Muskegon River Fishing Report – April 11, 2020 – Newaygo, Michigan

Muskegon River Fishing Report – April 11, 2020 – Newaygo, Michigan

Jack holds a great Muskegon river steelhead from our outing with friend Jason, last year.

HANG IN THERE EVERYONE !!!

Although the Covid 19 pandemic has put a halt to guided fishing trips for our spring steelhead run, we still may see some “fins of life”, come early to mid May, pending a lift on this ban come the end of April.  Much of this will be decided in the 10 days-2 weeks ahead, as we either make progress on this virus or see evidence of otherwise.

Another thing that will affect the spring steelhead run and how long it lasts, are river levels and water temperatures.  Click HERE for current Muskegon river water flow data.  Much of this “can” be affected by the weather that brings rapidly changing weather patterns through the Miwest.  Click HERE for current and forecasted weather for the Newaygo, Michigan area.

I know it’s hard for many who had scheduled fishing during this time, as some of these plans were made months in advance, if not a year or more.  

I’ll be doing my best to accommodate all requests once we’re cleared to get back on the river, but until then we’ll just have to hold tight and get this thing whipped !!

When possible, do what you can to help any in need during these trying times.  Whether it’s a neighbor who’s struggling and could really use a couple grocery items, to those serving people fighting this virus in our hospitals, to other first responders getting to those affected that have yet to receive treatment.  I know many of us won’t have the ability to “help much”, as we have our own set of financial challenges during this time, but any little bit may help more than you realize.

Another topic of contention the last couple days has been the ban on guiding, proposed ban on use of motor powered boats and the fines that may come with it….BUT, who’s going to enforce these ?  I have a lot of respect for the conservation officer who I know and works in/around the Newaygo, Michigan area, but is he supposed to police…1) the entire 12+ miles of what I call “prime” spring time water on the Muskegon river during the steelhead run, 2) all the boat ramps that allow access to this water, 3) all the ramps at local lakes in and around Newaygo county and 4) ALL of the other things he needs to keep an eye on with regards to fishing and hunting, during this trying time…..I don’t think ANY one person can do this.

I hope for the best during this time and will do my part to help the cause.

Should you look to get out to do some walk in-wade fishing in the near future, feel free to touch base with any questions about locations to fish, rigging or anything else.

Be Safe !

Jeff

jrbacon@ameritech.net

616-560-3195