Muskegon River Fishing Report – December 8, 2014

Kameron, from CT, with a beautiful male steelhead.

Muskegon River

The Muskegon river near Newaygo, MI is running  above average flows for this time of early winter, but in good shape overall and giving up some very nice early December steelhead.

Steelhead are the fish of choice for most right now and we’re into some of the better fishing we’ve had all fall and early winter, due to previously low and clear water levels.  When “low and clear” is present come early to mid November, many steelhead will choose to stay in the lower river, closer to Muskegon itself.  The warmer weather, rains and related snow melt and runoff that took place the 3rd week in November, brought more water and more fish into the river.  Fishing for resident Rainbow and Brown trout has been good as well lately and should be for another couple weeks.  We are also getting some lake run Brown trout on occasion, so we have some variety as well ! Water temperatures have been slowly dropping, but with 40+ degree temperatures in the forecast this coming weekend, it may slow down dropping water temps a bit.

We’re fishing for steelhead with both fly fishing gear and conventional tackle and both are productive.  Fly fishing options include chuck-n-duck, indicator nymph fishing and swinging streamers.  Conventional tackle includes open face spinning reels for bottom bouncing and running floats – bobbers – as well as baitcaster reels for fishing just floats. 

We should see fishing remain strong through the end of the year and if the opportunity presents itself to get out on the water, please contact me for open dates.  Lastly, come the first of the new year, my “winter special” kicks in, which is a 4+ hour outing, which includes use of all equipment and soft beverages, for $200.

Present water temperature in the 37-38 degree range up near Croton dam, a degree or two cooler in the middle and lower river.