One thing is for sure, this is a weird weather year. We go from the 70’s to the 30’s it seems like on a weekly basis. Spring is definitely here are so are the steelhead, the smallmouth and the pike.
Steelhead
The coldwater species are showing up in the Grand, Muskegon and White. Right now, we have seen mostly darker, holdover fish, with fresher ones in the mix. Some spawning activity has started but nothing to get excited about. Water temperatures are hovering around 37 – 41 degrees, putting some fish in their winter time spots as well as a few in pockets around gravel areas.
Indicator fishing with egg patterns in light orange and especially yellow colors have been the most productive. With water levels on the decline, try fishing smaller sized eggs. Also, with the warmer temperatures, we are seeing some stonefly activity and have been adding those as a dropper off of our egg patterns. Lighter line or tippet has been key for fishing in lower and clearer water. For leader we have been using 8 – 10 pound fluorocarbon in most situations with smaller hooks as well
Smallmouth & Pike
On the warmwater side of things, with the water temps still in the upper 30,s to low 40’s, dredging has been producing. We’ve been using leaches, circus peanuts and crayfish patters. Our line is either I 2/3 or full intermediate by Scientific Anglers.
We’ve been bringing pike to net using streamers such as Yard Sales, Circus Peanuts and Sex Dungeons. The same line has been working for pike as we’ve been using for smallmouth.
We’re coming into prime time for March and April. Between myself, Max, Christian and Ted, we have some good availability. So call or text to 616-502-4899 or email us at guides@werkmanoutfitters.com
Capt. Tom Werkman
