Fishing for Steelhead in the Great Lakes is a lot of fun. West Michigan has many different streams that get a run of Steelhead in it allowing anglers the chance to hook one of the hardest fighting fish in North America.
Pere Marquette River
The Pere Marquette is one of the few un-dammed rivers in the state of Michigan allowing natural reproduction of salmon and Steelhead. The flies only section of the PM is a favorite of many anglers. This section of the river is a catch and release section for all species of fish caught.
On my last outing to the PM I hooked 4 and landed 3 fish. Two nice Steelhead one was about 9lbs and 2 nice browns over 20 inches. The day was perfect for fishing. It was 28 degrees and clear skies. When I arrived at the lower parking lot was almost filled. I quickly got my gear on and headed to the river. First glance told me that a lot of the prime locations were already taken. I walked down to a couple of areas that were not occupied and began to fish. Cast after cast resulted in nothing. The sun hadn’t gotten up on the river and it was cold. I walked downstream to another area to try it. I kept casting and after about 30 minutes I hooked into a nice fish (see attached picture) that fought like a fall run Steelhead. That fish took me down stream hard 2 times and fought like it was 15lbs not 9. After what seemed like an eternity in the fight (12-15 minutes) I slid the buck up onto the bank.
After I released the fish the sun started to come up on the river. The sun rays lit up the river and the forests with a splendor only God can create. I stood there soaking in the beauty of the Creators majesty. The river gurgling, the birds singing and the wind blowing through the trees made it a place to soak in the goodness of God. This is a place where I often meet God in a special way. No music, no preaching; just enjoying the beauty of the throne room of the Creator.
Psalm 19:1 The heavens declare the glory of God; the skies proclaim the work of his hands.
Romans 1:20 For ever since the world was created, people have seen the earth and sky. Through everything God made, they can clearly see his invisible qualities—his eternal power and divine nature. . .
This is amazingly well written. You made me feel as if I were walking beside you. I feel the closest to heaven and God when alone in nature. Thank you for sharing Mark. We need these moments now more than ever with our upside down world. Keep this blog going!