Year round angling is available to the fly fisher in the Midwest. The following is a generally accepted breakdown of the calendar year and what species are most sought after during each.
January
Typically one of our coldest months of the year as we hit mid-winter in Michigan. With low water temps, fish tend to be somewhat lethargic, although sunny days with radiant heat making it to the river bottom can turn the “bite” on. Winter steelheading and trout fishing available.February
One of our “transition” months. The beginning can be very cold, but by the end of the month water temps begin to rise, new steelhead enter their respective rivers in preparation of their annual spawn and insects activity picks up for the trout.March
Chilly mornings can lead to rather pleasant afternoons as we get our first glimpse of spring. Winter holdover steelhead are spawning and new spring fish are coming into larger river systems. Conditions on smaller rivers such as the White, Rogue & Pere Marquette can change quickly at this time of year.April
This is the peak month for our spring steelhead season. Rivers have the most fish and fishermen at this time of year. Fishing can be very good. Trout activity picks up with the first hatches being stone flies that trout key in on and provide their first, credible surface meal of the New Year.May
Probably our best month overall for streamer fishing. Steelhead are wrapping things up, however some are there to be fished to. Early morning steelhead hunting followed by an afternoon of stripping streamers for trout and dropback steelhead is a popular alternative. Insect hatches really pick up with Caddis, Mayflies and Stones being the bugs of choice.June
Our best month for trout fishing. Hatches are at a peak, water temps are optimal and in general, river conditions at their best. Dry fly, nymphing or streamer fishing, all tactics apply for June. The BIG bugs arrive as well, from drakes to hex’s, ‘tis the time for large trout surface snacks !July
Trout fishing still in its prime. Hoppers, ants, beetles and other “terrestrial” activity provides trout with great mid-summer meals. Some king salmon begin to show in lower stretches of certain rivers.August
Hopper & terrestrial fishing still very good. Warm nights followed by windy days blow a lot of insects into the river and can set up a nice, relaxed day of trout fishing. King salmon numbers increase in specific rivers providing a big game break to the summer of trout fishing.September
King salmon take over as they return to spawn. In most smaller rivers, kings are at their peak of numbers, bigger rivers will go into October for salmon. Trout fishing still good, resident fish begin to pack on the feedbag in preparation for fall, dropping river temps and the onset of winter.October
King salmon have peaked in the smaller rivers. They’re just getting into their prime on big rivers such as the Muskegon and Manistee. Trout fishing can be very good by targeting spawning salmon and fishing behind them. Fall steelhead numbers increase throughout the month.November
Steelhead are the quarry of choice. With ample supply of high protein salmon roe flowing down the river, steelhead are in their fighting prime. Some late salmon are still around and quite feisty for late arrivals.
Trout fishing slows as water temps drop.December
Steelhead still reign, but lake run brown trout and a few Coho can add to the interesting mix. Trout will continue feeding, but do slow the pace quite a bit. Days on the river are slower paced with less traffic and a more methodical angling approach.