The Kalamazoo River is running high right now, but don't let that discourage you. We've had solid water levels this spring, and the good news is the river is crystal clear despite the flow.
Small mayflies are already hatching, which means the aquatic life is waking up. We're seeing consistent activity subsurface, and that's where the action is right now. Suckers, Shiners, and Creek Chubs are actively feeding on nymphs and emerging bugs in the shallow runs, riffles and slower moving currents and pools.
What to Fish
Focus on nymph patterns in smaller sizes. Pheasant Tailed Nymphs are working well - they're a classic for a reason, and the fish here recognize them. Go down to size 16 or 18 to match what's hatching.
Small Blue Wing Olives are already on the water, so have a few in your box. These are reliable producers when mayflies are active, and they work both as dries and as nymphs depending on what the fish are taking. Don't take these out until mid-day. The hatch is a healthy one, and you can see these flying around pretty clearly once they warm up enough to become active.
Small Hendricksons are another solid choice. Fish them around the time the BWO's come out.
Frenchies deserve a spot in your rotation too. They're effective, easy to tie, and they work in higher water when other patterns might get overlooked. The high flow means fish are keying in on easy meals, and a well-presented Frenchie delivers. I personally used the same Frenchie today and produced 8 Shiners, 1 Sucker and 1 Creek Chub.
While producing these fish today at Victory Park in Albion, I found that smooth but abrupt flicks of the rod tip after my Frenchie had reached the end of its drift elicited strikes.
With the water running high, focus on the deeper runs and current breaks. Fish tight to structure - behind rocks, in the seams where fast water meets slower water, and along the banks where the current has carved out deeper pockets. The fish will be holding in these spots, waiting for food to come to them - especially as they are less aggressive with the water being as cold as it is.
The Kalamazoo is fishing well right now. The larger fish aren't as active, but the bait fish showing up means the larger ones will be coming out any day. A reminder that Bluegill, Suckers and Bass will be spawning soon, so try your best to not stress them out on nests to make sure our fishery stays healthy with freshly spawned fish.
