Early Spring Update
Winter just doesn’t seem to want to let go this year. After a few brief warm-ups throughout February and early March, we’re right back to a foot of snow on the ground and more on the way.
Steelhead fishing has been consistently good every time we’ve hit the water. The last warm-up brought high water levels to all of our systems and ushered in the first wave of chrome spring steelhead. On our more southerly rivers like the Pere Marquette, the winter holdover fish have been moving onto gravel and spawning in the high water. Many of these fish have been in the river since November and take advantage of the first warm-up with adequate flows to begin their spawning ritual.
Nicole with a post-spawn buck that took a yellow rag egg fly
In the high, off-colored water, bright egg patterns have been the most successful. Beads in the 10mm to 14mm range in chartreuse, flame red, and hot orange have produced fish. Rag-style clown eggs in chartreuse, blue, and bright orange worked well for flies. In murky water, opaque patterns cut through the best. High contrast profiles with two or three tones stand out in the dark conditions.
With the way winter has lingered so long into March, I suspect our spring steelhead run will be going strong through late April and into early May, especially for the most northern systems. Our rivers that are surface-water fed often run colder in winter and spring than systems that are groundwater fed.
An early spring chromer from the Big Manistee River
Overall things are looking up for the remainder of the spring. We have solid water levels across Northwest Michigan, and this upcoming snow storm will likely keep those high for another week or so as things eventually melt. The two-week forecast has a significant warming trend, and we’ll be itching for winter to finally throw in the towel.
A gorgeous Pere Marquette resident brown trout that fought like a steelhead
We’ve been doing a fair bit of prep-work on our smaller river systems getting them cleared for spring floats. Many of them have unmaintained boat launches, or no boat launches at all, so a lack of boat traffic all winter results in rivers full of fallen trees and debris. We cut just the bare minimum for safe passage, leaving as much woody debris in the river for habitat and shade in the warmer months. Some of our favorite days of the spring are spent on the small, intimate rivers with lower angler traffic and relative solitude. The work is definitely worth it.
Getting messy in the raft after a long day of clearing trees
In early March we attended the Midwest Fly Fishing Expo in Waterford. It was two very enjoyable days of chatting with anglers from across the Midwest. I appreciate everyone who stopped by the booth, and those that booked trips for this spring and next fall as well. We’ll certainly be back in 2027.
Spring Steelhead and Trout Fishing Guide Trips
I have just a handful of dates remaining for the rest of the spring. Reach out via the form button below, call/text (517)-449-7325, or email cole@greendrakeoutfitters.com to explore trip options and available dates.
Full Day Trip for 1 or 2 Anglers (8-9 Hours) ~ $450.00
Half Day Trip for 1 or 2 Anglers (4-5 Hours) ~ $325.00
As always, all equipment is provided, as well as a prepared lunch on full-day trips.
Spring Steelhead Packages and All-Inclusive Options
“Best of the Northwest” ~ Three Days, Three Different Rivers - $1,275.00
A unique opportunity to explore steelhead fishing in a trio of river systems in Northwest Michigan over the course of 3 days. One day on a large river system in our jetboat. A second day floating a medium-sized remote river in a drift boat. And a third day traversing a small and intimate river only accessible via raft. Experience the full spectrum of steelhead fishing in NW Michigan.
“Best of the Northwest” is also available as an all-inclusive option, with lodging and all meals provided. Call or email for details and pricing. Available for group trips up to 6 anglers.
Thanks for following along with Green Drake Outfitters,
Cole DeVault