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[pigeonflier]

Steelhead numbers steady in St. Joe
OUTDOORS

By LOUIE STOUT
Tribune Correspondent


Steelhead continue to swim up the St. Joseph River into South Bend, while inland lake fish were beginning to move shallower with the rising water temperatures.

And while unseasonably cold weather this weekend will likely slow lake fishing, the steelhead should continue to come.

Bodine Hatchery manager Dave Meuninck said more than 300 steelhead a day were passing through the South Bend dam last week and more are on the way.

Spring fish counts at the South Bend ladder were at 3,646 through April 6 and Michigan fish ladder operators say a steady flow of fresh steelhead have been seen headed our way.

Unfortunately, heavy water flow coming out of the Twin Branch dam has hampered fishing efforts.

"But the fish are there and more are coming," said Meuninck.

River temperatures jumped from 48 last Friday to 56 Thursday, although that is expected to drop in the current cold snap.

The steelhead typically head for the gravel bars to spawn once the water temp gets into the low 50s, but Meuninck believes that could be delayed with the late run fish.

"Most of these new fish are Michigan steelhead that have just come from the cold Lake Michigan water, and that could slow the spawning process by a week or so," he explained. "New fish tend to go as far as they can go (Twin Branch dam) before backing off and settling in on downstream gravel areas."

Some 60,000 Michigan steelhead are stocked each year in Mishawaka and the adult fish generally return to the areas where they were stocked.

Lake Michigan fish have been equally active, according to biologist Brian Breidert.

"Limits of coho continue to be taken this week from the Michigan City pier," he offered. "Shrimp, crawlers, spawn, and spoons are proving to be successful baits. Boat anglers along Indiana's waters of Lake Michigan are also reporting limits with a mixed bag of coho, steelhead and browns."

Walleyes and crappies continue to dominate St. Joe catches between Mishawaka and Elkhart. Best crappie action is in the canals and backwaters while walleyes are taking jig/minnow combinations below Indiana dams, especially in Elkhart.

"We're also getting reports from shore anglers about catching catfish on crawlers and bass minnows," said Mike McNulty of Midway Bait and Tackle in Osceola.

Crappies, perch and bluegill were biting on some inland lakes, added Greg Smith of the Trading Post in Edwardsburg.

"Fishing was very good before the cold front," said Smith. "Eagle and Diamond were good for crappies in 2-6 feet. Perch were being taken outside the weedlines on Little Cory, Eagle and Diamond."

Smith noted that bluegill action was picking up at Cory and Juno in 6 to 10 feet of water.

Park launch re-opens

The boat launch at Veteran's Park is now open to anglers. Cones placed across the parking lot following sewer work last fall have been removed, said Breidert.

"We still caution anglers that the dock has been damaged by high water and is unsafe," Breidert added. "I've been told by the park department that it may have to close the launch temporarily to repair the dock, but for now, the ramp can be used."
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Feet Down!!!!!

[Capt Gar]

Pigeon- can't wait to come meet you so you can show Wild Bill and I the ropes on the St. Joe - nice meeting you!
In May Wild Bill and I will be all caught up and free up a bit!
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Capt. Gar

[Quackin-n-Wackin]

Thanks for the infor Pigeon.