battle creek steel help

[fredbearhunt]

Now that deer season over, I would like to take my son out fishing for some steelhead. He had a blast this deer season with me. He is only 7. And I have no boat. WE live near battle creek. I know everone has their hot spots. But I aint looking to steal their spot. Just looking for some ideas where me and my son can fish for some steelies from shore. Not really familuar with the KZOO. I sure need some help. Thanks and happy fishing.

Kirk

[Spanky]

I trust you are not talking about steel actually in battle creek. That just isn't gonna happen!:D As a Battle Creek Chapter member of the Michigan Steelheaders, we have to go to the St.Joe, Or the Kalamazoo at allegan, or some of the tribs that have extended seasons.As a boat captain/angler, I have free reign on both rivers.The shore angling possibilities are very few, with the majority of access near the dams, and within the first 1/2 mile below them.

[fredbearhunt]

Yea I atleast know nothing goes any farther east than the damn at allegan. I guess we sill just have to adventure to the damn than. Or just below it. Does fishing for steelhead go all winter as long as no ice on the KZOO near the allegan damn. In the next few weeks how it look? Just trying to understand how steelhead fishing works. Best times of the year, when the are in good, what makes the fishing better or worse (temp, etc..) Just trying to get some info

[Spanky]

The best time for any of the sw rivers is just before deer season(gun) and sometimes during. This time of year is definately hit or miss, and not too exciting for younger kids, especially from the bank. In oct its 6-10 fish per trip, now days its 1-3 fish average. Should start picking up again late feb early march!

[fishing addict]

Certainly not as good,or as close for you,but the Grand river,offers alot of shore fishing opportunities,and has some steel,from Lansing to Grand Haven. Ionia,Portland,Grand Ledge,& Lansing all have lots of shore fishing with numerous parks,and state game areas along the river. Not a sure thing,but occassional steel are landed.The walleye & smallmouth action is fair also.I've caught some nice pike,on the KZoo behind the VA Hospital,when its not frozen in the winter.

[Flyfisher]

Get some spawn with "floaties", go down to the K-Zoo below Allegan dam, run a 1/2 to 3/4 egg sinker on a slip-rig (2'-3' leader)...fish on the boat launch side within 100 yards or so of the launch. Put rods in holders (like you would surf-fishing) and you should hit a fish or two....then, post a report and let us know how you did! Good Luck!!!:D

[Spanky]

Bring lots of terminal tackle too. That area is ridden with snags, even if you fish it from a boat.

Fished the kazoo yesterday from 8 till 12:30. Ended up 2 for 3 . A 7 lb hen and a skipper. Both on cut spawn, lost another 4 lb male on cut spawn too.Only person/boat on the river. No bankies or guys on the wall. Water temp was 33 degrees and lots of ice comming over the dam.Water and conditions were goos, but the fishing was terrible. Won'r be back till I hear something good. Need to get them temps of water back near 36-40 degrees. The 3 we had on fought worse than a Bass.. Water is just too cold.:cool: