Artful Hunting: A Photographic Journey with Craig Watson

Artful Hunting: A Photographic Journey with Craig Watson

January 04, 2017

Chapter 1: Winter Steelhead Fishing on the Muskegon (Michigan)


Michigan Resident, Scott Wellard, battles a fresh snowfall while using a technique called "swinging flies" for Steelhead on the Muskegon River in Michigan.

Swinging flies for Steelhead can be a very rewarding technique, but difficult to master.

Michigan resident, and Fishing Guide, Brandyn Thorsen, uses the Pioneer 400RT series waist pack to hold his collection of Trout beads. Fishing beads for Winter Steelhead is highly effective, as the bead resembles a single fish egg.


Fishing Guide, Brandyn Thorsen, uses the Pioneer 400RT series waist pack to hold his collection of Trout Beads.

Fishing beads for Winter Steelhead is highly effective, as the bead resembles a single fish egg.


Scott Wellard gets a cast out.


Bitter temps, and constant snowfall kept the guys on alert as they fished as many holes as possible, searching for that one hungry fish.


Fishing Guide, Brandyn Thorsen (Great Lakes Guide Services) adds a little seasoning to his Venison steaks while on the Muskegon River.


The Pioneer 400RT is perfect for cold weather as it doubles as a hand warmer.

Michigan resident, and Fishing Guide, Brandyn Thorsen, with Great Lakes Guide Services, uses the Pioneer 400RT series waist pack, while guiding a Steelhead trip on the Muskegon River in Michigan. The Pioneer 400RT is perfect for cold weather as it doubles as a hand warmer.

Michigan resident, and Fishing Guide, Brandyn Thorsen, with Great Lakes Guide Services, uses the Pioneer 400RT series waist pack, while guiding a Steelhead trip on the Muskegon River in Michigan. The Pioneer 400RT is perfect for cold weather as it doubles as a hand warmer.


Brandyn Thorsen packs the Pioneer 2100RT series backpack.


Sean Anderson (left) all smiles as he holds his late-season Michigan Steelhead he landed while fishing with a friend, and Guide, Brandyn Thorsen of Great Lakes Guide Services. Anderson didn't hold the fish for very long before releasing it back into the frigid waters of the Muskegon River.

Michigan Resident, Scott Wellard, battles a fresh snowfall while swinging flies for Steelhead on the Muskegon River in Michigan. Wellard, and friend Sean Anderson spent the day with Fishing Guide, Brandyn Thorsen of Great Lakes Guide Services, searching out some hungry Steelhead.

A successful day of Michigan Steelhead fishing with friends.  Special thanks to Great Lakes Guide Services for navigating the way.

Craig Watson is a Michigan based outdoor advertising/ editorial photographer and Vanguard Professional.  Check out Craig's work on his website, and be sure to give him a follow on Facebook and Instagram!

And stay tuned for another #ArtfulHunting Photography Journey with Craig Watson!