|
 |
|
| St. Joseph River |
| June-August |
| |
The St. Joseph River, located in the southwest corner of Michigan,
is perhaps the most reliable stream in Michigan on which to get your summer
steelhead fix. The state of Michigan, in partnership with the state of Indiana,
plants more than one hundred thousand summer run steelhead a year into this
classic southern farmland river. As a result, the numbers of fish returning
to the river as adults can create quite a spectacle when they gather off
the mouths of cool spring creeks flowing into the larger main stream. Large
pods of steelhead cruise clearly visible to the fly caster. Casting the
fly to particular fish, managing the drift, and watching the take make this
fly fishing experience extraordinary.
We target St. Joseph summer runs by using western Spey tackle and techniques, as well as single handed fly rods with floating lines. Under certain water conditions, streamer fishing is possible. Summer run steelhead are larger on average than the spring run, Little Manistee River strain steelhead that we take on the Muskegon River. In some years, St. Joseph summer run steelhead can average 12-14 pounds. Known for their tendency to leap repeatedly when hooked, St. Joseph summer runs do not disappoint. These trout are acrobatic and chrome bright. And, of course, the weather is not your typical, brisk, early Spring steelhead experience; rather, sunshine and summer temperatures make shorts and short sleeve shirts the order of the day.
|
|
