N ovember on the Grand River is steelhead time! Fishing is usually great for these silvery bullets throughout the month, any decent rain will usually bring in a good batch of fish. If the month is dry, the fish will usually still trickle in but in smaller numbers. There are usually a few lake run browns and lake trout that make their spawning run up the Grand as well. The Grand Rapids area around the 6th Street Dam is the most popular area to fish and usually holds the most concentrated amount of lake run trout species.
These fish can be taken on a variety of techniques this time of year. Drifting spawn on the bottom or under a float is a good way to catch fish. Dime to quarter sized spawn bags in pink, chartreuse, white, and orange are a good option. Jigs under floats will also take fish. Casting hardware such as size 3 and 4 spinners or spoons will lock you into some chrome. Tossing around crankbaits such as Rapala’s, hot n tots, or thundersticks will draw out aggressive strikes. Fly fishing with egg patterns or streamers is popular and is a good option to hook up with some fish as well. Whatever method you choose make sure your drag is set right and that your knots and leaders are in good shape because these fall fish will beat you up pretty bad while trying to shake the hook.