Spring Fishing Provides
Beautiful Steelhead Action

Pere Marquette River at Baldwin is Spring Hot Spot

May 6, 2002
By: O. J. Cunningham

Mark DeSanto loves to spend time on the Pere Marquette River. DeSanto is a certified guide who works out of the Pere Marquette Orvis Lodge in Baldwin, Michigan. Spring fishing means hot steelhead action for DeSanto and his clients

DeSanto, theowner of DeSanto Builders in Bay City spends most of his working hours remodeling homes and businesses. But when he gets the chance, he's quick to jump at the opportunity to take a client for a trip down the beautiful Pere Marquette River.

"Wehad a pretty good run of steelhead this year," DeSanto pointed out. "We got a bunch of fish in the river after the fall salmon run," DeSanto said. "And then in March we had several waves of fish to fill the system."



DeSanto pointed outthat Spring weather in Michiagn can always provide surprises. DeSanto spent time with clients during the first few days of April and reports that it snowed each night. "We had 3"-5" of snow covering the cars and boats each morning when we headed out to the river," DeSanto said.

Cost for a full day on the river (for two fishermen)with a certified guide runs between $275-$300 for an 8-10 hour float trip in a drift boat. Price includes lunch and fishing equipment although fishermen are expected to provide their own waders.

DeSanto is the President of the local Trout Unlimited Chapter and each year donates a trip at the TU Banquet to be auctioned off as part of the annual fundraiser. "I really enjoy taking people out on a river like thePere Marquette for their first steelhead or salmon fishing experience," DeSanto said. "It's something everyone should experience."

DeSanto can be reached at (989) 892-7074, or visit his web site at http://www.desantobuilders.com