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Grand River springs forth with life as steelhead trout move upstream

Posted at 7:20 AM, Mar 23, 2015
and last updated 2015-03-22 13:47:55-04

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. - Warmer temperatures have brought out anglers from all over to fish in one of the most well known spots in West Michigan, the Grand River Fish Ladder.

"I've been itching for the last five months to get out and fish," said Lucky Sisouvanh, a life long fisherman.

The ladder is build to help facilitate the migration of several native species of fish, allowing them to bypass the sixth street dam on their journey upstream to spawn. For many, steel head trout are a hot commodity.

Those in boats seem to have the best luck on the river, but anglers on the riverbanks reel in their share as well. But, one angler told FOX 17, the fishing isn't quite what it used to be.

"It was really good about five years ago," said David Shuster, who frequently fished on the Grand River. "Things have slowed down quite a bit in the last couple of years."

While fishing for some has been slow, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources initiated a fish stocking program for the river in 2013 and expects the underwater population to blossom over the next few years.

So if you haven't had much luck on the river, the DNR is expecting an increase of fish traveling through the ladder as water temperatures get above 39 degrees.