Originally found only on the West Coast, Michigan fish biologists learned almost 50 years ago steelhead will do just fine in the Great Lakes and their tributaries. Since then, millions of steelhead have been produced by Michigans cold-water hatcheries and stocked in nearly every tributary stream leading into Lake Superior, Michigan and Huron. These fish have created a loyal following among steelhead fishermen who fish for these magnificent fish in a variety of ways.
Licenses
The vast majority of Michigan steelhead are spawned in state-operated, cold-water fish hatcheries. These are funded by requiring steelhead anglers to purchase a special fishing license. The money from this license funds the hatcheries.
There are options available. An initial purchase of an annual, all-species license allows fishing for any species of fish, including steelhead. An annual restricted fishing license can be upgraded to an all-species license by paying another fee.
Those who may only fish for steelhead once a year or one weekend a year can purchase a 24-hour or 72-hour license that grants all-species privileges for those short times.
Limits
The daily catch-to-keep limit for steelhead is three fish. Though the fish are spawned in hatcheries with little chance of reproducing, many steelhead fishermen release most of their catch, hoping the released fish lives, continues to grow larger and will offer another angler the thrill of catching it again in the future.
Time of Year
There are no open or closed seasons for fishing steelhead in Michigan, but there are better or worse times to fish for them. From October through April, most of the fish are in the tributary streams on their spawning run, making them available to river fishermen.
Skamania strain steelhead, stocked in a few streams, spawn earlier and might be found in the tributaries as early as July. From May through September, most steelhead are caught by trolling lures out in the open lakes.
Shore Fishing
Many individuals fish for steelhead from the shore by wading in the streams or from the piers, which have been constructed at the mouth of many of the major tributaries. Both artificial and natural baits are used.
In the streams, fly-fishing is a popular method. Pier fishermen often use two rods. They cast lures with one set-up while watching for a bite on their other rod using a natural bait. A variety of natural baits will work. A cluster of salmon eggs is the overwhelming favorite both on piers and in the tributaries.
Drift boat
In streams large and deep enough to float a boat, fishing from drift boats is quite popular. The fish tend to hold in deep water areas of the river. The drift boat anchors, or held in place with oars, upstream from these holes while lures or bait is worked through the deep water. Many guides use drift boats and can be hired to take people fishing, handle the boat and coach the fishermen to success.
Offshore
Out in the lakes, most steelhead fishing is done in conjunction with trolling for other species of salmon and trout. Often, steelhead swim closer to the surface than the other species and are attracted to brightly colored lures.
Fishermen dedicate a portion of their array of rods to the fish far below the surface, while other rigs are used to present fluorescent colored spoons and plugs near the surface to lure steelhead onto the lines.
Licensed charter boats are available at nearly every Michigan port of call on the Great Lakes.
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