Westside Steelhead

[QuackerStacker]

I have always wanted to try steelheading through the ice but don't know anything about where to go and what types of bait to use. I've seen some posts about waxworms and minnows. Are you using these on jigs? Any info on what ports or drowned rivermouths that are good on the west side would be really appreciated.

[hypox]

I would like to learn about this as well. I have heard of it but don't really know anything about it....Sounds like a blast though.

[IT pimp 2002]

In the Harbors on lake Huron, we get browns and steel with a stout ice rod spooled with 4-6 lb and a minnow or waxy, or wigglers. Put it under a bobber and wait, They will take it down and the fight is on, need to be quick to set the hook but they can be caught. Browns tend to like the minnows. I have to believe they are in the west side areas too.

Hint: stick the rod in the hole to save your line from the edges of the ice when you hook one.

Good luck!

PS 1st Ice is always the best!

[hypox]

Are they close to the bottom? How deep of water do you look for them in?

[jeremy L]

IT pimp 2002 gave u very good info and i will add to it.

jigging with spoons work well, browns really seem to hit good. Just about any spoon will work, but some of my better ones are little cleos, 1/4 ounce and 2/5 ounce and in the blue/ silver, white, and green silver colors. Back in the 80s and early 90s, my dad caught tons of ice browns with a gold johnson spoon, 1/3 ounce or 1/4 ounce, however, he lost them all and has yet to fine a replacement.:(

I have also been told spawn/bobber works or spawn on the bottom works, never tried it ice fishing but i will this year and let u all know how it turns out.

[IT pimp 2002]

Jeremy,

I expect the next couple weeks will be good in Lexington. Do you ever get over there? I will plan a couple trips with other members in the short term. It would be nice to meet you up there some time.
Sounds like they get some perch in the harbor too. Have you ever tried it?

[jeremy L]

i have never tried lex. before and really don't plan to. I get/see most of my browns/steel at caseville, but that is because we fish there most often. port austin is where we are going to try alot more this year and there should be lots of browns/steel in the as there is in the fall/spring.

My dad has told me that back in the 80s and early 90s, grindstone's harbor was great, but it is shallower/weeder now and we haven't fished it in over two years. if the water comes up in the next few years, it may recover back into a great place to nail browns.

[Spanky]

Used to fish for Bows and Browns thru the ice alot. Haven't had the itch to do it for the last few yrs as river steelies seem to keep my attention now. Don't be suprised if you don't get a few nice " takes as you are lifting your bait up to check it. Alot of our fish came from just 2-3 ft under the ice in 18- 20 F.O.W. A minnow under a bobber and later on in the winter, wigglers seemed to work better. Set the rods in a sturdy holder and let out about 3-4 ft of extra line, let em take it down and outta sight. We used to start with tossing a dozen or so lil minnies in the hole before we even started fishing. they will attract some fish. They just seem to swim around just under the ice.
I hope this helps you guys, have fun and be safe!:cool: