Fishing Report – September 29, 2014

Keen P. from Ludington, MI with a great fall steelhead caught on the Pere Marquette river.

Muskegon  River

The Muskegon river near Newaygo,  MI is running near average flows at this time and in a state of transition as we get into the fall season.

Resident trout are feeding more heavily, in preparation of the colder months ahead and have had some #18 green caddis flies emerging to feed on and that provide some dry fly fishing options.  Smallmouth bass are also packing on some weight as the days get shorter and water temps begin to drop.

Migratory Chinook salmon are making their way into the river and we’ll be in the thick of the fall run in a couple weeks.  Fall steelhead will be right behind them, providing what many consider to be the best shots at one of the most acrobatic fresh water fish on planet earth !

Present water temperature is in the mid 60’s.

Pere Marquette River

The Pere Marquette river between Ludington and Baldwin, MI is running a bit below average flows at this time.

The fall Chinook and Coho salmon run is in progress, but winding down quickly and unless another good push of fish come in from lake Michigan, fall steelhead will be the fish of choice in the weeks ahead.  More salmon ARE coming, but most are unsure of how many due to the very erratic-odd run we’ve seen to date.

Resident brown trout are feeding heavily on the larva and salmon eggs kicked up during the salmon spawn and some of the largest trout of the year are caught come the fall salmon season.  Some fall steelhead are in the system as well and will be for many weeks.

Present water temperature in the mid 50’s.