By Staff
With spring comes new hope to all you long-awaited steelhead fishermen: The wait is over!
As of the 14th of March, Berrien Springs fish ladder is finally open to relinquish what seems to be the start of a great spring run on the Dowagiac River. I anticipate an above-average run this year.
Fishing has been slow on the river since the ladder has been closed.
Although, there have been fish caught throughout the winter, which were leftover from the summer run.
The chrome torpedoes are showing their face at the Pucker Street dam.
With the water levels up, the dam will be more productive than down-stream fishing.
If you decide to venture down stream, please be careful. With the water being murky, you cannot see the obstructions under water and to those seasoned vets of the river, watch for new obstructions.
Remember, you should always fish with a buddy because a river like the Dowagiac is unpredictable with its five to 10 mile-per-hour current and cold water temps that change daily.
The methods that have been producing numbers of fish are drifting spawn or orange and white corkies. With the temp starting to warm, we'll be having the start of insect hatches, so it won't hurt to start experimenting with flies.
Finally, don't forget that on April 1 it's time to renew those fishing licenses and to you newcomers, the Dowagiac is an all-species river so make sure you have that trout stamp.
Remember, leave the river the way you found it for future generations to enjoy.
Good fishing, God bless and we'll see you on the river.