Action at Trail Creek Weir

Steelhead were spotted on an underwater camera at the Berrien Springs fish ladder late this week while coho have shown up at the Michigan City weir.

Could we see another movement of big fish into South Bend?

Cooler air temperatures in the forecast could make that happen, say fish managers.

“Things should get going this weekend,” said Bodine Assistant Hatchery Manager Bob Bell. “We just need this water temperature (72 on Thursday) to drop.”

Bell said the Michigan DNR’s camera at Berrien Springs showed a spike in steelhead movement, and with cooler weather coming, the run should pick up.

Lake Michigan biologist Brian Breidert said a slug of coho have appeared at the Michigan City weir where Trail Creek temperatures are in the 60s.

“We passed 100 coho Tuesday and again Wednesday,” said Breidert. “We also are seeing some king salmon action around the Michigan City Harbor and at Burns Ditch. Cooling temperatures on the lake should help with that.”

Breidert said many of the coho at the Trail Creek weir are jacks but there are several 7 to 10 pounders as well.

The Bodine crew needs to trap another 100 steelhead at the South Bend ladder to fulfill their hatchery needs. The ladders will be open to fish passage all weekend.

Bell said some coho should start showing up at the South Bend ladder within the next couple of weeks.