Catch the Fish of a Lifetime in Lake Michigan

A Guide to Steelhead Fishing in the Spring by Capt. Josh Vandenberg

People come together in many ways through adventures on the sea. I develop relationships with my co-anglers that may last a lifetime whenever I share the excitement of a first catch or the breathtaking landscape of a new canal. Additionally, I have seen anglers of all skill levels who utilize fishing as recreational therapy because spending time in nature helps them deal with stress and reduces their negative feelings. 

Lake Michigan offers a variety of activities for visitors, including sport fishing, lighthouse tours, restful beach vacations, and fast getaways to entertaining beach towns. You'll enjoy visiting this magnificent Great Lake in Michigan, which has roughly 1000 miles of freshwater. Inland lakes and rivers that get water from Lake Michigan are among the numerous lovely water bodies that may be found.

Due to the large steelhead trout that can be found nearby, Lake Michigan is unquestionably the best. Freshwater streams are where steelhead are born and spend their early years. Most of their development occurs when they swim out to the ocean or one of the Great Lakes. Another name for steelhead is rainbow trout. However, they are frequently referred to as steelhead when they spend most of their lives in the open waters of the Great Lakes. In fact, because of the popularity of steelhead among Michigan anglers, steelhead and steelhead fishing have emerged as some of the most sought-after game fish and fishing activities in Michigan. 

From late October to early May, lake steelhead joins their spawning streams. Although many steelheads come and overwinter in rivers in the autumn, spawning does not begin until April. Fall-run fish are usually the first to spawn, usually around March, followed by spring-run fish in April. Spawning occurs on a fine gravel bed in a riffle above a pool. Steelhead does not always perish after spawning; they may live to reproduce many times. Most rainbow trout return to the stream where they were hatched or stocked to breed.

Steelhead Trout: The Crown Jewel of Lake Michigan

Steelheads are well-known fighters, making them a popular sport fish. Based on my experience, great Lakes trollers, pier anglers, and surf anglers are all after them. Many Great Lakes tributary streams also provide attractive river fisheries. Steelhead fillets may be smoked, grilled, broiled, or fried, making excellent table cuisine. This is an unmatched combination that has led to them being one of Michigan's most popular sports fish! 

Steelhead in the Great Lakes is very migratory, traversing vast regions of the open lakes. I was able to catch a 40" by 23.25" weighing 24 pounds during my fishing trip last April 2022, which was, so far, my personal best. But, the current record for the biggest steelhead weighs about 31 lbs.

Depending on water temperature, steelhead eggs hatch in four to seven weeks. Young steelhead must reach around 8 inches in length before migrating or "smelting" to the main lake. This takes two years in most fields. In ideal growth circumstances, they can reach smelting size in a year, but in sterile conditions, they can remain in the stream for up to three years. After 2 to 3 years in the lake, most Great Lakes steelhead attain sexual maturity.

While mature Great Lakes steelhead can grow 36 inches long and weigh up to 20 pounds, the typical adult size for steelhead is 6 to 7 pounds. Great Lakes steelhead has a life expectancy of four to six years.

Techniques, Tackle, and Bait to Use for Steelhead

You may start catching steelhead by using a method known as bobber/jig fishing. A brightly colored jig is suspended underneath a float and cast upriver before drifting into a fish-holding region. Steelheads are frequently located towards the bottom of the stream, but they are lured to the colors and will go right, left, or up a little to take the jig. This causes the bobber to drop. You draw back, hoping to hook the steelhead.

Of course, to catch those monster steelhead, you must first get a decent spinning rod and reel outfitted with a surface-floating line. It is simpler to set the hook without the weight of water on a sinking line. You can look for smaller specialty stores in your area to get those great tackles!

Another suggestion is to start with bobber fishing since it is the simplest and most efficient way. Steelheads hold to the bottom and can't see below. So, adjust the line length from the bobber to the jig so it wanders off the bottom. If the jig is continually dragging, the bobber will alert you.

Advantages of Booking a Steelhead Guide

Investing a little effort and money beforehand, like with most things in life, can help assure a great experience that will pay you for years. Consider organizing a fishing excursion with a professional guide before venturing into unexplored waters on your own. 

People of different ages and backgrounds may schedule customized guided fishing trips for a one-of-a-kind experience. Guided fishing trips are available for all anglers for recreational and sports fishing. Beginners and aspiring pros can benefit from fishing guides' recommendations, guidance, and knowledge. The ability to fish with a professional guide is the most excellent learning opportunity for those with novice abilities to get a hold of the essential concepts. A fishing guide is necessary for people with excellent knowledge and experience to enhance technique and focus on specific strategic strategies. You can even learn an entirely new method of fishing.

The charm of a guided freshwater fishing excursion may appeal to folks who aren't regulars aboard boats. What one gets from experience is determined by what one intends to achieve on the water. You may duplicate the experience of the experts without having to invest in professional equipment. There is no other opportunity for anglers to wet a line and reel in the catch of a lifetime.

Fly Fishing for Steelhead

Steelhead Trout may be caught at any time of day with patience and a lot of practice. Fly fishers feel that fishing during daylight allows them to see the fish and change the presentation of their drift. However, low light conditions are frequently the optimum time to fish for Steelhead Trout when utilizing spinning equipment. Furthermore, colors like apricot, Oregon cheese, peach, pale orange, and white perform best in clear water anyplace I've fished steelhead on the continent, likely because they seem natural to a steelhead at close range. However, fluorescent hues can function under the same conditions.

Important Things to Remember

Before casting your fishing lines, you must first get a Michigan fishing license, especially when you're not hiring a guide. You must also be familiar with the local fishing rules and restrictions. Knowing everything you can about steelhead trout will help you catch them. Finally, reading weekly fishing reports can help you figure out where, when, and how to look for them.