River steelhead anglers can’t get a break.

Just when the steelhead started pouring into South Bend and Mishawaka, heavy rains turned the river into a high, dirty flow.

All of this comes when Indiana opens up its free fishing day Saturday, April 20. State residents won’t need a license but all other regulations apply.

Prior to the rains, fishing had begun to improve. River anglers were catching quite a few steelhead while inland lakes fish were moving toward the shallows.

On Tuesday alone, 427 fish were counted going through the South Bend ladder, bringing the spring run to 2,772 fish. By comparison, we had 3,914 steelhead above the South Bend Dam during that same period last year, 4288 in 2011. At least we’re well ahead of the same period in 2010 when only 1,483 had passed.

The fish are starting to spawn, too. Lake Michigan biologist Brian Breidert said he’s getting reports of river fish on beds at Angela and Leeper Park.

“Unfortunately, the river is pretty high and wild, making it difficult for anglers to fish safely,” said Breidert.

The biologist added that he anticipates another 1,000 fish to move up between now and early May.

Unless more fish come, that still leaves us with a disappointing spring run.

“I’m not sure why the migration is so low unless it’s due to the cool spring,” said Bodine Hatchery manager Dave Meuninck.

Dick Parker of Central Park Bait in Mishawaka said successful anglers are using Corkies, spawn, and wax worms while a few fish are being caught on crankbaits.

In addition, fishery officials say they’re stocking young steelhead in the river this month and encourage anglers who catch the under-sized fish (7.5 inches) to handle them with care.