Lake Michigan fisheries biologist Brian Breidert reported this week that some steelhead were beginning to move through Berrien Springs Monday.
Weve got more fish moving into Trail Creek where we will resume trapping brood stock Tuesday for future stockings, Breidert said. We hope begin seeing some fresh fish in South Bend later this week.
Fishery officials prefer to trap fish at South Bend, but the summer run has been non-existent.
The summer/fall steelhead run has been handcuffed by low water and hot conditions, but the recent cold spell, coupled with some rain, has given the DNR and anglers reason for optimism.
Steelhead need cooler river waters and a steady flow to be drawn from Lake Michigan into the tributaries, where they will winter until spawning next spring.
The fall steelhead fishery is dependent upon good runs. Michiana Outdoors News will keep you posted as the run progresses.
Keep your fingers crossed!