Michigan salmon fishing

[ozark trout fisher]

So I'm back in northern Indiana for a bit, and anticipate having some free time this fall. I plan on filling out some of that free time chasing salmon (and maybe steelhead later on) in northern Michigan. Pere Marquette/Big/Little Manistee mostly.

Right now my heaviest functioning set-up us a 6-weight. Obviously that has to change, but how heavy should I go?

And any specific recommendations? I'm not trying to look like the fanciest guy on the river, but I anticipate getting a lot of use out of the rod/reel so I'm not looking to go too cheap either. And if at all possible I'd like one set-up that splits the difference between kings/silvers/steelies/any other large lake run salmonids.

[Foghorn]

Some early reports on the PM are saying some 30# kings being caught and good numbers in the Lake. We've gone probably 10 trips over the last 15-20 years and have used fly rods from 7-10 weight . Used a TFO BVK in an 8 weight in a 4 piece model that weighs 3.2 ounces. Have handled kings pushing 30#'s and not worn out from a day of casting and fighting fish on a heavier rod. Not as expensive as a lot of the higher end rods and scored really well on "Yellowstone Anglers" 8 weight shootout a couple of years ago. Only downside is it doesn't come with a rod case.     

[ozark trout fisher]

Awesome, that's a bit of an earlier start than I was expecting. I was planning on heading up that way to chase regular old trout tomorrow/Sunday, but if I can get myself set up in time I may have to amend my plans.

[Foghorn]

OTF, my info came from Baldwin Bait and Tackle's website as far as the salmon run report. They have a nice shop in Baldwin and good selection of gear be it fly,spinning or bait. Water was super in 2013 in Michigan and later in Wisconsin and we had a great trip with wife's first king on the PM in the 30# range. Last couple years the runs have been down-rumored the fish stocked over the years to eat the alewives did too good a job. Let us know if you go how it turns out please.

[Gavin]

Mainly floss fishing/snagging up there. It gets really silly. 

[Foghorn]

Gavin is correct especially in Wisconsin. Folks there keep a lot of fish regardless of how or where thy are hooked. Lots of broken rods etc. especially in Racine. Haven't seen the behavior as bad in Michigan but again you aren't shoulder to shoulder.  

[ozark trout fisher]

We'll see what happens. It beats sitting at home, though.

[Quillback]

Used to be a lot of flossing/snagging in Washington state.  It's illegal there, but people still did it.  You can still catch them using legal methods, just takes a little more work and patience. 

[watermen2]

Should be better Skamania fishing in the ST. Joe right now.  The kings will be laying in the big sandy holes down from the club water once they start.   Good fishing and they will still hit if you can drag them out of the logs is the hard part.

[ozark trout fisher]

On 8/22/2017 at 9:57 AM, watermen2 said:

Should be better Skamania fishing in the ST. Joe right now.  The kings will be laying in the big sandy holes down from the club water once they start.   Good fishing and they will still hit if you can drag them out of the logs is the hard part.

Nice, might give that a try this weekend!