Skamania steelhead fishing is just around the corner

Indiana DNR Release:

Independence Day not only marks our nation’s birth, it coincides with the start of summer steelhead fishing, and the second day of the Skamania Mania fishing tournament in northwest Indiana.

“Skamania” is the unique strain of summer-migrating steelhead trout that Indiana has developed in southern Lake Michigan. Steelhead that migrate up tributary streams in the fall and winter are also stocked by Indiana but the Skamania is special.

“Since these magnificent fish enter Indiana tributaries during the summer months, we are right on the cusp of this year’s migration,” said Indiana DNR Lake Michigan biologist Brian Breidert of the upcoming peak time for such fishing.

Indiana has been in the Skamania steelhead business for well over 35 years, becoming the mainstay for Indiana’s Lake Michigan stocking program.

Trail Creek, Salt Creek, the East Branch of the Little Calumet River, and the St. Joseph River have summer and fall returns of Skamania as a result of annual stockings. Once these fish enter the rivers, they become accessible to local anglers until the following spring, when they spawn and migrate back into the lake. This unique fish provides a nearly 12-month steelhead fishery. Northwest Indiana tributaries receive 180,000 fish annually, while the St. Joseph River receives 240,000 fish.

During the 2009 creel survey season, northwest Indiana stream anglers caught 5,473 steelhead from July through December. More than 3,300 were caught in summer months alone. Shore anglers fishing the harbor mouths accounted for an additional 400 fish. Stream angler catch rates of seven-steelhead-per-100-hours-fished were the highest of the past decade. Average size was 8 pounds, with fish measuring an average of 28 inches.

“Indiana is the home of the Skamania steelhead in the Great Lakes,” Breidert said. “Our hatchery staff continues to work diligently each summer, collecting adult Skamania steelhead to ensure our hatcheries have an ample supply of adults to produce eggs each winter for Indiana’s stocking programs.

“Steelhead fishing during the summer has become one of our biggest draws for those in pursuit of tackle-busting trophies, with anglers from over half of Indiana’s counties and throughout the Midwest pursuing these fish.”

The Skamania Mania fishing tournament, sponsored by the Northwest Indiana Steelheaders, is July 3 and 4. Boat, shore and stream anglers can participate at no cost. Weigh-ins will run throughout each day at the DNR public access site next to the DNR building in Michigan City.

The best stream angling opportunities during summer occur directly after rainfall or when sustained south winds bring cold water near shore.

“Fishing the piers in late evening or early morning from June to September provides some of the best action,” said local expert Mike Ryan.

With the 4th of July right around the corner, it’s time to prep your gear in anticipation of these summer stream-fishing opportunities.