Steelhead Fishing

1. Steelhead Fishing in
Michigan
Presented by
Creg Hartman

2. 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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3. 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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4. 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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5. 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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6. Best Baits
Jigs and Wax Worms Spawn Bags
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7. 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.6/19/2014Steelhead Fishing by Creg Hartman 7

8. How to excess the Rivers:
Waders vs Boats
Waders
Waders 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.
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