Sometimes all it takes is one…..

Its been awhile since my last report. Unfavorable water conditions, a damn removal, weather and covid have basically all but shut down my winter season. Folks that were scheduled to fish with me already know this, but the Dowagiac river is closed indefinitely until potentially the summer. Michigan DNR stated that the river will remain closed during the damn removal for liability issues. That is all I know. The parking lot at the put in (damn) is closed with no entry permitted. As a guide here in the winter months, I am only set up for drift boat trips on the Dowagiac. At this time, I am not offering another alternative boat trip until I return from Alaska next fall. My deepest apologies to folks looking to get out on a drift boat for some steelhead. Beyond the Dowagiac river closure, Trail creek as has not been fishing good all winter. The fall rains and higher flows we usually anticipate for the late fall and winter never came. The water remains low and slow with a severe lack of steelhead. Now, with this cold snap, most of the creeks are iced over. I was getting out on an occasional walk and wade trip, scratching out a fish here and there with clients. It eventually became slower and the unfavorable weather hit making it very difficult for even the every day anglers out there. I always pride myself in being honest with folks who are looking to tag their first steelhead. Right now its tough. We are hoping for a nice spring and for plenty of fish to finally show up. Until then, tie some flies and get some gear cleaned and organized. I wish I had some better news to report. Fingers crossed the coming weeks will turn some things around. Until next time.

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.