
The pursuit of steelhead in the Great Lakes region during the later winter and spring keeps us on our toes. Change is a constant. Fish are on the move – a pool that fishes well one day can be devoid the next. Water levels rise rapidly from melting snows and rains bringing moisture from the south. And nighttime temperatures that feel more like mid January can exist until April making fish lethargic and unresponsive.
Being ready to mobilize when things are right seems more important in the late winter and early spring than other times during the year. So be ready to get after it and shake off some of the frustrations of a tough winter. Water that is just dropping into shape bringing with it fresh fish from the lake can provide the best possibilities at this time of year. Over the next few weeks I’ll be studying the weather forecast and water levels of my favorite spring rivers looking waiting for some opportunities.