West Michigan Fishing Report

This is our favorite time of the year to throw streamers.

After a nice Indian summer, autumn weather has officially settled in. Our over night air temps have been in the 40’s and 50’s which has helped cool off our rivers. Additionally, consistent but manageable rain has given our systems a great boost of water. If you’re a streamer angler, your time is now. Stained water, cooler temps, and impending winter has the fish ready to feast.

In these conditions, I enjoy throwing an SA I/2/3 or 3/5/7 sinking line with a buoyant fly. This combination allows me to keep the fly in the zone and how find the most success. Fly patterns to match baitfish are best, but you can get away with somethings larger. If you plan on fishing some of the slower deeper water, be sure to have a wire leader. Pike are on the prowl and getting chewed off is never fun.

Northern Pike are an exciting and phenomenal species to target on the fly.

The smallmouth bite can be hit or miss, but if you see bait busting on the bank, that’s your sign. Slow down the strip and pause when the water temps get cooler. The fish are still active, but may not be as fired up.

A 3” white baitfish pattern is our go to fly this time of year.

Some of our river systems are getting their first push of steelhead, so if that’s your aim, egg patterns are on the menu. For those of you who have harassed the salmon this fall, then you already know. Steelhead will chase a streamer, so don’t count that out. It’s more fun to catch them that way anyways!

As always, I hope y’all get out on the water with friends and family safely this weekend.

Cheers,

Allen Campbell