Northwest Indiana/Southwest Michigan Fly fishing report 12/16/19

Trail Creek Steelhead

Where they at? Any information regarding the missing steelhead please contact me with details. Fishing above the lamprey barrier has not been productive at all. Fishing below the barrier is fairly scarce as well. Unless the entire winter run of steelhead is hanging below the barrier and into the golf course (private property), there is not many fish in the system. Water is still at unusual heights. Low in most spots. Very slow to zero current in the lower stretches. For this late in the year, there should most definitely be much more fish to be had. Not really sure what the issue is but lets keep our fingers crossed that more fish come in.

Salt Creek / Little Calumet Steelhead

Plenty to be said about the two more unpopular tribs recently. Water looks great. A good amount of fish scattered throughout both systems. Smaller stone flies with some wiggle, 8mm beads in a brighter orange, and small black bunny leeches have been productive. The usual deeper runs with some current is where the fly fisherman should be. Put in some legwork to find the not always prominent “fly water”. Bait rules in slow water so make sure you seek out the right type of water. Good presentation and some persistency will pay off. When I fish the creeks I usually run and gun. When the water temps are low, slow things down. The fish won’t be moving much for your offering. You need to put your offering right in their face.

Dowagiac River Steelhead

The fishing continues to be pretty hot on the D. Caddis and hex, the staples, are still getting it done. Swinging flies has been pretty steady as well. Lots of fish around leading to some good days. Water looks great and its looking like its going to be a killer winter.

Northwest Indiana/Southwest Michigan Fly fishing report 11/21/19

Not many steelhead in Trail Creek quite yet. Anticipating some fish moving in with the recent snow melt and run off we’ve had the past week. Salt Creek and the little Cal had a good push of fish this past week. Lower Salt and Cal is fishing well. I’ve even heard good things from upper salt as well. 8mm - 10mm beads and small leeches dead drifted under an indicator has been effective. As always, respect private property and your fellow anglers.

I finished up a trip on the Dowagiac River yesterday with one angler. We grinded out two fish on a full day float. Not the results I was hoping for but I’ll take two fish nonetheless. Both fish came on dead drifting a black and blue leech under an indicator. One of the takes was at the very end of the drift as the leech pulled up from the bottom and started kicking across the current. No fish on beads or bugs. Where da browns at? Water was up a bit but the river was overall in great shape. Still waiting on the big push of winter fish. Fish slow and meticulously. Opportunities are there for those that are patient and take their time. I have Tuesday open next week if anyone wants to get out and fish. Next report up after Thanksgiving. Happy holidays and tight lines bruhs.

The Region's fly fishing report 11/1/19 - Winter is coming

Winter is coming. As a matter of fact, It think it’s already here. Water is on the drop. Da fishing should be pretty darn good throughout the area for the next few weeks if you’re a steelhead angler.

That being said, I’ll probably still be throwing the biggest flies I have and watching pike chase it down only to swing and miss right at the boat for the next few weeks still. Until I have my fill of that, which might not ever happen, I will probably put the steelhead fishing on the shelf for the weekend unless someone wants to book a trip. Which I would then try really hard to explain how much cooler it is getting refused by big pike all day, and that pike fishing would be a muuuuuch better option. I’m about to get reeeeeal dialed in though, I can feel it.

Much more detailed report coming on Monday. Until then, stop being lazy and googling fishing reports and go find out for yourself. P.S. I did hear that Joe Schmoe said his second cousin’s sister’s brother caught 48 steelhead last night out of Trail Creek. All on a completely bare size 2 gamagatzu octopus hook with a half ounce split shot just above it.

Word…