Float fishing the flowing waters of the Great Lakes, whether using a center-pin or baitcasting rig, is an extremely effective and exciting way to fish for steelhead. This technique is a great way for anglers to cover a large amount of water in a relatively short amount of time. Hang ups and break offs are kept to a bare minimum, allowing for maximum time in the bite zone. At a surface glance, it seems like a relatively simplistic way to fish, but don’t be fooled. As fishing pressure continues to increase on many of our streams here in West Michigan, subtle variations in presentation can make or break your day.
There seem to be three key factors that change from day to day. Figuring out the right combination of variations within these three parameters will determine your success.
1] Location: Based on the time of year, where are the fish located?
Winter fish are often located in the gut of the deepest pools and runs in the stream, moving to the tailouts during the warmest part of the day to feed.
Fall fish will often occupy the classic runs where you would expect them to be, but some days be pushed by into secondary holding water by boat traffic and fishing pressure.
Spring fish could be anywhere, based on water temperature, flow, and progression of the spawn. Knowing where the feeding fish are likely to be is the key to success.
2] Terminal Gear: This is the area that anglers spend the most time scratching their collective noggins. Bait or fly, salmon or steelhead, gut or loose eggs, natural or cured? What float do I use? How deep do I set? How light should my tippet be? How much weight do I use?
The list of questions on this topic is endless. Local knowledge of the stream and time of year you are fishing is key.
The right answer to any and all of these questions can be the difference maker on a challenging day.
Hulst Outfitters www.michiganriverguide.com
There seem to be three key factors that change from day to day. Figuring out the right combination of variations within these three parameters will determine your success.
1] Location: Based on the time of year, where are the fish located?
Winter fish are often located in the gut of the deepest pools and runs in the stream, moving to the tailouts during the warmest part of the day to feed.
Fall fish will often occupy the classic runs where you would expect them to be, but some days be pushed by into secondary holding water by boat traffic and fishing pressure.
Spring fish could be anywhere, based on water temperature, flow, and progression of the spawn. Knowing where the feeding fish are likely to be is the key to success.
2] Terminal Gear: This is the area that anglers spend the most time scratching their collective noggins. Bait or fly, salmon or steelhead, gut or loose eggs, natural or cured? What float do I use? How deep do I set? How light should my tippet be? How much weight do I use?
The list of questions on this topic is endless. Local knowledge of the stream and time of year you are fishing is key.
The right answer to any and all of these questions can be the difference maker on a challenging day.
3] Speed: Often this is the most overlooked factor in float fishing.
While most center-pinning enthusiast insist upon a completely natural looking drag free drift, we have found that in certain water conditions and low temperatures it is imperative that you slow the presentation down. Sometimes, making the bait or fly look “un-natural”, is the only way to garner a strike.
While most center-pinning enthusiast insist upon a completely natural looking drag free drift, we have found that in certain water conditions and low temperatures it is imperative that you slow the presentation down. Sometimes, making the bait or fly look “un-natural”, is the only way to garner a strike.
At Hulst Outfitters, we pride ourselves on being float fishing specialists. We help take some of the mystery and guess work out of float fishing, and help you have the chance at the fish of a lifetime. Our local knowledge and daily experience on the water will pay off for you. There are techniques that your guide can teach you that will enable even the novice to experience success. We have developed ways to teach beginning float fishermen to make good presentations in a relatively short amount of time. When you are ready to take the next step, try center-pinning. Realize that center-pinning is an art form. Learning to cast and make good clean natural drifts doesn’t happen overnight, but the results are very rewarding. Bringing to hand a leaping, surging steelhead with light tippet and no drag is the ultimate thrill and gives one a great sense of accomplishment.
Hulst Outfitters www.michiganriverguide.com
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