ST. JOSEPH RIVER FISHING

Rainbow or steelhead trout

Ever popular among Indiana anglers is the trout family, which includes the brown, lake and rainbow or steelhead trout. Many fisherman can be spotted on the shores during spawning season when the trout begin their runs into the tributaries. Rainbow or steelhead trout have a white mouth, teeth and gums and small black spots on their backs, sides, and caudal and dorsal fins. The caudal fin margin of the rainbow or steelhead trout is square and the fish has 9-12 anal fin rays.

Bait: flys, spinners and spawn
Depth: shallow water gravel flats

As of May 3, a total of 3,375 spring steelhead have been counted moving past the South Bend Fish Ladder. This brings the total steelhead count up to 5,194 fish since the run began last fall. The spring steelhead run is almost over. A few fish are being caught but most fish are returning to Lake Michigan. By next week the spring steelhead season will be over.

River water levels are still high but are fishable for both boat and shore anglers. River temperature is 64 degrees. The St. Joe River web report will now be updated weekly until the spring steelhead run is over. For additional St. Joe River fishing information please call the fishing hotline at 574-257-TIPS (8477).