Great Lakes Salmon
By Chris DePaola
You don’t have to travel to far off destinations to enjoy some
fantastic salmon fishing. The states of New York and Michigan offer
some of the best salmon fishing in the lower forty-eight. The first
heavy rains of the fall trigger the annual fall run. By mid September
the river levels are up, allowing the fish to enter the streams unobstructed.
Many people don’t realize that king salmon are not native to
the Great Lakes. Poor logging practices, dams and over fishing decimated
the Atlantic salmon. By 1900 they disappeared from the Great Lakes.
In the late 1800’s, the fallings numbers of native game fish
brought about the stocking of Pacific Salmon. Ohio and Pennsylvania
experimented with salmon in Lake Erie. Several years ago the stocking
program was discontinued because of poor return results.
Each September, I take a trip to the wolverine state. I focus on the
streams on the western side of state. Rivers such as the Manistee,
Muskegon, Pere Marquette and several others have outstanding runs.
I particularly enjoy fishing the “Fly Fishing, Catch and Release” zone
on the Pere Marquette. This area has plenty of easy access and some
breath-taking scenery.
Helpful Patterns:
Unlike many of the streams in Lake Erie, the Michigan rivers have a
very diverse ecosystem. Because of this the use of a local hatch chart
can be a big help when trying to “match the hatch”.
Every year is different, last year all you needed were a few “spring
wigglers” and small #10 “green cadis”. The year before
black “wooley buggers” were very productive. I try to keep
the patterns simple. It is not uncommon to loose several flies on uncooperative
fish.
What To Use:
The Salmon generally average fifteen pounds, I have been lucky enough
to land a few over the magic twenty pound mark, which is a real challenge
with a fly rod. Speaking of fly rods I like my 8wt Orvis Clearwater.
It seems to be able to handle the abuse these fish dish-out. Some guys
like a 9wt rod for additional backbone. You will need a good large
arbor reel to absorb some of powerful runs. Make sure you have a good
pair of waders and sun glasses. As I mentioned salmon’s preference
for flies change each season, so make sure you bring your vise and
some tying materials.
Where To Stay:
There are several hotels and cabins for rent around the Pere Marquette
River. For those of you that enjoy “roughing it”, the Manistee
National Forest offers some great camp sites. Good Luck!
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