Fishing Report – October 14, 2014

Mike from England, with the first fall steelhead of the annual outing on the Muskegon river.

Muskegon River

The Muskegon river near Newaygo, MI is running near average flows for mid October, but late in getting to “fall” conditions.  The fall season in general appears to be running a bit behind, the changing of the leaves is slow in coming this year.

The fall Chinook salmon run is in full swing on the Muskegon, as is the onset of the fall Steelhead season.  With water levels having been a bit on the low side as of late, the steelhead have yet to make it up near Newaygo in good numbers and it may be a while before they do.

Chinook salmon are quickly seeking out spawning grounds once they get into the river, however some pools and deeper runs are still holding staging fish. 

Trout fishing around salmon spawning grounds with lighter rods, tippet and smaller egg and nymph patterns is getting some nice trout to the net.  Fly patterns to have on hand include drab orange-peach-off pink egg flies, as well as caddis, hares ear, pheasant tail, scud and sparse hex patterns are getting things done.

Swinging streamers for fall steelhead will come into focus for MANY once water temps drop and we get more steelhead into the river. 

Present water temperature in the mid 50’s.