Slow, slow and slow have been the words coming from area bait and tackle dealers, mainly because few anglers are getting out.
The fall steelhead run appears over, although Dick Parker of Central Park Bait in Mishawaka said a few fish are still being caught.
The fall run has been a disappointment, to say the least. The 2012 fall river steelhead fishery ranks 12th when compared to 15 previous fall runs.
Only 64 fish have been recorded passing through the South Bend dam since Nov. 13, bringing the total run to a dismal 1,635 steelhead. Last fall, more than 4,000 steelhead moved into Indiana waters.
Fish managers attribute the low numbers to the summer drought, low river flows and high fish catches on Lake Michigan.
When theyre caught out there, we dont get them up here, said Bodine Hatchery Manager Dave Meuninck.
There is promise for the spring, however. Historical data shows that when the fall run is below 2,000 fish, the spring run typically is 3 to 5 times better.
Thats when we see the most Michigan, winter-run fish in South Bend, he noted. Lets hope we get good weather and a better run next spring.
Elsewhere, hard core panfishermen are catching bluegills and crappies.
The boat guys are catching fish at the mouths of channels on spikes and wax worms, said Greg Smith of the Trading Post in Edwardsburg.
Kevin Claire of Lunkers said crappies are being taken on the outside weed edges.
Most of the bluegill being caught are coming deep, although some guys report catching a few shallow during warm, sunny afternoons on the shallower lakes, he added.