April has started out as colder than average. The result has been a somewhat slower migration of steelhead. Over the last few weeks we have been catching a mix of fresh fish, dark fish that have not spawned, and drop-back fish. We have mainly been float-fishing deeper holes and pocket water, but have also had luck backbouncing deep runs. This weekend, a winter storm has hit the Great Lakes region with rain and ice. River levels are on the rise and hopefully this will bring a push of fresh fish in from the lake. With the colder than average water temps, steelhead fishing should remain decent into May.

Steelhead fishing has been good on the Grand and Muskegon rivers. We have been seeing some good sized fish on our outings with a mix of both chrome and dark fish. Backbouncing and floatfishing eggs have been productive tactics. River levels are good and water temps are still cool which should help to prolong the migration of fish.

We are definitely in winter fishing mode here in West Michigan. The January thaw has been nice and has opened up our area rivers for fishing. The steelhead bite has been pretty consistent. Floatfishing has been productive in the darker water with structure.