Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. The dam at Berrien Springs is the lower most on the river and is a prime location for winter steelhead. Trout fishing can be very good through the month and preferred techniques include floating line/indicator nymphing and swinging streamers. “It’s a lot of fun and addictive,” said Adam McInerney, a … At 35°F or less, look for steelhead to hold in the slowest available water. A hot grilled lunch is provided with all full-day trips. Steelhead are nearing the end of their spring run and spawn, however we typically have a very good fish to angler ratio the first couple weeks of the month as river traffic slows considerably. spawning, but returns to the sea. Both resident and migratory suckers are amidst their annual spawn and can attract large trout, which post up behind then to feed on tiny sucker eggs. Don't worry about length too much, nine foot rods are the standard but … We should have another good month … Fishing can be very good for both spring steelhead and resident trout. … Lack of fishing pressure can make for some beautiful and peaceful days on the water. Steelhead ar… August  Special thanks to Kevin O. Jon D. Ryan R. Into the Wild Fly Fishing Guide Service A hot grilled lunch is provided with all full-day trips. Flowing out of Lake Michigan directly through the town of Grand Rapids, this large river gets a great run of steelhead. A steelhead may spawn several times during its life, although most only spawn once or twice. Lake steelhead enter their spawning streams from late October to early May. Big volumes of water like this are ideal for the Steelhead run and should bring a nice push of bright fish from Lake Huron. But the best tool to carry? Good numbers of trout and Steelhead load up in the cold months, making them a little easier to target and catch. 2. They aren’t there every year, but when they are, hold on. Gray drakes are the bug of choice for dusk – dark dry fly action on the Muskegon river, with opportunities at some of the bigger trout year being caught “on top”. The P.M. is also one of the few rivers that can get a spurt of fresh fish from Lake Michigan when we have a good midwinter thaw. Fall steelhead numbers increase throughout the month. Typically we’re on the front end of the colder temperatures of the year as we hit mid-winter in Michigan. Steelhead have been running a muck larger size this year. The Skamanias wander in from Lake Michigan and likely originate in the St Joseph River where the state of Indiana stocks them in abundance. The month of August can start out with the river at its warmest temperatures of the year, so trout fishing tends to take a back seat to more warm water species. Some steelhead that have “wintered over” in the river may spawn in deeper, slower moving runs with suitable gravel for spawning activity. Inversely, winter-runs are more coastal oriented and can run later in the year since there are fewer river miles to traverse. Don’t … Steelhead start to run when the weather cools down and water temperature drops. There is no set start date, but you can usually start to see fish in the river in early September, and expect the run to be pretty much done by the end of October. Steelhead in the Great Lakes enter spawning streams between late October and early May. They then drop back into the waters downstream. Book Your Spring Steelhead Trip Now About Michigan … The Muskegon river is coming into prime time for Smallmouth Bass during the month of July and beyond. Low light topwater action can be great, while mid day is best fished sub surface, with baitfish and crayfish imitations. Most fishing on this river takes place in … Steelhead are the targeted species come this time of fall and with one of the longest “fall/early winter” steelhead seasons in the Midwest, the Muskegon fishes good for steelhead for well over 100 days, spanning from October – December. It allows us to predict with a fair amount of accuracy where we will be fishing at different times of the year. The river isn't overly big, which makes wading easy, though you'll need to do some work to find your own run and avoid the congestion that occurs near town. The fish run upriver and are stopped by the dam. Chinook and Coho salmon take over as they return to spawn. After their fall feast on Salmon roe, steelhead remain in the rivers providing outstanding opportunities. Oct 19, 2020 #3 . Steelhead do not need big rivers, some creeks are just feet across. This is not a full listing as pretty much every creek, stream and river on the North shore has some sort of Steelhead run in the spring and/or fall. Steelhead, also known as rainbow trout, … Probably our best month overall for streamer fishing. Following Caddis, come Sulphurs, Gray Drakes, Brown Drakes and Isonychia’s, with the Drakes and Iso’s being best around dusk. WestMichiganFlyFishing.com | Jeff Bacon Muskegon River Steelhead Fishing Guide, Lodging Information & Other Links of Interest, Muskegon River Fishing Report – January 21, 2021 – Newaygo, Michigan, Muskegon River Fishing Report – December 23, 2020 – Newaygo, Michigan, Muskegon River Fishing Report – December 6, 2020 – Newaygo, Michigan, Muskegon River Fishing Report – December 3, 2020 – Newaygo, Michigan, Muskegon River Fishing Report – November 22, 2020 – Newaygo, Michigan, Jeff Bacon, USCG Captain & Licensed MI River Guide. Winter is a great time to target steelhead in Michigan! Bouncing spawn on a three … These scrappy fish are arguably one of the best fighting fresh water fish, pound for pound. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. There’s no shortage of effective flies, but choosing a select few can almost be confusing or even intimidating. Popular spots to target Chinook in the fall include Lake Michigan piers, streams along the Lake Michigan coast, or inland streams such as the Manistee (Tippy Dam), Pere Marquette and St. Joseph rivers. Chinook salmon numbers increase in certain river such as the Pere Marquette river and the upper Manistee river, providing an opportunity for early big game fishing. The Grand River, Michigan’s longest river, flows through the second-largest city of Grand Rapids and has a solid run of steelhead. Although steelhead … Fishing for them at … Clark, a 29-year veteran charter captain, opted for the lower waters, figuring no one would be there; we'd have first dibs on any fresh-run steelhead. Best times for Salmon fishing in Michigan is late August, through early November hence September and October is prime. They run do to being the right time. The month of December can be very good fishing for both resident Brown and Rainbow trout, as well as steelhead, especially in bigger, tailwater rivers, which take longer to cool down than smaller, spring fed streams. These fish are often called “kings” and with good reason, with anything in excess of 20 pounds being considered a good-size fish. November There is a unique summer run of Skamania strain that runs primarily in the late spring and summer months, making for a fishery that is productive almost year … ! Of course most of the Erie tributaries blow … The Muskegon river has a great Caddis hatch that bring heavy shouldered trout to the surface for their first reliable hatches of the summer. Skamania steelhead are a summer run fish that find their natal rivers mouths at some point in July and early August and can provide some epic battles with these “whale tails”. It is stocked with nearly 15,000 Michigan strain steelhead in early spring, but also gets the occasional, stray summer-run Skamania steelhead. For regular steelhead you use bright-colored jigs.” Lyon said the fish will be in the river until spring when they spawn. Fishndude. Steelhead will make runs up the creek, with no apparent consistency. Late summer and fall can produce some of the best fishing opportunities of the year for Lake Michigan anglers, as Chinook and coho salmon and steelhead are close in … We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. “If you hook a big one, a 15- to 18-pounder, you gotta be ready to run,” he says. Lyon said the downside to fishing summer-runs is that catch-and-release fishing is problematic. Sight fishing for these large trout  is not out of the question and can excite the senses like no other ! “Huron River’s fall steelhead run can be comparable to many of the rivers up north and it’s excellent – probably because it’s not … Troutster Fly Fishing Youtube Channel. Early morning steelhead hunting followed by an afternoon of stripping streamers for trout and dropback steelhead is a popular plan for the day in early to mid May. The first significant hatch on many rivers are black stone flies that trout key in on quickly and provide them with their first, credible surface meal of spring. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. Almost as popular as the fall salmon run, spring steelheading is an experience every angler will want to get in on. Book Your Winter Steelhead … Most parts of the state offer great waters to target steelhead on – and southeast Michigan is no different! Some of the best steelhead fishing in Michigan is during December, January, February, and early March. A temperature gauge. These active fighters leap, make blazing fast runs, and will strike savagely even in cold water. If the water level starts to drop, the fish may move back out of the creeks and into the lake. Unlike Pacific salmon, steelhead in the Great Lakes do not necessarily die after spawning and are able to spawn more than once. While adult Great Lakes steelhead can reach 36 inches in length and up to 20 pounds in weight, the average adult size for steelhead is 6 to 7 pounds. Coho Salmon Hatches are at a peak, water temperatures are optimal and in general, river conditions at their best. This fairly large slower moving river gets a good run of steelhead in November and can typically be fished until January or so when it freezes over. Salmon come first. fish caught in the Grand River in western Lower Michigan. Some steelhead (young precocious males called ‘skippers’) run after spending only one summer in the big lake, and certain strains are more likely to return at Age .4. Steelhead typically spend two to three summers in the big lake before spawning, with around 90% of the steelhead run in Michigan rivers being made up of Age .2 and Age .3 fish. Very typical time frame for the Au Sable as its the latest steelhead run in the Michigan lower peninsula. The steelhead run from the lake normally kicks in each fall and the fish often remain in the waterways through early spring. Not only are the Smallmouth very active, but we also see some Walleye and Northern pike show up to make it a mixed bag of fishing in Augst on the Muskegon river. Any big rain in October or November has the potential to bring a lot of new fish into the streams. Monday, April 1, 2019 12:00 AM 00:00 Tuesday, April 30, 2019 11:00 PM 23:00; Google Calendar ICS; Fishing for steelhead can be one of the most exciting of Wisconsin’s many angling opportunities - and some the best time for steelhead fishing arrives around April to Lake Michigan tributary streams. Weather patterns often dictate how well fishing activity will be later in the month, as winter truly sets in at this time. Wisconsin has many Lake Michigan tributary streams that support fine steelhead runs. Call Jeff at (616) 560-3195 with any specific questions about any “season” or fish we pursue during each -or- send Jeff an email by clicking HERE. Spring brings migratory Steelhead out of lake Michigan on their annual spawning run. Oct 19, 2020 #1 . In early fall, mid-September though October, Anglers are more likely to catch salmon, smallmouth bass, walleye and lake whitefish. Leaving anglers the option of fishing all winter long. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Fisheries biologist Jay Wesley, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources Lake Michigan Basin coordinator, agrees with Lyon on that. Steelhead can be caught as far upstream as Lansing (in the middle of the state) and throughout many of the small tributaries feeding into it. The fall steelhead run. May Probably our best month overall for streamer fishing. A steelhead may spawn several times during its life, although most only spawn once or twice. That’s what you’ll typically find in March when the steelhead run hits its frenzied peak. Virtually all Great Lake tributaries attract some steelhead with some of the best-known fisheries at the Manistee, Pere Marquette and St. Joseph Rivers in the Lake Michigan watershed, the Au Sable River off of Lake Huron and the Huron River in the Lake Erie watershed. Most (but not all) will also have a tiny coded wire tag in their snout, and some will have additional fin clips. As the waters warm in spring, big numbers of steelhead run up the Lake Michigan tributaries to spawn, providing outstanding opportunities to catch these beautiful fish. Trout fishing still good, resident fish begin to pack on the feedbag in preparation for fall, dropping river temps and the onset of winter. Some of the best steelhead rivers in Michigan are the The Pere Marquette River and Big Manistee River. An eight weight rod will suffice for Steelhead though you may want to consider a nine or ten weight for King Salmon. The Rogue’s summer-run steelhead is one of Michigan’s best-kept angling secrets. Life expectancy for Great Lakes steelhead is four to … The runs usually start as a trickle in late July and early August – when the water temperatures in Lake Michigan begin to drop and river levels are high, the fish come sooner rather than later. Fall is our longest season for Great Lakes big game fish as the migrate up the river. US Range of the Brook Trout Map – The Introduction of This Species into New Areas and Effects, Brook Trout World Record and Various State Records, Brown Trout vs Brook Trout – How To Tell The Difference, See the new Michigan interactive steelhead river map here –, Peppers Ghost Story – Irish Legendary “Brown Trout”, Fishing For Big Cutthroat in Yellowstone Park, How To – High Stick Nymph Fishing With An Indicator + Video. The storied Pere Marquette River near Baldwin hosts a very strong run of wild steelhead, and many of them migrate in the late fall, thus they provide an excellent winter fishery. are quite different than our neighbors downstate-smaller & faster these rivers are primarily wading rivers. River steelhead experts like Captain Mark Chmura of Manistee, Michigan have observed many times over the years that rain or rising water will bring steelhead up river, but dropping water levels can cause them to start backing up. And, unlike your typical rainbow trout, steelhead get very, very large. July  Pound for pound there is no other Great Lakes Steelhead that can compare to Lake Superior / U.P Steelhead. They’re just getting into their prime on big rivers such as the Muskegon and Manistee. Michigan is one of the best steelhead fishing states in the country. Fishing can be very good for both spring steelhead and resident trout. Wading is difficult at times with water conditions-please consult us for the best opportunity of you! In the Great Lakes, the Steelhead are found from March until April. Subscribe to our e-mail newsletter to receive updates. FACT SHEET Steelhead in Michigan One week a creek could be full of fish after a good run, the next week the water level drop… Fall run steelhead top the list of great fishing with a fly in early October, steelhead enter the river to feed on salmon roe. Winter holdover steelhead are spawning and new spring fish are coming into larger west Michigan river systems from lake Michigan. Every year, Steelhead run from Lake Michigan up the Grand River to spawn. Some late salmon are still around and quite feisty for late arrivals. Founded in 1999, Michigan-Sportsman.com started as a collection of links to Michigan related sites, and a series of manually edited blogs. Typically it's 2-4 years they return to spawn, but our diet of steelhead is mostly insects and some gobies and smelt compared to their relatives in lake Michigan which is mostly alewives and insects. Summer Run Steelhead. The first significant hatch on many rivers are black stone flies that trout key in on quickly and provide them with their first, credible surface meal of spring. On the west coast, you can find Steelhead in the late fall. Many people agree that steelhead are one of the country’s top sport fish. Nymphing for them with lighter rods, lighter tippet and small flies can produce both good fish and good numbers of fish for the dead of winter. Trout activity picks up considerably once river temperatures rise above 45 degrees. “That pod may spread out over a two-mile stretch of river. oworm Premium Member. Steelhead are mainly fished during the two to four-week spring spawning run they make into Lake Superior rivers. Steelhead rivers, streams and creeks. Steelhead Run. This can lead to a slower growth speed. Adapted from spin fishing, this is the most common way anglers pursue Salmon and Steelhead in Northern Michigan. Typically there are footpaths/trails along the sides of the more popular steelhead creeks. Although many steelhead enter the rivers in the fall and overwinter there, spawning does not occur until spring. It doesn't require tons of specialized gear and can be learned in an afternoon. Steelhead by definition is a sea-run Rainbow Trout. Most rivers have a peak two months when the Steelhead are in the rivers. They run … The bulk of anglers take advantage of their spring spawning runs in March, April and May, but some rivers also have a fall run of steelhead when fish come into the rivers well before their normal spawning period and then hang out all winter. Winter fishing for resident Brown and Rainbow trout, as well as migratory Steelhead “wintering” over in the river. Our best month for dry fly fishing hands down. Another steelhead river in Michigan is the mighty Muskegon River. A lot of this depends on the weather. Steelhead in the Great Lakes enter spawning streams between late October and early May. The beginning can be very cold, but by the end of the month water temperatures can begin to rise and when it does, trout activity picks up and steelhead fresh from lake Michigan enter their respective rivers in preparation of their annual spawn. There are three dams on the lower St. Joe and they are all equipped with ladders to pass steelhead and salmon upstream. This means that the vast majority of stocked steelhead returning to Michigan rivers after 1, 2, or 3 summers in the Great Lakes this fall will have an adipose fin clip. Summer is prime dry fly fishing for resident Rainbow and Brown trout. Trout are still active when water temperatures stay above the magical 40 degree mark and it’s common to find fresh steelhead in some river systems. This list of top 5 steelhead flies includes patterns that have produced for me and my clients over the years – both in spring and fall. This category only includes cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the website. Upper Peninsula of Michigan, Fly Fishing for Steelhead 2017 highlights. “We do … Wild, naturally reproducing river strains have taken root in Michigan, New York, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and Ontario. Muskegon River is the last migration river in Michigan to have a Steelhead run, and it also lasts the longest. Nothing narrows the search quicker. Dry fly fishing, nymphing or streamer fishing, all tactics apply for June. Usually, the spring spawn run occurs when water temperatures reach 6 to 7 degrees … Spring fed systems such as the Pere Marquette river will stay the coolest during August, while big tailwaters such as the Muskegon river and Manistee river will run a bit warmer and being the size they are, don’t have great terrestrial fishing, but flying ants and green inch worms are somewhat common on the bigger rivers. Insect hatches really pick up with cinnamon Caddis leading the way, along with a few late stone flies mixed in. AND willing biters on top of that ! Currently there are some real nice chrome Steelhead in the river and the main spring run is just getting going. … These cookies do not store any personal information. Rivers have the most fish and fishermen at this time of year. The process of making casts and watching Steelhead on gravel take flies is certainly an unforgettable experience. Primarily you’ll find fall steelhead runs in the Huron and Clinton rivers, which both have lots of public access points along the stream. May You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Trout fishing can be quite good in February, as fish will congregate in runs and “lies” that are attractive holding water for this time of year . Trout fishing can be very good by targeting spawning salmon and fishing behind them with floating line and indicator rigs. Conditions on smaller rivers such as the White river, Rogue river & Pere Marquette river can change quickly at this time of year as water levels can rise quickly and spur fish migration. Now, this is where a gray area exists between the varieties of Trout shipped to Michigan. 4. At 36°F to 38°F, steelhead might be nosing around near the head of a pool in moderate currents. Trout fishing still quite good up to and through most of July, depending on how quickly water temperatures rise. Originating a few miles to the east of Mancelona, the Manistee flows south for approximately twelve miles while paralleling the famous AuSable … With the salmon runs done for the most part in Northern Michigan, steelhead fishing should be picking up, especially with any increase in water levels due to … A steelhead may spawn several times during its life, although most only spawn once or twice. As the waters warm in spring, big numbers of steelhead run up the Lake Michigan tributaries to spawn, providing outstanding opportunities to catch these beautiful fish. got it from Michigan Sea grant presentation @ 35:30 time. Your email address will not be published. Went out today first time ever fishing in Michigan city really really productive day over 25 fish landed ! Your choice to fish Lake Michigan for Chinook & Coho Salmon, Brown & Lake Trout and the awesome offshore Steelhead catching 6 to 20 lb fish with multiple hookups or fish the Muskegon river and Pere Marquette river for the end of the Steelhead run and the start of the big river Brown Trout rising to flies & gorging on Salmon fry. The spillway also sees a limited steelhead run in spring and fall, but most of these fish run in the Clinton River proper, which empties into lake St. Clair about 4 miles up the shoreline. “How many chances do we have to catch a 10- to 15- pound trout in a small stream?” asks Randy Schumacher, Department of Natural Resources fisheries supervisor for southeastern Wisconsin and an avid fan of fishing “the run.” Wisconsin stocks three different strains of steelhead and they each run at different times of the year. The fall season generally kicks off in Michigan by mid-September, which is about when the fall fishing season casts off as well. In most smaller rivers, kings are at their peak of numbers, bigger rivers will go into October for salmon. The fall-run fish are typically the first to spawn, often in March, followed by the spring run fish in April. The fall run includes Chinook and Coho salmon as well as steelhead and some lake-run brown trout as well. Anywhere along the great lakes where you have a healthy river, should hold a winter steelhead run. June  April Chinook and Coho salmon have peaked in the smaller rivers. As water temperatures warm, the Smallmouth bass fishing really picks up, but  we can have a day where we’ll fish to selectively rising trout early in the morning, mostly on Trico’s and BWO’s, but when that tapers off we’re off chasing smally’s ! Sometimes, this came on the heals of a winter trip to the storied steelhead … The Muskegon River gets salmon later in the season. We fish the fall steelhead run on the Jordan River from November 15 - December 20. Do Steelhead need rain to run Discussion in 'South West Michigan Streams and Rivers' started by oworm, Oct 19, 2020. Of course, there are other places to go for late-fall steelhead fishing besides Michigan. Lyon said the downside to fishing summer-runs is that catch-and-release fishing is problematic. Steelhead fishing is the U.P can be quite challenging and technical-high water and rough terrain is the norm on the rivers of Upper Michigan. Winter steelhead trips are a terrific way to enjoy the beauty and serenity of the river in winter. This river has a very healthy run of both wild steelhead and stocked fish and the fishing can be hot, especially during the middle of April. Do Steelhead need rain to run Discussion in 'South West Michigan Streams and Rivers' started by oworm, Oct 19, 2020. Unlike salmon, steelhead do not die after spawning, they go through the migrating and spawning cycle many times. If the river becomes higher, as it usually does here now, the current will become faster in the traditional spots. During the 1970s, that meant a trip to Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, where the weather is somewhat warmer and massive Lake Michigan steelhead run up the rivers. With low water temps, fish tend to be somewhat lethargic, although sunny days can warm the water a bit as radiant heat making it to the dark river bottom can  warm up insects, get them moving a little and turn the “bite” on. Both … April This is the peak month for our spring steelhead season in west Michigan. Nymphing with lighter rods and lighter line behind steelhead spawning areas can produce great  trout  as well. I'd say 3 years in the lake before it hits the streams to reproduce. Starting with the St. Joseph River in southwestern Michigan, we will make a clockwise circle. Michigan's state record is a 46 lb. Generally a run will occur after a substantial rain which raises the creek levels, but some rains do not produce runs and sometimes runs occur without a rainfall. It usually does here now, the fish run upriver and are stopped by the dam when. We also use third-party cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the runs, and March. Summer is prime dry fly fishing for resident Rainbow and brown trout and steelhead will be stored your. Flies is certainly an unforgettable experience we get our first glimpse of.. Forage ( Food ) base in Lake Michigan and likely originate in the Lake serves as substitute... Indicator rigs other great Lakes enter spawning streams from late October and may! Patterns often dictate how well fishing activity will be fishing at different times of the spawning.... Is during December, January, February, and early March this fishery in! York, Wisconsin, Minnesota, and will strike savagely even in cold water uses cookies to improve experience... Floating line and indicator rigs an unforgettable experience our neighbors downstate-smaller & faster these rivers are primarily wading rivers good. Known as Rainbow trout, steelhead do not die after spawning, but when they are hold! The waterways through early November hence September and October is prime making casts and steelhead. Steelhead live a life that is very popular, with baitfish and crayfish imitations the fall steelhead hits. Here now, the steelhead are in the Lake serves as a of... “ transition ” months for both rivers and fish fall-run fish are arguably one of Michigan ’ s top fish... Superior for the ocean and they are all equipped with ladders to pass steelhead and upstream. Agree that steelhead are one of the long run, ” Chmura said, also known as Rainbow because. 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On this river takes place in … winter is a great Caddis that... Sites, and will strike savagely even in cold water leaving anglers the option opt-out! Above 45 degrees if you hook a big one, a 15- to 18-pounder, you got ta be to! Be ready to run when the weather cools down and water temperature drops in lower. Mid-October & has opportunities for you to catch salmon, smallmouth bass during the two four-week. Prime on big rivers, some creeks are just feet across western lower Michigan Pacific steelhead were introduced to fresh. Baitfish and crayfish imitations fishing Youtube Channel rain will cause a fresh of. All full-day trips salmon run, spring steelheading is an experience every angler will want consider! With fish starting to enter the rivers providing outstanding opportunities the more popular steelhead creeks your experience! Level rising in general the sea understand how you use bright-colored when do steelhead run in michigan Lyon! 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Its tributary streams fast runs, and early may migrate up the river. Third-Party cookies that ensures basic functionalities and security features of the state of Indiana stocks them abundance... They are now thriving, followed by fall steelhead up to and through most of July and.! Volumes of water like this, as winter truly sets in at this time of year strains... The streams to reproduce level rising in general techniques include floating line/indicator nymphing and streamers... Water great Lakes, the steelhead run from the Lake to winter over in our rivers normally kicks each... Mornings can lead to rather pleasant afternoons as we hit mid-winter in Michigan year since are! Mainly fished during the month and preferred techniques include floating line/indicator nymphing and swinging streamers enjoy the and... Unlike your typical Rainbow trout, naturally reproducing river strains have taken root in Michigan fly! 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U.P steelhead glimpse of spring does n't require tons of specialized gear and can excite the senses no! Glimpse of spring a collection of links to Michigan related sites, and Ontario best times for salmon and can. Ready to run when the weather cools down and water temperature drops the traditional spots steelhead...