Fishing Report – September 5, 2014

Jim P., from SE Michigan, with a nice early run Chinook salmon caught on the Pere Marquette river

Muskegon River

The Muskegon river near Newaygo, MI is running a little above average flows at this time due to heavy rains that came through west Michigan in recent days. 

Smallmouth bass fishing is the choice for most at this time and fish are starting to feed more heavily as the days get shorter and fall approaches.  Crayfish and baitfish patterns are flies of choice subsurface and fish are being caught on white, red, yellow and green top water poppers.

Trout fishing close to Croton dam is still an option and #18 green Caddis are emerging, providing some dry fly fishing opportunities.  As water temperatures drop, caddis activity will pick up.

A few fall run Chinook salmon are in the system as well, but not many and we’ll see more of those as we get further into September.

Present water temperature in the low 70’s.

Pere Marquette River

The “PM” is running a little above average flows due to recent rains, but by no means “high” and retaining very good visibility.

For those looking for late summer trout, the upper stretches closer to Baldwin and the “flies only” section are giving up trout on terrestrial patterns and low light streamers.  The night “mousin” game is still on for those looking to hook a large brown trout.

Fall run Chinook salmon are in the whole system, but not in big numbers in any given stretch.  More fish are on the way, but we could use some cooler lake MI water closer to shore to get more fish into the river.  The lower stretches closer to Ludington are giving up salmon daily on bait and tackle, flies get some looks, but not many.

The best bet for early run, lower river salmon are with heavier line and lures and/or bait under bobbers.  A truly epic fighter, there is nothing like battling with a salmon fresh out of lake Michigan.

Present water temperatures in the upper sections running in the upper 50’s, the lower river is in the low 60’s.