Miles upon miles of renowned river water runs through the interior of Michigan. Anglers from around the world flock to fish the highly publicized riffles and runs of historical fame. From trolling crankbaits on the Big Manistee for steelhead, to laying out delicate dry flies for brook trout on the Two Hearted, river fishing in Michigan is as diverse as it is wonderful.
One aspect of fishing Michigan rivers which often seems overlooked by the masses is focusing on river mouths. At these portals between two worlds, salmon begin their final journey and steelhead start their annual spawning runs. Sportsmen who strive to seek great adventure understand the vulnerability of such eager aggression. When a journey begins, we are full of steam and ready to tackle whatever the road may hold. Fish staging to run up a river seem to be no different.
It takes a lot to deduce the DNA that sends anadromous fish, like salmon and steelhead, to return to their home river to perform their most primal act of life – reproducing. What we do know, if only through simple observation, is migrating fish are wholly committed to their journey. If you have ever watched these fish attempt to leap a waterfall or climb a manmade fish ladder, then you understand their level of determination. Harnessing the power of this determination on the end on your line can result in unforgettable fishing experience.
West Michigan fishing guide Kevin Morlock has spoiled me over the years. I know when I fish with Kevin, I’m going to very likely catch fish from the comforts of a set in hid drift boat. He has spent his life coming to know the Pere Marquette, one of the premiere fishing rivers of his home state. Kevin spends endless days on the water each year and has concluded that river mouths are often an overlooked highlight of salmon and steelhead fishing. This year, I plan to fish a few of them for steelhead with friends who have never tangled with the power of fresh chrome.
“As fish head upstream from Lake Michigan, they become less and less aggressive the closer they get to their breeding grounds. Fishing then becomes more difficult as the fish become more indifferent towards most attempts. Catching them at the river mouth is where you will feel their full strength,” Morlock said.
It makes sense to think about salmon and steelhead becoming less aggressive as their journey nears an end. Imagine yourself at the end of a workday. Unless you’re totally committed to your job, I would be willing to bet you begin to fade a little as the clock ticks closer to quitting time. The same rules apply to these migrating fish once they’ve been in the river for a spell. Their focus completely changes from feeding to breeding.
“I’ve seen steelhead in West Michigan enter the river mouths like tigers with a thorn in their paw. When they’re like this, they’ll smash nearly any big, bright, flashy presentation we offer. A week and many miles later, these same fish are passive, even skittish, toward the most subtle offering,” Morlock said.
Multiple runs occur each year, with the peak spring period falling in February-March. During the peak migration season there are generally fish always moving up the river, but from a river mouth perspective, the hottest action occurs when the conditions are just right to stall the migration.
“There is usually a relatively narrow window when conditions are optimal for migration, which is after heavy rain falls, so it’s a good thing that fish tend to arrive early and mill around at the mouth,” Morlock said.
Techniques for catching river mouth fish vary. Fly fishermen find success in swinging flies down and across the current, as well as ripping flashy streamers. A general rule with flies, unless sight fishing to shallow cruisers, is to get your fly slightly above the depth of fish. Sometimes fish will want your presentation just above the bottom, other times they’ll be aggressive in the middle. Large flies like #4, #2, and even larger, tied in leech or bugger patterns are always a favorite. Sink tip or a full sinking fly line helps for getting your presentation down. Split-shot will drag down a floating line. The point being you need your presentation to sink.
Fisherman throwing lures will suffice with a multitude of options varying from spoons to jigs to Rapalas. Vary patterns, retrieve speed, and depth until finding a combination that works. I like to fish from the bottom up. Counting down your presentations will help to establish a pattern of probing different depths. Live bait and eggs work well where legal. Be sure to check local fishing regulations to know what is and is not legal on the water you’re fishing.
When the crowds flock up stream for salmon and steelhead, give river mouth fishing a try. If you time it right, and figure out a proper pattern, you can have days you’ll never forget. I plan to give it my all on a few different West Michigan River Mouths this spring.
See you down the trail….
Brandon Butler
driftwoodoutdoors@gmail.com
Pic: Kevin Morlock guides a client for Pere Marquette steelhead.
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