D ecember is the last month to steelhead fish the lower Pere Marquette until the spring thaw. It has iced over the last several years in the first few days of January. So far this fall we seem to be holding more fish from Walhalla to the mouth than the middle and upper sections. During higher water periods, fresh fish are coming into the river. Studies have shown that fish will come in and out of the lower ends of the river up to eight times over the winter. They drop back as the water drops in level.
Beads and egg flies are still the best producers. A bobber with a weight below it and then your bead or egg fly will keep your fingers warmer by having to tie a lot fewer knots. Fish are also being caught on spawn, plugs, spinners and swinging streamers on sinking fly lines.
Now with water temperatures that have dropped below the 40-degree mark it is important to slow down and work holes more thoroughly. The fish may have been caught before by this time, and their metabolisms are much slower. Conserving energy, the steelhead will move into slow pools. They are no longer chasing every item that floats by them and become more selective as the water clears from the ground freezing. Lighter leaders, smaller more natural beads, and nymphs will trick more fish.
Winter steelhead fishing is not for the average angler. Many anglers prefer to put the rods away until spring or head out onto the frozen lakes and ice fish. Dress warmer than you think you need to and be patient. Your reward, a wild steelhead!
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