Muskegon River Fishing Report – February 24, 2022 – Newaygo, Michigan

Muskegon River Fishing Report – February 24, 2022 – Newaygo, Michigan

Sac fry fly patterns will be a “go to” for spring fishing !

The Muskegon river in the Newaygo, Michigan area north of Grand Rapids is in “mid winter” mode at this time, but still has both migratory steelhead and resident Brown and Rainbow trout to fish for.

The recent warm weather and related snow melt and runoff, did very little to the Muskegon river water levels due to it being a very large river system, with numerous reservoirs that hold a lot of water under the ice on top of it.  Click HERE for current Muskegon river water flow data.  As we get further into next month, we should see river temperatures begin to slowly climb and look for our first good push of new steelhead fresh out of lake Michigan.

Long range forecast is calling for some fairly moderate weather as we get into March, with some days and nights being at or above freezing, but we’ll see how this all pans out.  We have certainly had some odd surges of both warm and cold weather come through much of the Midwest over the last near month, it will be interesting to see what Mother Nature has in store for us this spring.  Click HERE for current and forecasted weather for the Newaygo, Michigan area.

Not far off is the legitimate “start” to the Muskegon river spring steelhead run, which we know will be a bit smaller in general than we had become accustomed to up until 2020.   The Michigan steelhead population is at a fragile point in its history and we’re hoping that regulation changes in harvesting limits will help.

Shortly after the steelhead wrap up their annual spawning run, it will be the onset of prime trout dry fly fishing from latter May through most of June and even into July if we have good weather and river conditions.  Right on the heels of trout dry fly time, will be the long Smallmouth Bass season and even Northern Pike on certain stretches of the Muskegon river, from early July through mid August.  This 50’ish day window of time will find such fishing at its best and I will be doing guided trips on not only the Muskegon river, but also the Grand river in and around the Grand Rapids, Lowell and Ionia areas.  Great mid summer action with lighter equipment, where hooking into 30-40 fish over the course of a full day is not out of the question by any means !

My spring steelhead schedule is almost full, there are some openings in March, April and early May.

Prime late spring/early summer trout dry fly fishing openings are available in late May and June.

Summer Smallmouth and Pike dates available from late June through mid August.

Lastly, I have been working with a commercial fly tying company overseas for over a decade and collectively, we have some up with some great patterns, for all species of fish, with good materials, quality hooks and upmost in quality control.  From nymph and egg patterns for spring and fall migratory fish, to nymphs, streamers, attractor/terrestrial and dry flies for trout and even numerous patterns for smallmouth, pike and even saltwater flies, the “lineup” is extensive.  I began doing this for myself and some guide friends just so we had an option to tying a LOT of flies for our migratory fish seasons, but it is growing and I’m going to make some patterns available to client friends and anglers looking for great patterns, at the best prices you can find for such quality flies.   If you’re interested, contact me by email or phone call and we can talk through options – 616-560-3195.  Attached are some pictures of flies that I have designed and are available.

A selection of GREAT streamers for trout, bass and pike..

Good fishing to you and I hope your winter season is going well !