Muskegon River Fishing Report – January 25, 2020 – Newaygo, Michigan

Muskegon River Fishing Report – January 25, 2020 – Newaygo, Michigan

Working on a few variations to tried and true fly patterns…..the jointed Hex !!!!

After several weeks of both high and fluctuating river levels due to a very odd December and January weather, the Muskegon river recently came down to near normal flows.   Click HERE for current Muskegon river water flow data.

Based on both short and long term forecasts, we should see the Muskegon river get to and stay at or close to, more normal flows at least for a couple weeks.  Click HERE for Newaygo, Michigan area weather forecast.

When river levels are real high on the Muskegon river as they had been for many weeks, both resident Brown and Rainbow trout, along with migratory steelhead who are “wintering over” in the river, have many more places to call “home”.  As these levels drop, the number of “lies” that fish seek out can be reduced and it’s often a bit easier targeting “the” winter spots for fish.

With both fly fishing and light spin tackle equipment, we’ll target “those” spots while covering several miles of river throughout the day.  Both half and full day guided trips are options at this time, each include the use of all equipment and soft beverages, full day outings include a nice, warm grilled lunch !

As we got closer to spring, river levels and temperatures will begin to rise, which will prompt the adult steelhead living in lake Michigan, to return to their natal river on their annual spawning run.  For the Muskegon river, this usually starts in mid March and goes into May.

Although open dates are very limited for spring steelhead, there are still some available – call to get updated list of openings – 616-560-3195.

Not far behind the spring steelhead, will be the onset of our prime dry fly fishing for both resident Brown and Rainbow trout.  The bulk of the insect hatches that provide our best dry fly fishing, takes place in about a 30-45 day “window”, from late May – end of June/early July.  If we have even close to a duplicate of last spring and early summers weather, we should see some fat trout, eagerly sipping dry flies not only  up to late June, but even into early-mid July, which was a treat last year !

Get a line wet with these warmer than average air temperatures we’ve had lately and if helpful, feel free to call about updated conditions or suggestions on where to go for a few hours of fun fishing !