Fisherman Steve Glock proudly displays this catch-of-the-day, a 10lb. Steelhead.

Every fall, Great Lakes tributaries fill with salmon headed upstream to spawn. Fat steelhead trout follow soon on their heels to feast on salmon eggs, making for some of the most exciting sport fishing anywhere in the country. Anglers can opt for walk-in fishing from the banks, or try their luck from a drift boat or power boat. Either way, it's best to hire a local guide.

When to Go

Michigan's fall steelhead run usually peaks in October, but fishing continues through the winter.

Accommodations

Choice dates at dedicated fishing lodges such as the Pere Marquette River Lodge (231-745-3972, www.pmlodge.com) and the Gray Drake Lodge (231-652-2868, www.graydrake.com) tend to be booked well in advance for fall steelhead season, but visitors should have little trouble finding accommodations at a wide selection of standard motels and hotels. Go to www.travel.michigan.org for listings.

Guide Services

The following guide services can help you find the fish and sort out the right tackle and flies to use. Additional guide service listings and extensive information about Midwest steelhead fishing are available on The Steelhead Site (www.steelheadsite.com).

• Betts Guide Service: Walk-in fishing and boat trips on the Muskegon, White and Pere Marquette rivers. Information: 231-652-3189, www.bettsguideservice.com.

• Century Circle Guide Service: Walk-in fishing and boat trips on the Pere Marquette, Big Manistee, Pine, White and Muskegon rivers. Information: 231-745-7854, www.centurycircle.com.

• Kings Charter Service: Boat trips on the Big Manistee, Pere Marquette, Betsie and Platte rivers. Information: 800-552-2009, www.michigansportsman.com.

• River Quest: Boat trips on the Pere Marquette, Manistee, St. Joseph, and St. Mary's rivers. Information: (616) 837-0440, www.riverquestcharters.com.

• Schmidt Oufitters: Fly-fishing on the Manistee, Pine, and Pere Marquette rivers. Information: 888-221-9056, www.schmidtoutfitters.com.

• Silverside Outfitters & Guide Service: Boat trips on the Pere Marquette, Muskegon and Manistee rivers. Information: (231) 652-2818, www.silversideguide.com.

• Red Sky Guide Service: Boat trips on the Pere Marquette River. Information: (586) 463-8079, www.redskyguideservice.com.

Insider tip

Women in search of female-friendly advice can hook up with the Flygirls of Michigan, a fly-fishing club for women. See www.flygirls.ws.

Posted September 2006.

Information

Travel Michigan, 888-784-7328, www.travel.michigan.org.

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