Late winter and early spring mark an exciting period for steelhead anglers across the Great Lakes. As the ice begins to recede and water temperatures creep upward, these migratory fish start to transition from their sluggish winter behavior to more aggressive feeding patterns. Whether you're float fishing with a centerpin, nymphing with a single-hand fly rod, or swinging a spey rod, understanding how steelhead respond to changing conditions will greatly improve your success on the water.
Understanding Water Temperatures and Fish Behavior:
In March, water temperatures in Great Lakes tributaries typically hover between 0°C–4°C (32°F and 40°F). This is a crucial range, as steelhead metabolism and aggression levels are heavily influenced by temperature. When water temps are near freezing, fish tend to be lethargic, holding in deeper pools and conserving energy. As temperatures rise above 3°C(38°F), they begin to move more actively, staging in riffles and runs as they prepare for the spawn.
By the time the water reaches 4°C (40°F) and beyond, pre-spawn fish start to feed more aggressively, taking advantage of the increased insect activity. Post-spawn fish, or “dropbacks,” will also start to appear and be actively feeding as they regain strength before returning to the lake. These transitional periods create prime opportunities for anglers to capitalize on their shifting behavior.
Freshettes and the Start of the Runs:
Spring freshettes—sudden increases in river flow due to melting snow and rainfall—are a major trigger for steelhead migration. These fresh pulses of water provide the oxygenated flow needed to encourage fish to move upstream, bringing in new waves of fish with each significant rise in water levels.
When a freshette occurs, it’s important to recognize how steelhead react to the changing conditions. Initially, high flows can spread fish out, pushing them toward softer seams along the banks where they can conserve energy. As flows stabilize, fish will move into their preferred staging areas—deep runs, tailouts, and riffles—before continuing their migration upstream. Understanding these movement patterns can help anglers anticipate where fresh fish will hold and which presentations will be most effective.
Locating Steelhead: Runs, Riffles, and Pools:
Steelhead positioning within a river is influenced by flow, temperature, and the stage of their spawning cycle. In late winter and early spring, you can expect to find them in the following locations:
Pools: During colder periods or after a freshette, steelhead will hold in deep pools where the current is slower. These areas provide a sanctuary where fish can conserve energy before continuing their migration. A well-presented nymph or a slowly drifted bead or pink worm under a float or indicator can be highly effective in these situations.
Runs: As temperatures rise and fish become more active, they will stage in medium-depth runs with a steady current. These runs are excellent areas to target with a swung fly, as fish in these zones are more likely to chase a presentation. Be sure to make each cast count, as often fish on the swing will surprise you! Make sure to fish the fly all the way across the run adding twitches every couple of casts. Most important, let the fish eat the fly. If you set the hook you will miss, or break off most of them!
Riffles: Pre-spawn fish often hold in riffles, as the broken water provides oxygen and a comfortable depth for staging before moving to spawning gravel. Aggressive steelhead in these areas can be tempted by swung streamers or larger nymphs fished under an indicator.
*Important - Identifying and avoiding spawning fish*
In water waist deep or shallower, with good current is the ideal place for steelhead to spawn. A lot of the rivers in the great lakes hold naturally reproducing, wild fish. Avoid targeting actively spawning fish to ensure these fish spawn successfully. Redds, or spawning beds can be identified by a clean, oval shaped depression on the bottom of the river. Typically found in areas with gravel, or small rocks as the substrate. You will often see one or more fish paired up in these areas. I often will stop and watch these fish spawn, it's amazing to see how aggressive they are towards other fish invading their space!
Aggression Levels: Pre-Spawn vs. Post-Spawn:
Steelhead aggression levels vary depending on their spawning stage.
Pre-Spawn: Fish that have recently entered the river system may still be feeding, especially when water temperatures climb above 38°F. These fish respond well to a variety of presentations, including beads, jigs, baitfish patterns and swung flies. As they move closer to their spawning grounds, their feeding may decrease, but aggression will start to increase; they will still take well-presented offerings.
Post-Spawn ("Dropbacks"): Some steelhead spawn as early as late winter, meaning that by March and April, post-spawn fish are actively feeding to replenish lost energy. These dropbacks can be aggressive, attacking anything that mimics an easy meal. Fishing for these fish can be highly productive, especially when targeting tailouts and slow-moving water where they rest before heading back to the lake.
Techniques for Late Winter Steelhead:
Each angling method—float fishing, single-hand fly fishing, and spey swinging—has its strengths during this time of year.
Float Fishing with a Centerpin
Float fishing is one of the most effective ways to cover water and present baits naturally to steelhead in cold conditions. With a centerpin reel and a long float rod, anglers can achieve long, drag-free drifts that keep their offering in the strike zone for extended periods.
Key considerations for late winter float fishing:
Baits: Beads, soft plastics, and jigs and nymphs are all effective options.
Leader Setup: A fluorocarbon leader (typically 6–10 lb test) helps keep presentations subtle and invisible in clear water conditions.
Depth Adjustment: Adjusting float depth is crucial, as steelhead often hold near the bottom in colder water. If you haven't hit bottom in 3-5 drifts, add 6” of depth.
Single-Hand Fly Fishing (Nymphing)
Nymphing with a single-hand fly rod is another highly effective way to target late winter steelhead. This method allows for precision presentations in slow pools and deeper runs where fish may be less aggressive.
Key considerations for nymphing:
Flies: Stoneflies, egg patterns, and small nymphs like Pheasant Tails or Hare’s Ears can be deadly.
Indicator vs. Euro Nymphing:
A traditional indicator setup works well in slower water, while a tight-line (Euro) nymphing approach can be more effective in riffles and runs. I'll dive into euro nymphing for steelhead in a future blog post. However, there is lots of information out there on this technique!
Leader Setup: A 10’-12’ nylon leader with split shot to get flies down quickly is crucial in cold water conditions. Typically I run 3’ of 20 lb butt section, to 7’ of 12 lb nylon. I join the leader to the tippet with a micro swivel and place my 2-3 split shot above the swivel. My tippet is typically 2-3’ in length to my weighted or unweighted fly.
While indicator nymphing, slack is your best friend. Ensure you have ample slack upstream of your indicator to achieve a drag free drift. The term stack mending is something you will hear, this is used to describe the act of placing stacks of fly line upstream of your presentation, allowing the indicator to stretch the line out as it drifts downstream. With enough slack in your system your indicator shouldn't jump around on subsequent mends, if it does you must add more slack immediately after your presentation hits the water with a big upstream mend. All the while ensuring you don't have too much slack outside or your rod tip which will reduce the effectiveness of your hook set.
Swinging a Spey Rod:
For those who enjoy the thrill of a tight-line grab, swinging flies on a two-handed spey rod can be incredibly rewarding. This technique excels when targeting aggressive pre-spawn fish holding in deeper runs.
Key considerations for spey fishing:
Fly Selection: Intruder-style flies, leeches, and sculpin patterns work well. Darker colors like black, purple, and blue often produce in cold water. Whites, pinks, oranges will work extremely well as water temps increase throughout the day.
Sink Tips: Using the right sink tip (T-8 to T-14, depending on depth and flow) ensures that flies stay in the strike zone longer.
Slow Swing: In cold water, a slower swing is often more effective, as steelhead are less likely to chase a fast-moving fly. This is achieved by mending up stream to let the fly sink for a few seconds, them swum across the run at a walking pace.
Fast Swing: as water temperatures increase faster swings may be the answer to getting that grab. This is achieved by throwing a big downstream mend immediately after your fly and line hits the water. Your Skagit head will “catch” the current, like wind in a sail, causing your fly to move across the run at a much faster pace. This often capitalizes on the aggressive nature of these baitfish hunting predators. Regardless of what swinging style you choose, make sure to resist setting the hook when you feel the weight of a fish. A slow lift towards the bank is often all that's needed to ensure a solid hook up, all the while reducing the chance of pulling the hook from the mouth of the fish.
Tippet selection: There are lots of opinions on how long your tippet should be. I will use longer tippets with a slower sink rate tip (or floating tip) on warmer water conditions, and a fast sink tip with short 3-4’ tippet (or even less!) in colder water. This will ensure your fly gets down, and stays down where you want it.
Final Thoughts
Late winter steelhead fishing in the Great Lakes presents a unique set of challenges and opportunities. Understanding how water temperatures, freshettes, and spawning cycles influence fish behavior can greatly improve your success. Whether you're drifting a float, dead-drifting a nymph, or swinging a spey fly, adjusting your tactics to match the conditions will help you connect with more fish.
As the rivers begin to wake from their winter slumber, now is the time to get out and experience the excitement of early season steelheading. With careful observation, strategic presentations, and a bit of patience, you’ll be well on your way to landing trophy steelhead before the peak of spring arrives.
Matt
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