Racine Harbor Steelhead Action in Frigid Water!

Quick Overview

The angler successfully catches two large steelhead trout using crankbaits, specifically recommending the KBD 1.5 Squarebill in colors like firetiger or chartreuse/gold, noting that steelhead are actively feeding and bumping lures near harbors in late November in Racine, Wisconsin.

Key Points: The angler caught two large steelhead trout (one brown trout, one lighter-colored steelhead) while fishing near Racine Harbor, Wisconsin, in late November. The successful lure was identified as a KBD 1.5 Squarebill crankbait, with recommended colors being firetiger, chartreuse/gold, or shad patterns. The angler noted that the fish were actively feeding and bumping the lures, suggesting they were not being overly aggressive. A light action rod (12 or 14lb fluorocarbon leader) paired with a PC Fun XT 2000 spinning reel setup was used for casting. The angler mentions that this late fall/early winter fishing technique works well because the fish are migrating in from Lake Michigan and feeding heavily before winter. The second fish caught was a large, bright, silver steelhead, which the angler noted had a square tail and lacked the adipose fin clip, indicating it was likely a Great Lakes hatchery-raised fish. The video ends with the angler giving out his phone number (414-779-0479) for guide trips.

Context: The video documents a late November fishing trip on Lake Michigan near Racine Harbor, Wisconsin, targeting migratory trout, specifically steelhead and brown trout, as they move into harbor areas before spawning or settling in for winter. The angler is demonstrating effective lure techniques and gear setup for these cold-water conditions.

Detailed Analysis

The angler begins by setting the scene in Racine, Wisconsin, in late November, noting that steelhead and brown trout are migrating and actively feeding. He details his preferred setup for this technique, which involves using crankbaits. Specifically, he highlights the KBD 1.5 Squarebill in patterns like firetiger, chartreuse/gold, or shad, stating that the fish are actively bumping these lures. His rod setup consists of a light action rod paired with 12 or 14lb fluorocarbon leader and a PC Fun XT 2000 spinning reel, which he has used for years and recommends highly. During the trip, the angler successfully lands two fish: the first is a brown trout caught on the crankbait, and the second is a massive, bright, silver steelhead, which he estimates to be around 30-31 inches and 4-5 pounds, noting its square tail and the lack of an adipose fin clip. He emphasizes that these fish are aggressive eaters this time of year. The angler concludes by offering guide trips and providing his contact number (414-779-0479) in the description.