Some of the better steelhead action is often found during the first weeks of March and this year has been no exception. Fresh-run trout are being taken from the Muskegon River, White River, Pentwater River (flats), Pere Marquette, Manistee and Grand River.

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Spawn, either bounced on the bottom or floated under a bobber, have been taking the lion's share of the steelhead --a few browns, too -- but wax worms, wigglers, yarn flies and body baits also have proven to be effective at times.

A few steelhead have been taken this week from the Muskegon south breakwater arm and from the Grand Haven Channel wall. Floater spawn bags and skein spawn are being used. Those trolling Lake Michigan at Port Sheldon have been taking some small steelhead and a few "football" browns in the 2-4 pound class. Both spoons and body baits trolled on long lines or behind a planer board are being used.

Good-to-excellent catches of walleye, along with a few pike and steelhead, are being taken out of the east end of Muskegon Lake by those trolling near the river mouth. Body baits such as the Rapala Husky Jerk in the purple perch pattern have been working well. Good walleye catches also are being taken from the Grand River below Sixth Street on both jig-minnow and jig-twister tail combos.

Anglers should note that the pike-walleye season will close Wednesday.

Earlier in the week, when the ice was still safe, good bluegill fishing was being found on Muskegon Lake (snug harbor and the conservation club) but, because the majority of the panfish were running small, anglers had to do a lot of sorting. Hamlin Lake, Wolf Lake (crappie too), Bill's Lake (Newaygo County), White Lake (Lyons Den) and several of the smaller waters in the Twin Lake area have been productive with the better catches coming either during the early morning or just before dark.

Earlier in the week, a fair number of perch were being taken from the 35-foot depths of Muskegon Lake around the old Grand Trunk site and from the west end of White Lake. Since then, the ice conditions have sharply deteriorated, but once the ice is gone area perch anglers may find these areas productive.

It's a good bet that the rains predicted for the end of the week should trigger the spring sucker run. Some of the more productive locales are the Grand River around Indian Channel, Muskegon River where it dead-ends at North Creston and the lower White River near the fishing bridge. Jumbo red worms fished tight to the bottom should work well.