Muskegon River Fishing Report – February 5, 2022 – Newaygo, Michigan

Muskegon River Fishing Report – February 5, 2022 – Newaygo, Michigan

 I’m selling a select number of dry flies, nymphs and streamers, which I will include in upcoming reports. Shown are #12 parachute Gray Drakes – $8/doz – 5″ long articulated Fire Tiger color streamers – $1.75 each- and 3″ long articulated white baitfish streamers – $1.25 each

The Muskegon river below Croton hydroelectric dam in Croton, Michigan, remains one of the few stretches of river in Michigan to have open water that’s fishable through the winter months.  Several miles of ice free, open water provides access for anglers looking to pursue both resident Brown and Rainbow trout, along with migratory Steelhead that are “wintering over” in the river.

With either fly fishing or conventional equipment setups, anglers who put in the time to fish likely winter holding spots for fish, can be rewarded with a bent rod, wet net and maybe even a Kodak moment !

River levels are currently a bit below average for this time of year, click HERE for current Muskegon river water flow data.

A key to fishing this time of year is to identify a day that’s not too cold to the point where equipment freezes up and malfunctions.  It’s one thing to clear some ice out of the guides of a fishing rod, it’s another thing when reels freeze up and getting and out of the river, be it wade fishing or launching and loading a boat, comes with personal well being at risk !  Click HERE for current and forecasted weather for the Newaygo, Michigan area to see when that next break in weather will be.

If venturing out on your own, focus your attention on the softer current “seams” that provide fish a break from the main current, but close enough to slide over to grab a tasty looking morsel, but it a midge or caddis larva or even to quickly chase down a salmon fry.  Lighter tippet and stealthy presentations are critical when fishing during the winter as the river and surrounding areas in general, are very quiet during the winter months.

For those who aren’t inclined to “scratch their fishing itch” during winter and are patiently awaiting the arrival of warmer weather, we should see signs of it coming in the next 30-45 days.  

Those who are looking to get out and kick the winter cob webs off there equipment and wanting a bit of direction on where to access open water, riggings to use and other useful tips, feel free to call or email me – 616-560-3195 – jrbacon@ameritech.net

The Muskegon river spring steelhead run will be kicking off soon and if any are still pondering a guided outing from March – early May for steelhead, late May – late June for prime trout dry fly fishing or end of June – early August for Smallmouth Bass and Northern Pike, touch base soon to check on availability !