HELP...Rough River Lake/tailwater

[flyfishmich]

Will be down there in 3 weeks...trying to get some info on shorebound possibilities? Trout/Hybrids below the dam or any opportunities from the shore in mid-late March? Any help would be greatly appreciated

[CrappieKing79]

Haven't been down in a month or so, but the water was up pretty high and the tailwater fishing area was still closed because of the dam construction. Not sure when they are supposed to be finished. However, I've done fairly well there in the past.

[flyfishmich]

However, I've done fairly well there in the past.

Thanks...any suggestions on tackle/bait and what I should, or could, expect to catch?

[flyfishmich]

Bump...will gladly share MI salmon/steelhead info.

[CrappieKing79]

I've mainly caught hybrid striper there and used to catch trout there win I was a kid. Nightcrawlers, minnows, superflukes, or white zoom worms are what I generally use.

[flyfishmich]

So, Storm Wildeye shad would probably work as well? As far as I could tell, the work on the dam was supposed to be completed in January? Hopefully I will get a chance to cast a line down there...if not, its off to some sort of "pay pond" to see if I can catch a big catfish or two? Hey, there's always golf, assuming the weather is good. Thanks again for your help!

[flyfishmich]

bump...less than 3 weeks now and I can't even find a local tackle shop that has any info on the tailwater fishery. I guess the lake is pretty much a boat-only fishery? Thank CP79 for the reply, I will try you suggestions. Anyone else?

[z250]

I drove over the dam Sunday. The entire area below was closed. They are dropping the lake about one foot a day and water is blowing through the dam. I would say it is unfishable for now.

[CrappieKing79]

If the fishing is bad, definitely go play golf at Lafayette Golf Course at the Falls Of Rough. One of the best golf courses in the state after Valhalla.