High Water

The high water that affects Michigan rivers in the spring is heavy. Its sheer force can move giant trees, take out bridges and also other foundations. Even with little snow melt, rivers around here are still making their presence known. The Tittabawasee, down the road from my apartment, has gone up 6 feet since Tuesday. It is not quite out of the riverbanks, but it is very close. Reports on all Michigan steelhead rivers are the same: high and dirty. However, the high water will help to fill the rivers up and down the west side with a fresh batch of chromers.

I guess its not too bad sacrificing a few days of terrible fishing for a couple weeks of good fishing. After all, there is no steelhead that bites like a fresh run steelhead, in the spring or the fall. Timing is everything on a steelhead stream, and being there at the right time can mean the difference between struggling for a few hookups and having a banner day.

The next couple months will give us the chance to have that "banner day." Spending the time and putting in the hours will reward you big-time. A keen eye will also help. Above all, timing is the most important. Figure out the flow rate and conditions at which your river fishes best will help you make the most of your fishing time every time out.


High water on the Pere Marquette, that river gets scary when it's got that type of flow.