trail creek

Trail Creek has a long history. Once called Riviere du Chemin (River of Trails), it is a major tributary of Lake Michigan in Indiana and one of the few streams that have not been straightened, except for the last two miles. It has had its share of pollution and sediment problems, but has improved over the past 20 years with the cleanup of the Waste Inc. Superfund site and Michigan City Sanitary District. Now recreation such as fishing and floating are increasing. In the fall, migration of salmon draw anglers from all over the Midwest. There are also a few spots where fish can be found in the winter so this is a year round fishery. I have fished many places around the country, but like to fish here a few blocks from home.

Trail Creek is a small tributary to Lake Michigan. Boaters use it to travel from launches and several marinas to the big lake. Other than that, it is a migratory stream allowing anglers an opportunity to fish for the Salmon and Trout species stocked in Lake Michigan. Several locations along the Creek are designated shore fishing sites. Stream fishing is seasonal, depending on the species. This review will focus on Creek Ridge County Park, the only public site with a park like environment, where people can enjoy more than just fishing. About 100 acres on the South side of Michigan City, near I-94. From US421, head East on 400N (Kiefer Road) about 4 miles to the entrance. A short wooded road will have you in the parking areas. For fishermen, spectators, or hikers, there are 2 wooden walkways leading down to Trail Creek. Good luck finding a hot spot, and a fish! Several State Records have been taken from Trail Creek. The wide open spaces will allow you to enjoy the day in the great outdoors. Indoor restrooms. Plop down a blanket for an old fashioned picnic in the grass. There are some larger shelters with tables & grills, which can be reserved for special occasions ($$ fee). An area for volleyball, and horseshoe pit. A fairly big playground for the kids to climb and play. Bring Fido to the fenced in Bark-Park to get some exercise off the leash. Locals use the park, especially if a cool, windy day keeps them off the public beach. Visitors take the opportunity just to relax outdoors. The park is free, and has handicap accessibility. There are no concessions. Spend an hour, an afternoon, or a day. Bring your camera. Alcoholic Beverages are prohibited at any County Park. The pictures may help you better visualize Creek Ridge Park.

Trail creek is kind of a hit-or-miss fishing location. I've done so well there that I've caught my limit of 3 in an hour....... but I usually get only one.... or outright skunked in a day. This is the kind of place you have to hunt the fish down. You hunt the spots down, you have to go find the log-jams and deep pools. You must walk up quiet and stealthily, or you will be rewarded with only the wake of the fish you just spooked out of that hole. You must bring plenty of bait, weight, and bobbers; as you will snag up a bunch. If you're not losing your terminal tackle, you're not doing it right. Drag and bounce your bait along the bottom; let the bait drift into that log-jam.... Mend your line!...nothing's more frustrating than setting the hook, only to see a big "C" of line come ripping out of the water- and you missed the fish. You can keep light tension on your line to feel for that quick pull, especially as it drifts into log-jams. Should a fish hit in a jam, you must be IMMEDIATELY ready to pull 'em free of all those snags! Summer Skamanina are quite athletic and like to run and jump, making the whole of the fight that much more thrilling. Use light line- or fish will see it. 8 pound mono/fluorocarbon line is my favorite, 6lb loses too many fish, and 10lb doesn't get as many hits. I prefer spinning gear due to the light weight of all the gear. A small slip bobber, 2 splitshot, and a size#6 octopus hook. People often use wax worms, squid strips, and small cooked shrimp for the summer Skamania (steelhead trout for those of you who do not know). Winter steelhead readily feed on spawn sacks of Salmon eggs. The more aggressive fish will hit hot-pink and blaze-orange colored spinners and small spoons summer and winter. My favorite is to buy sonic rooster tails or panther martin spinners with the shaft thru the blade.... Then spray paint them neon! The moral here is that you have to keep trying new spots and don't give up. I have been in spots like the other reviewer said "seeing them but they won't bite). It happens. Its fishing- not catching. Personally I've found that persistence often pays off tho. I've fished the same spot for 3 hours and nothing.... only to have the fish turn on and catch 3 in the next 30 minutes. Its all about being in the right place at the right time with the right bait..... Then it's up to the fish to cooperate! There is Creek Ridge Park along Trail Creek that even has handicap accessibility for those who want to get out and enjoy the fishing, but are mobility impaired. Take US route 421 north to the first light- Kieffer Rd (400n). Take that east (right), over the expressway, and take the second left into the park. There are trails, a pavilion, restrooms, and 1000 feet of handicap accessible boardwalk with fishing platforms. Just remember, even if you get skunked, enjoy the experience! There are few places where we can go nowadays and even have a chance at a 8-18 pound trout swim up a little creek in the woods. Most trout fishing is seeking out 6-8 inch fish from similar creeks. We have a great fishing community here with these Indiana tributaries, an opportunity most are not aware of. Illinois has NO Lake Michigan tributaries, so we must come here. Don't forget about Salt Creek or the east branch of the Little Calumet river- try it. Spend some time outside!!!!

Well thios could be a long story but we will keep it in our minds as an unforgetable journey at trail creek . fish are in there but what does it take to catch them i can see them all day long depending on the day. we throw crawlers . spoons, flys ,poppers and to no avail we watch them jump but not6 in our pans we spends $ on sikers and lurtes and bait. what cathces steeelhead in trail creek and where????