Muskegon River Fishing Report – January 27, 2018 – Newaygo, Michigan

Muskegon River Fishing Report – January 27, 2018 – Newaygo, Michigan

Blake does his best to get his hands around this chunky, Muskegon river steelhead !

The Muskegon river fishing report for January 28, 2018 in the Newaygo, Michigan area is about the return of mild weather throughout the Midwest the past week+, which also brought rains and as a result of those, tremendous snow melt and runoff.   Due to this change, we’re seeing most rivers in Michigan rise in level as most all ground snow is gone in most of the lower peninsula.

We’re still fishing for both resident Rainbow and Brown trout, as well as migratory Steelhead that are wintering over in the Muskegon river and the diligent angler will find fish to catch “if” fishing the right kind of water for this time of winter. 

THERE ARE STEELHEAD IN AND READY YO BE CAUGHT !  I’m presently amidst my annual “Winter Special”  – January and February – 4 Hour, Mid Day Special – $250, up to 2 people…add a 3rd for $25 !  Includes the use of all equipment and soft beverages.  Indicator nymphing for trout on 5 weights and light tippet is putting up some fish as well !

With both fly fishing and light spin tackle equipment, we’re focusing on very specific runs where fish take up short term residence come this time of year.  The common theme is “small and slow”…..fishing smaller offerings in slower water.

With what appears to be the return of more winter like conditions in the forecast for the next week+, who knows what will happen next !!!  A very odd “winter” season up to this point, but it’s not over.

Yesterday I actually saw changes in Croton dam operations myself, as 2 of the 3 gates that were open and water was being released through, were closed and  the turbines were kicked on at Croton hydroelectric dam, for the first time in more than 2 months.  As a result, the silt and soft river bottom matter than had settled on the north side of the dam, was kicked up and the river turned to a “coffee with a touch of cream” color.  This will clear shortly and before you know it, the river will most likely be running low and clear in the not too distant future.

The river is presently running higher than normal, with recent readings around 3000 cfs, with water temperature in the 35-36 degree range.