Steelhead on Muskegon River, Michigan
Jon Kolehouse of Rivers Bend Guide Service met us at the launch at about 8:30 am. We had looked forward to this winter steelhead trip for weeks. I had to cancel it several times because of the single-digit high temperatures that February brought us. The good weather was finally arriving. It was supposed to get slightly above freezing today.
We used thirteen foot rods with a float on the line to manage our bait. Our goal was to keep the eggs near the bottom, and keep them moving at a pace similar to that of the river. We moved up and down the river from one deep hole to the next, floating the spawn sacs through them.
My first fish was the most beautiful crimson red steelie I have ever taken. Although, I don’t often regret returning a fish to the water, I have since had many thoughts of this fish on my office wall!
Our day continued with several fish in the 7 – 8 pound range, as well as a few in the 14 inch range that kept our minds off the cold weather, and lack of feeling in our fingertips. Most of our fish came in the first couple casts to a new hole. We found that day’s success was hopping from one hole to another, picking up one or two fish in most.
From the very first time you meet Jon, you will realize that his skills on the water are second to none. On top of keeping you in the fish all day, he provides a lunch that is almost worth the trip on its own. Jon begins the steelie hunt in the fall, and you can find him on the water charming these amazing fish all winter long.