Muskegon River Fishing Report – April 15, 2024 – Newaygo, Michigan

We’re into the middle 1/3 of the Muskegon river spring steelhead run and despite incredibly low river levels, we’re still “working and searching” for steelhead with both fly fishing and conventional equipment setups.

With no hatchery/stocked steelhead being released into west Michigan rivers back in 2020 due to covid restrictions, we’re relying on naturally reproduced fish to provide a bulk of this years run of adult fish. There are a fair number of 2 year old steelhead in and being caught on any given day, but there are a lot of people out in search of fewer than normal spring steelhead.

The weather has been great from a outdoor activity and comfort level perspective, but with our only real precipitation over the last 5 weeks being one good rain and 6-7″ of snow 3 weeks ago, the rivers of Michigan are running low, clear and warming up fast……it looks like mid July out there !

One bonus to this warm spring has been not only the hatches of early black stone flies, but trout “looking up” to feed on the first dry flies of the year. With a longer leader, efficient cast, right fly pattern and patience, one has a shot at catching some really nice trout right now. This hatch won’t last long, I estimate that it will be done within a week, but it has been fun up to this point !

The 1.5′ ish inch salmon fry are also on the main menu for resident Brown and Rainbow trout and we’ve had success with both fly and spin gear setups fishing these.

With only 1 real day of good rains in the short term forecast, we’re all hoping that Wednesday is a downpour and we get enough water coming down to 1) get moisture back in the ground 2) have enough to get the thirsty trees their share and 3) have some left over to actually bring river levels up. A big ask, may not happen, but we can hope !

Current river levels around 1,700 cfs – normal would be around 3,500 – and river temperatures in the 48-49 degree range, but this may change with the balmy weather upon us now.

Good fishing !

Jeff