Steelhead trout are a lake-run form of rainbow trout. Rainbow trout are not native to Michigan and were transplanted from the West Coast in the late 1800s. They have since established themselves throughout the Great Lakes watersheds; aggressive stocking programs have helped spread this fish to many inland lakes as well. Today, they are found in nearly every stream or river connected to Lakes Michigan and Huron, as well as in the big lakes themselves. The Manistee River, which empties into Lake Michigan at Manistee in southern Manistee County is one of the premier steelhead streams in the state if not the country. Anglers can catch steelhead here nearly year-round
When to Fish For Steelhead
Steelhead trout primarily run up the Manistee River from Lake Michigan in the early fall. This run continues through the month of October, with large numbers of fish being taken by anglers fishing from shore, wading or drifting in boats.
Steelhead fishing on the Manistee River continues through fall and over the winter into spring; fishing at this time is slower as most fish return to Lake Michigan after the fall run and those that remain can be somewhat sluggish because of the cold.
The Manistee River is one of the few rivers with a summer steelhead fishery. A summer-run strain called skamania are stocked by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Energy in the river, and as long as water temperatures remain below 70 degrees Fahrenheit, these fish can be caught during mid-summer period. Steelhead will not tolerate water above 70 degrees for long and will retreat to Lake Michigan.
Tackle and Gear
Steelhead anglers on the Manistee River chase these game fish with a variety of tackle types. During the summer and fall runs, and again in the spring, anglers chase these fish with fly rods. During the winter when the fish are sluggish, drifting live baits from long spinning rods is popular.
Some anglers prefer using traditional spinning gear to fish for steelhead; casting for these fish provides good success most of the year. A net is a must when fishing for steelhead. Fly anglers often employ waders, and drift boats are popular as well, as the Manistee is a wide river and these boats have little trouble navigating.
Baits
Anglers on the Manistee River use a wide variety of different baits and lures to fish for steelhead. Drifting and casting during the colder months usually involves natural baits--worms, wigglers and smaller spawn bags fished with or without small bobbers are popular.
During the summer and fall runs, fishing is fast and furious. Fly anglers use mostly dry flies to catch steelhead, but some use wet flies, often called nymphs, to chase these fish, and casting spoons and spinners produces good catches as well.
Where to Fish
Much of the Manistee River is good for steelhead fishing, from the mouth at Lake Michigan to many miles upstream. Much of the river is undeveloped along its length and much of its banks are accessible. Drifting can be an especially pleasant experience as this allows anglers to enjoy the scenery and cover more water. Anglers during the summer and especially the fall runs can expect to catch a steelhead almost anywhere. During the rest of the year, when less fish inhabit the river and they tend to be more sluggish, anglers look for bottom holes and depressions, as well as areas with less current, sheltered areas behind brush or other obstructions and along the edges of eddies.
Regulations
The MDNRE sets rules and regulations for all fishing in Michigan. Visit the MDNRE website fishing guide for all the current regulations regarding seasons, licensing, tackle restrictions and size and limit restrictions.
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