Thank you for your interest in becoming a Member!

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If there’s one thing a Steelheader knows all too well is that we enjoy the fishery most when utilizing the latest techniques and tactics that consistently put fish on the boat under all conditions.  It’s well known that if you want to improve at something you need to surround yourself with people who are just as eager to learn as well as being involved with people who have the experience to show you how.  In every MSSFA Chapter there are such people, people who are experts at salmon, steelhead, lake trout and even walleye and other Michigan game fish. Many Steelheaders are as comfortable on the river or stream as they are on the big lakes or small ponds, they don’t just fish for salmon or trout, they fish for all species and enjoy being outdoors and on the water.

All MSSFA Chapters have their own schedules with events such as membership meetings, where ideas are shared and Chapter happenings are discussed.  Some of the other events include kids fish outings, cook outs, boat & fishing show involvement and seminars. Most chapters publish their own chapter newsletter to keep you informed of upcoming local events and issues. 

Some of our most popular outings we have are chapter tournaments.  Mostly these are not big money, high entry fee tournaments.  They are outings where the members get together for a fun day of competition between club members at various ports around the state. Families and friends who enjoy one another’s company make up the teams. Each Chapter has their own schedule which can be seen on the chapters web page or in the official MSSFA publication of the Great Lakes Sportfishing News.

The Steelheaders stay on top of what’s going on in Lansing with potential laws concerning the fishery as well as what’s being discussed inside the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.  In fact, the Steelheaders have representatives and input on a number of Great Lakes Advisory Committees where we express the concerns and viewpoints of our Membership. We have a tribal representative to monitor tribal laws and issues, an executive director that meets regularly with the DNR Fisheries Chief, the Director of the Michigan Natural Resources Commission and various State Representatives and Senators.

-Reduction in gill netting in the Great Lakes
-Implantation of the 3 rod bill to allow anglers to fish with up to 3 fishing rods
-Bringing needed funding to the DNR and Federal agencies for Cormorant research and control
-Common creel limit amongst states for Salmon and Trout fishing on the Great Lakes
-Provide scholarships and grants for conservation related graduate studies
-Work to put in place Ballast Water laws
-Support for Great Lakes Marine Sanctuary’s
-Provide input and recommendations to the DNR on fishery plant increases and reductions
-Fund, build and maintain Net Pen Projects around the state
-Provide sponsorship and support for the Salmon in Schools program
-Work with various communities around the state on building or improving fish cleaning -facilities
-Facilitate a legislative night in Lansing to gather support from state representatives for DNR Fisheries issues
-Provide volunteers to various communities for public events and tournaments

Joining the Steelheaders is simple and compared to many other organizations, still inexpensive for what you get.  To join, search out a Chapter and take a look at what they are involved in.  Feel free to contact someone from that Chapter and ask questions.  If you have any questions on who to contact, start by contacting the Membership Office at membership@michigansteelheaders.org. If you're ready to join the South Haven Chapter now, we would love to have you!! Click here...

With any Chapter, you can get involved with as much or as little as your schedule allows. Whether you just fish tournaments, attend the membership meetings or you simply join just to receive the Steelheader Newspaper, it’s up to you but at least you’ll have the opportunity to get involved with the outings when you are ready as well as having a voice in the direction of maintaining a healthy fishery.