Muskegon River Fishing Report – December 6, 2020 – Newaygo, Michigan

Muskegon River Fishing Report – December 6, 2020 – Newaygo, Michigan

Bill holds a great Muskegon river brown trout from our outing yesterday.

The Muskegon river fishing report for December 6, 2020 in the Newaygo, Michigan region of west Michigan is focused on the fall and early winter steelhead fishing.  As we get further into December, more “winter” like conditions will set in, with lower river temperatures coming as snow begins to fly !

We are still fishing in the super clear water that has been present for several months.  Very little measurable rain in the upper reaches of the Muskegon river watershed between Claire and Grayling, finds the river looking like late summer with amazing clarity.   Click HERE for current Muskegon river water flow information.

With both fly fishing and conventional equipment, we are covering a fair amount of river to find the water that steelhead hold in with such conditions.   The old phrase “fish smarter, not harder” is one to fish by right now, as it’s not a matter of meticulously fishing through runs, but fishing methodically through the runs, then find the next one to do the same.

The long range forecast for possible precipitation looked much better a few days ago, but it looks like that has changed and we’re in for what appears to be mid 40 temps next week, with outside chance of rain next weekend.  Click HERE for current and forecasted weather for the Newaygo, Michigan area.

With our fall steelhead run having fewer fish come into the river than we’re seen in recent years, many peoples thoughts are already shifting to the spring steelhead run and for fly fishing enthusiasts, the arrival of prime dry fly time in late May and early June.  Should anyone be considering an outing in those time frames of spring, best to touch base with me sooner, than later.  I have about 10 open dates from the end of March – end of May….and they won’t stay open long.  For reference, the spring steelhead run typically kicks of around mid to late March and goes up to early to mid May.  Shortly after, our major insect hatches start around the third week of May and go through mid to late June.   This will be the best time for dry fly fishing the Muskegon river, as the bulk of our “major” hatches are wrapped up come the first of July.

Good fishing……

Jeff