Steelhead

Anna and Travis are preparing for their Steelhead fishing in the Muskegon River.

What kind of fish is a Steelhead?

Steelhead differ from rainbow trout (see right - Rainbow Trout from Arkansas River, Colorado) due to their genetics and their ability to migrate. But, they are much larger due to their life in the ocean or Great Lakes. Rainbow trout and bait fish feed on insects and small minnows verses the Steelhead that eat alewives (bait fish) about 6 to 8 inches in size. Steelhead are from the West Coast and were placed in Lake Michigan to eat the alewives. (Salmon are also from Lake Michigan and were placed in Lake Michigan to eat the alewives around 1968.)

Are all Steelhead the same color?

Steelhead range in color from steel gray to coloring similar to rainbow trout.

How do Steelhead get into the Muskegon River? What is its purpose once it gets to the Muskegon?

In the Spring, they travel from Lake Michigan to the spawning gravel of the Muskegon River. Their purpose is to spawn and when they are done they swim back to Lake Michigan.

When do the Steelhead run the Muskegon River - all year long? Or, when are the seasons?

Steelhead start heading from Lake Michigan in late October and stay in the Muskegon as late as May. Peak months are November, December, March, and April. They like water temperatures lower than 50 degrees and leave around the 1st of May.

What type of weather is best to catch them?

Type of weather doesn't matter. They are here until they are done spawning.

Where do they like to swim in the river?

They like medium current and prefer 6 to 8 feet of water.

What type of rod & reel works the best to catch them?

Seven or 8 weight, 9 to 10 foot fly rod & reel. Or, 10-foot medium action spinning rod.

What would you use for to catch them?

Flies, lures, and spawn sacks.

How heavy of a line do you use?

Four to 10 lb test clear or light green line (fluorocarbon). The lighter line is usually better. Steelhead are very line shy. They can see in a full color spectrum.

It is better to fish in a boat verses the shore or wading?

In a bigger river like the Muskegon it is best to use a boat. But, in smaller rivers like the Rogue, White, and the Pere Marquette wading is preferred.

Put your mouse over the picture and watch Chad net the 10 1/2 pound Steelhead.

Anna (left), Vince, and Chad, cruising to find the magic spot to catch the elusive Steelhead.

Vince Morris 7th Dan in Kissaki-Kai (Karate) went Steelhead fishing with Chad Betts, Anna Marcella, and Travis Barkalow. Vince, who has not been out on a river since he was seven years old, had a chance to experience it on March 30, 2001. We started with a good breakfast at Corey's Restaurant in Newaygo and then on to Henning Park where we launched into the Muskegon River. Chad gave us some time to practice our casting before going further up the river. While on the river Chad gave us tips on how to cast and make the spawn look natural floating down the river. We were set up with a slip bobber connected to a spawn sac. To weight down the spawn we only needed a small sinker attached to the 6 pound test line. We would cast off the side of the anchored boat across the current and let the river move the spawn sacs down stream. Steelhead will not take the bait if it is going faster or slower than the water current. It has to look as natural as possible without too much noise on the surface of the water. The main key is to be ready for a strike on every cast. We all experienced getting bites but not being ready to set the hook. Chad said "You may cast fifty times and not get a strike but on the fifty-first cast be ready - you may get a strike." That day we did not see anyone else pull up a Steelhead so to have the chance to catch one was something special. You can check out Chad Betts' guide service website on the bottom of this page.


Muskegon River Salmon	Muskegon River Steelhead - March 30, 2001