my first experience with a charter in Michigan. I had more fun and more success than I ever have in the keys. He was great with my nephew, who is not the easiest to entertain. He even entered my nephew into the local steelheader competition for his King Salmon. Took the time after fishing to drive to the local tackle shop to have it officially weighed. Truly a great, great time. Professional, personable and successful. We will be going again." - Joseph
Steelhead trout are the main attraction on this trip, and for good reason. These sea-run rainbow trout average 8-15 pounds in the Saint Joseph River, but don't let the numbers fool you – they fight like fish twice their size. Winter-run steelhead enter the river system from Lake Michigan between October and March, with peak action typically occurring from December through February. What makes steelhead so special is their incredible strength and aerial displays. When you hook one, expect multiple jumps, powerful runs, and a fight that'll test your drag system. These fish have spent months feeding in the open waters of Lake Michigan, building up fat reserves and muscle mass. The result is a chrome-bright fish that's built for battle.
Brown trout in the Saint Joseph River system are year-round residents that offer consistent action throughout the season. These fish are smart, selective, and tend to grow large in the river's fertile waters. Browns averaging 3-8 pounds are common, with trophy fish pushing double digits. They're most active during low-light conditions and overcast days, making them perfect targets during Michigan's winter months. What anglers love about browns is their cunning nature – they'll test your patience and skill, often following lures for long distances before committing to a strike. When they do hit, browns typically make powerful runs toward cover, using their knowledge of the river's structure to their advantage.
Rainbow trout provide fast action and acrobatic fights that keep things exciting throughout the day. The Saint Joseph River's rainbow population includes both resident fish and seasonal runs, with sizes ranging from scrappy 12-inchers to hefty 5-pound specimens. Rainbows are aggressive feeders and less cautious than their brown trout cousins, making them perfect for anglers who want steady action. They're active in a wide range of water temperatures and conditions, though they really turn on during stable weather patterns. When you hook a rainbow, expect immediate aerial displays and rapid direction changes that'll keep you on your toes. They're also excellent table fare, making them a favorite among anglers who like to take a few fish home for dinner.
The Saint Joseph River's steelhead run is one of Michigan's best-kept secrets, but word is getting out fast. Captain Jarrod's combination of local knowledge, quality equipment, and genuine passion for putting clients on fish makes this trip a standout choice for serious anglers and newcomers alike. Whether you're looking to cross steelhead off your bucket list, introduce someone to river fishing, or just spend a day pursuing some of the Great Lakes region's most prized gamefish, this charter delivers. The enclosed boat means you can fish comfortably even when conditions aren't perfect, and the private setting ensures you'll get personalized attention and instruction. Book your spot now and discover why so many anglers consider the Saint Joseph River their go-to destination for world-class steelhead fishing.
Tylosurus AcusBrown trout are smart, cautious fish that average 12-18 inches in the Saint Joseph River, with some reaching over 20 inches. They love deep pools, undercut banks, and areas with good cover like fallen logs or rocky structure. These golden-brown beauties with black spots are most active during low-light periods - early morning, evening, and overcast days work best. Fall fishing can be outstanding when they're feeding heavily before winter. What makes browns special is their wariness - they'll test your skills more than other trout. Once hooked, they fight hard and make great table fare with their firm, flaky meat. Local tip: browns often hold in the slower water just downstream from fast current breaks where food gets swept to them.
Oncorhynchus MykissRainbow trout in the Saint Joseph typically run 10-16 inches and are much more aggressive than their brown trout cousins. You'll find them in faster water - riffles, current seams, and anywhere there's good oxygen flow. Spring through fall offers the best action, especially when water temps stay between 55-65°F. These silver-sided fish with that signature pink stripe are what most folks think of when they picture trout fishing. They fight clean and jump often, making every hookup exciting. The meat is mild and tasty, perfect for a shore lunch. Here's a tip that works well on the Saint Joe - rainbows love to chase small spoons and spinners through the deeper runs, especially anything with silver or gold flash on cloudy days.
Oncorhynchus mykissSteelhead are the main event on the Saint Joseph River, typically running 24-30 inches and 6-12 pounds when they push upstream from Lake Michigan. These chrome-bright powerhouses hold in deeper pools, current breaks, and below spawning areas during their fall through spring runs. Winter steelhead are the bread and butter here, with peak action from December through March. What sets steelhead apart is their incredible strength - they're basically rainbow trout on steroids after living in the big lake. The fights are legendary, with long runs and aerial displays that'll test your drag and skills. Fresh steelhead make excellent eating too. Pro tip: focus on the slower, deeper water during cold snaps - steelhead get sluggish but they're still there, just holding tight to bottom structure.
5.0 out of 5.0Captain Jarrod gave us a fantastic time on the lake. I go deep sea fishing every year in Florida and this was my first experience ...
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