By: Shag Trent
TBN Outfitters
(616) 458-0922
www.fliesandtackle.com
T he Grand River is on FIRE! With a fresh run of steelies loading up the river to munch on some salmon eggs. Steelheaders are floating spawn sacs, skein, trout beads, and small jigs tipped with wax worm.
The back bouncers are using about a 1/2 ounce of lead with a three-foot leader tipped with spawn sacs with or without floaters. Hitting the top of the hole and working it back. Some guys like to run blue, Chrome with Red Lip or gold and orange Hot-N-Tots as they back bounce. One little trick I have been doing is putting some Crystal Flash in when I tie my bags up. I call them disco balls. Fish on!
The coho’s are still in. Pink flies, 1/2 crawler, and spawn sacs are good to throw. The chinook are in full swing knocking thunder sticks and spinners all up and down the river. Spawn sacs and flies will get the job done as well.
The lake run brown trout are making their way up the river and will stay in the river until March. Running a #8 Green Caddis is one of the best ways to catch those big boys. Many of the guys will catch them on spinners, body baits, spawn, or cut bait.
Look out! Walleye are on a fall feeding frenzy. If you look on the DNR stocking report the Grand River was stocked with millions of walleye in the last several years. Here at TBN Outfitters, we suggest trolling up river with Rapalas, Smithwicks, or Rattling Rogues. Then, shut your motor off and try dragging crawler harnesses, vertical jigging shiners, or buck tail jigs. By the way, white 3 inch Twister Tail is hard to beat.
Pike action is in full swing, north and south of Grand Rapids! The Grand River has monster Pike. Use live suckers under a float, throwing them by the spring creeks, drop offs, and weed lines. Big spinner baits are good as well. Donât forget to figure 8 at the boat!
Large and smallmouth bass are hitting well from down by the Lake Michigan and all the way north. Use green pumpkin tube baits. You can also go top water with a buzz baits, frogs, or walking-the-dog with a plug. When in doubt crank-em out! Shallow running body baits chart, blue is wicked! Bait guys like fishing for bass floating shiners, drifting a crawlers, or using soft crawls.
Always remember, if you ainât out there fishing you ainât catching!
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