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November 2007
Folks, when capturing caught trout species always wet your hands before handling them. They produce a slime coat on their bodies that help with buoyancy and this coating also helps to reduce viscous forces that water produces helping them swim better. The removal of this coating can also make them susceptible to certain infections and parasites. Please remember this tip when practicing 'catch and release'. Good Fishing!
December 2007
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January 2008
Folks, when fishing winter steelhead and the water temperature is below 40 degrees and the fish are inactive try to look for 2 to 3 days where the outside temperature reaches 40 degrees or above. This will raise the water temperature from 1 to 2 degrees or sometimes a bit more. As the water temp rises a half degree or more steelhead become active and will feed. Try presenting an attractor pattern such as an egg followed by a small nymph dropper. Remember that fish become lethargic and often go dormant in cold water and their metabolism slows greatly. Sunny and relatively warm days followed by an overcast day is the most ideal situation. Happy New Year and Good Luck Fishing!
February 2008
Folks, when fishing the month of February remember that this can be a banner month for steelhead as fish are nearing their spawn. They can be less finicky during this month as water temps start to warm and flow rates stabilize. The hold over fish may be searching for gravel and some spring fish may have also pushed into the system. Egg flies are a good bet for this month as spawning may occur for both Michigan strain steelhead as well as Skamania. Also, remember that many caddis larvae become dislodged from their gravel rocks as female steelhead start polishing their redds. A rockworm or net-spinning caddis immitation can be dynamite on these steelies as they often position themselves downstream from the redds waiting for an easy and quick snack. Hope to see you on the river and good fishing!
March 2008
Hello Folks! March is here?and that means chrome steelhead and active winter hold-overs. Look for fishing to greatly improve with water temperatures nearing or reaching 40 degrees plus. Egg patterns are a staple fly for this time of year as spawning will now occur. Remember that if single egg patterns are not producing for you than give them a secondary fly to look at such as a small nymph or caddis larva. Also remember that fishing pressure increases this time of year and river etiquette is very important. Make sure to give your fellow anglers plenty of room out there and never cross the water near where they are fishing without their permission. Good Fishing everyone!
Aril 2008
April is here and so are the steelhead. Please remember to respect the observed spawning activity of the fish on their redds. The hens are trying hard to fan their nests and release eggs to be fertilized and creating a successful offspring. The bucks are certainly doing their part as well in this asexual courtship as they drop their milt over the laid eggs. Remember that if you are going to fish redds try for the buck. Should you hook the hen first the rest of the males will usually not be present until a hen returns to her throne (nest). Even in rivers with little or no natural reproduction it is important for the fish species to carry on their natural spawning ritual as this is part of their life cycle. Good Fishing Everyone!
May 2008
Well folks, trout season is here and the Michigan steelhead fishing is now winding down. Thank you to all for a fun and productive season! When fishing these early season trout and hatches are not heavy try either fishing streamers to turn the larger resident trout or try fishing a two fly system. A good two fly combo for this time of month is a griffiths gnat, baetis, black caddis or stonefly as your point fly and for your dropper try fishing a hares ear, copper john, prince nymph, or flashback pheasant tail. With this two fly combo (dry fly up top with dropper below )the results are some times startling. Remember that fish are now starting to get into feeding lanes and the most natural insects are the ones that usually produce the best results. Please remember to wet your hands before handling your captured trout as this will help to keep the slime coat intact and your captured friend when released will have a good chance of survival. Good Fishing Everyone!
June 2008
This is my favorite time to fish for bass and trout. When bass fishing remember to concentrate your efforts near the shallows as this is prime spawning location. Try fishing baits that match the vegetation and suggest natural aquatic life. When trout fishing remember to match the hatch the best that you can. There is a large variety of bugs this time of year and fish are keying in on all sorts of bug life. Light tippets in the morning and afternoon are key with heavier tippets at night to fight those trophy sized night predator browns. Folks, this is also the Hex month with evening fishing often times becoming spectacular with good dun hatches and spinner falls. Remember to fish a short leader with strong tippet and get ready as you may tangle into a trophy sized brownie past the hour of midnight. Good Fishing Everyone!
July 2008
This is a great month for streamers and dries. As temps become warmer (ambient and water) bug activity increases. Also look for active browns foraging on smaller fish in the morning and evening hours. Remember to keep the motion going on your fly as you strip retrieve as this will keep the attention of your brown and usually will promote a strike. Good Fishing Everyone!
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