St. Clair Fishing Report

The Clinton River

Last week’s warm temperatures mean anglers need to look beyond the ice for quality fishing.  Steelhead are planted in the Clinton River and every spring they make a mighty run back upstream to spawn. 

This week’s fishing report is from Jason Davis.  Jason is a southeast Michigan fishing guide.  He specializes in finding steelhead in the Clinton at this time of the year for his clients.  His report below can be found at his website, The Downstream Drift: 

The Clinton River is finally showing signs that spring is near.  The water temperatures are rising and fish are beginning to filter into the system.  While the water levels are low, anglers are reporting several fish caught each day.  An hour spent at Yates Park watching the dam will allow an angler to witness a couple of fish attempting to leap over the dam.  The crowds are starting to fill in and the fishing action should be excellent in another week.

As for The Downstream Drift’s last couple trips on the river, we were fairly successful.  We fished the river with a couple of friends and were able to hook into a couple early fish. 

Wonderful Clinton River Steelhead

This beautiful hen was hiding in a deep run and took a brightly colored egg.

While fishing the river this time of year be prepared to do some walking and bring your polarized glasses.  Search the deep runs and don’t give up.  The fish are in the river but they may be difficult to trick on your first offering.  Persistence will pay off.  Work the water diligently and you just may be rewarded for your efforts.

Report and photos by Jason Davis, owner, The Downstream Drift.  Contact Jason at 248.535.6201.  Email: downstreamdrift@aol.com