The average Michigan steelhead runs from 6 to 8 pounds, but bigger fish are common. Photo by Mike Gnatkowski

Springtime steelhead fishing often doesn't feel like spring at all. I've spent many a March day when I couldn't feel my toes, and the horizontal snow made me think that I'd jumped the gun a little and was actually fishing back in January. I've suffered through so many April Fools' Day snowstorms that I almost believe that's what the weather on April 1 is actually supposed to be like. On the other hand, I've fished without a shirt on and got a scorching sunburn while chasing late-season steelies on Memorial Day weekend.

But that's exactly why spring steelheading in Michigan is so much fun. The weather is varied and unpredictable, and the fishing can be the same way. Steelhead success is governed by a variety of factors. Snowmelt, spring rains, stocking success and fishing pressure are but a few variables that can make or break your spring steelhead trip.

That's why it's good to have a cache of streams and rivers that you can fall back on. While one of Michigan's big rivers could be at flood stage and unfishable, smaller streams may be in perfect condition. It pays to have a Plan B.

Following is a sampling of Michigan's steelhead streams and rivers that you'll want to add to your spring repertoire.

GRAND RIVER
Silvery spring steelhead arrive at the Sixth Street Dam in Grand Rapids the third week in March like clockwork. I know because every year at that time, I'm in Grand Rapids speaking at the Grand Rapids Sport & RV Show, and I watch anglers lined up to do battle with the fresh-run rainbows.

The focus of spring steelheading on the Grand is Sixth Street Dam. Although there's a fish ladder at the dam, the steelhead back up there as they search for the entrance to the ladder. In the meantime, anglers get a crack at them. Most anglers wade the treacherous rapids and fish the slots, depressions and spillway below the dam. The Quarry Hole on the east side of the river is popular with anglers. Others launch boats at Johnston Park and make the upstream run to the dam.

The proliferation of jet-sleds and jet-driven motors has made it easy to negotiate the coffer dams and to anchor below the Sixth Street Dam. Once there, anglers drop-back plugs, cast spinners or bounce bottom. The river below Johnston Park is lightly fished and offers adventurous anglers some uncrowded fishing. Access can be gained at Georgetown Park near Jenison, Grand Valley State University and Deer Creek Park.

The Grand River drains a huge expanse of Lower Michigan and it tends to run high and dark for much of the spring. Because of this, anglers find that highly visible baits often work best, such as yarn, bright spawn bags, gaudy flies and outrageously colored plugs. In the Grand, you need to fish slowly and methodically to give steelies time to find your offerings. The fishing usually remains good through the end of April.

For a list of accommodations, bait shops and sporting goods stores in the Grand Rapids area, contact the Grand Rapids/Kent County Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-678-9859 or online at www.grcvb.org.

ROGUE RIVER
About a week after fresh steelhead bump heads with the Sixth Street Dam, you can count on there being a fresh run of fish in the Rogue River, a major tributary to the Grand. It takes the fish roughly that long to negotiate the nine miles of river between the mouth of the Grand and the Rockford Dam that blocks their upstream migration.

The Rogue River is actually more of a stream, averaging only around 80 feet wide. Its size lends itself to wading. It is relatively open and easy to read, with plenty of shallow gravel and deep bends. Access can be gained at the Rockford Dam, Jerico Road, Childsdale Road, Packer Avenue, West River Drive and at other road ends. Much of the lands along the Rogue River are private, and anglers need to be aware of trespass laws and use common courtesy.