Huron River access points

[lindser]

I live on the MI/Oh border and am looking for a steelhead site closer than the Manistee. Have heard alot about the Huron and would like to try it. Could anyone give me some river access sites? How far of a drive is this? Also, how conducive is it to fly fishing? Appreciate any help.

[Mtnman198]

I think they hit them pretty good around monroe but can't say for sure,just going on hear-say.

[mtorzews]

The Huron river does not flow into Monroe. The best access point is at the park in Flat Rock. The park is just North of where the river crosses Telegraph rd. The fishing is not great though. The best day I've seen on it was 2 fish total for about 30 fisherman in a day. Bass fishing here can be very good during the summer though.

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Michael T

[Sean Farnan]

Lindser, Huroc park in Flatrock would be a good start point. The fish are there but you have to work for them. Its not the Big Man. or the P.M. but it has its days.A fish ladder was installed several years ago at the dam in Flatrock. This opened up several more miles of river that can be accessed via the metroparks. Get away from the crowds at the footbridge. I have done real well above the footbridge all the way up to the dam. If you follow the river down S.Huron rd. there are a couple pulloffs and a small park in Rockwood that offer access and the deep holes that you need.Let me know when your going. Im there several days a week during the spring and would be glad to show you around.
Feel the steel,
Sean

[gunrod]

I was there yesterday. There is a railroad bridge in Rockwood that I have seen but never fished. It looks like it has deep holes and offers easy access.

I fish mostly at the park in Flat Rock. Just below the coffer dam at 2 or 3 runs that the fish use to leap the coffer. I have had good luck just dipping a fly up near the coffer. There is a hole on the road side (you will know what I am talking about if you go there) that the steelies use to jump the coffer. If they don't make it the first time they drop back into a pocket under some rocks to rest for the next attempt. If you dip the fly in and let it fall back to them they will bite. This pocket is not there though if the water level is down. About 3 feet or more of water.

I have only hooked one fish above the coffer. The water is much slower here and usually requires a bobber with a fly, spawn or wax worm suspended underneath.

You can also go to Belleville. This is where the fish must stop. There is a damn there with no fish ladder. There is land to access here but I have only fished it once and do not know the holes here either. I have seen a beautiful chromer caught here and others spawning. I hope to spend there this spring learning the holes, runs and snags (I lost alot of hooks last time).

The only problem with Belleville is that the fish ladder has only been in place a few years and I don't think alot of fish travel that far yet. As fish begin spawning that far up it will improve over the years.

As for the guy who has only seen two fish taken for 30 guys, he must be using the wrong bait. I saw one taken yesterday with only 5 guys there. It was a dark holdover from the fall.

Last year I hooked 3 (landed 1) on limited fishing. 3 years ago I spent a great deal of time in Flat Rock and hooked 20 and kept 4 (plenty for my family). I also landed a few fish that were released. 3 years ago was a great run with many people limiting. I understand that the steelies run every 3 years and anticipate a great run this year. Especially if it stays warm and the water level stays up with all the rain and snow runoff we are having.

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By gun or by rod, I will be there.

[Sean Farnan]

Right on Gunrod, The fish are there every year its just a matter of dedication. Steel Fever is about to become an epidemic.
Keep castin,
Sean

[kroppe]

Lindser,

See my other Huron River post for my report from today. To me Flat Rock is as good as any place to look for steel because it is a natural pinch point for the fish. The water is shallow and fast (normally) so the fish can be vulnerable to anglers. If people are ethical about limits and methods (i.e. no snagging) it's a good situation for all.

p.s. A new bait shop opened up 50 yards from the park, which is great for anglers. They have a great selection of hooks (fly, inland stillwater, river, big lake), bait and lures. Plus hot coffee and a good attitude. No I don't work for them but bought some spawn from them and want to give the new small businessman a boost.

[YPSIFLY]

What's the story about a hole behind Captain Nemo's? I heard it is a decent hole, but some of the locals don't want us back there. I overheard one guy say that Flat Rock's finest was under order to keep people away. Does anybody fish there? --YPSIFLY

[gunrod]

It is a good hole early. Before the fish make it all the way to the coffer, behind Capt Nemo's is supposed to be great. I have never fished it but know tackle shop owner pretty well and he says it is the best. People may try to keep you out but as far as I know the landowner doesn't have a problem with people fishing it. I believe you need waders to fish it though because there isn't much of a bank

[YPSIFLY]

Cool! What is the best place to park, on the road? I plan on hitting it on a weekday, hope it doesn't get crowded.

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CATCH AND RELEASE