Muskegon River Fishing Report – December 6, 2017 – Newaygo, MI

Muskegon River Fishing Report – December 6, 2017 – Newaygo, MI

Gene, from IN, with a rather LARGE Muskegon river steelhead caught recently while fishing with son Gene.

The Muskegon river fishing report for December 6, 2017 in the Newaygo, MI area is about our continued fall and early winter steelhead season.  We are blessed to have arguably the longest “season” for steelhead on the Muskegon river north of Grand Rapids.  With river temperatures staying warmer on this river compared to most others, we can have quality fishing through the New Year.

With both fly fishing and light spin tackle equipment, we’re catching not only migratory steelhead, but also resident Rainbow and Brown trout, as well as lake run Brown trout.  The technique of choice is often determined by angler preference, experience level and weather, as some methods are easier to use than others on colder days.

Dave, from Chicago, holds his contest winning “biggest” steelhead from an outing with friends.

For the fly fisher, methods include bottom bounce nymphing – a.k.a. Chuck & Duck – indicator nymphing and stripping or swinging streamers.  For the conventional tackle angler, similar bottom bouncing can be done, as well as running float/bobber rigs to suspend our “offering” just off the bottom.  Conventional gear includes both bait caster and open face spinning reels, matched with the correct rods.

As the days get shorter and ultimately colder, we change our approach and often the water we fish, to give you the best chances to get a fish on your line !

Present water temperature in the 41 degree range and flows are holding at just above normal levels for this time of December.