DIY Steelhead

The rain was steadier and it was now coming in a little sideways as I looked over my shoulder and saw the 12 mile marker sign. I had been on the water since 1pm and it was now approaching 6. My back was pointed downstream and I knew that just around the corner would be the pull in area for me as I would be back at the Henning Park Campground where Vickie and I were camping.

While many of you were either watching or probably listening to the IU-OSU game I was atop my Creek Company Voyager, moving from east to west on The Muskegon River and in hot pursuit of Steelhead. I cannot tell a lie…this would be the very first time I would ever be in the same water to even have a chance to catch a “Chromer” or “Steelie” and the list of nicknames for these hard fighting fish can go on and on.

I had fished The Muskegon earlier in the summer for smallmouth bass and while talking to the fellows at the fly shop learned that by the end of September there would be a run of both Steelhead and Salmon that would leave their home waters in Lake Michigan and start their journey up The Muskegon in search of the right spot to spawn. Knowing that my fall break would allow for a chance at a fish that I hadn’t ever had a chance to catch was the final word; almost three months later and we were once again back fishing the tannic waters…this time looking to add a Steelhead to my list.

We pulled into the campground at straight up 12 noon and by 1pm Vickie had dropped me off at the Thornapple Public Access Area. We talked, I’d be back at the camper by 7 so that I could be in before dark. Jokingly, Vickie said, “At least it isn’t going to rain”. The truth is that it was only a 20% chance of rain…but less than an hour into my journey rain started to spatter down. Now rain isn’t bad; truth is it keeps the sun off the stream and allows the fish to move up and feed with less worry of an overhead predator picking them off.
I decided to use my 6 weight rod and sinking type 1 fly line with a silver, size 2, shad streamer. As I said earlier this would be my first shot at a steelhead and I clearly wasn’t sure what to expect but decided to go forward and fish the stream like I would for any species. I made long casts down and across at a 45 degree angle and then allowed the fly to swing back across the water towards me with just an occasional strip.

The rain had just began to fall and I had seen what I thought were several big fish feeding when I made a casts that almost fell on a rock…I tightened up on the fly line which pulled the fly away from the shore; the water then boiled and without thinking I strip set with my left hand and I was clearly engaged with a big, meaty fish that had a chip on its shoulder. The next few minutes made a believer out of me. I had always read about how hard a Steelhead would fight, but not until you are connected to one does it really makes sense.

I hopped out of the seat of my blue boat and walked slowly and carefully towards the shore knowing that my only chance to land this trophy was to get to the safety of calmer waters. I stepped over the foot rest and with my off hand, pushed the boat onto the same big rock my fly had just missed a couple minutes earlier. I knew I didn’t have a net and thus would have to ‘tail’ the fish but before I gave it a go I reached into the black compartment bag, grabbed my GoPro, slipped it on my head and hit the one touch button so that no matter how wrong it might go…I’d have proof for my buddy Frank.
Steelhead are what is known as anadromous fish; they leave their river homes and spend a year or two out in Lake Michigan before returning to make their way up river to spawn. On the west coast, the kin to Lake Michigan Steelies leave fresh water where they live until they are a smolt, then make their way to the ocean…eventually returning to spawn and continue the cycle.

While I had done everything about as right as I could…I was still nervous as I placed my hand around the tail of what I hoped would be the first of many chrome colored catches. I eased the fly from the side of the jaw and then slid my GoPro underwater to grab a glimpse of my trophy up close and personal (watch it here). Just like it should…the fish took only a couple seconds before blasting off back into the tea-colored waters of The Muskegon. It was kind of bittersweet, something I have thought about so very many times was now gone…back in its home water to continue its journey.

While it was only 45 degrees and now raining at a steady clip…nothing could dampen my spirits as I rowed backwards into the take-out area directly beside our camper. I could see my breath as I lifted up off the seat and dragged my rig up the slippery boat ramp. As Vickie pulled up she asked if it had been a good day. I quipped that the bad part was only catching one fish…the great part was that the one fish was indeed a Steelhead! My do-it-yourself day on The Muskegon River would be one that I wouldn’t soon forget; great memories were made as I once again was able to Enjoy the Great Outdoors.