Muskegon River Fishing Report – March 15, 2019 – Newaygo, Michigan

Muskegon River Fishing Report – March 15, 2019 – Newaygo, Michigan

The Muskegon river fishing report for March 15, 2109 is about the fishing we “had” and that which will follow, but now we have to wait for the flooded river to come down !

Yesterday found the Muskegon river in the Newaygo area amidst some significant change, with many smaller tributaries flowing chocolate milk colored water into the main river.  It started out just fine, with flows in the 2200 cfs range, but this changed quickly overnight and present flows of 7000 cfs make the river virtually unfishable.  This runoff of snow melt and rise in river levels will continue for another couple days as the rain and warmer weather is causing all of this to take place quickly.  Click HERE for current water flow data.

With more rain coming today, we’ll likely see all rivers in west Michigan approach or exceed flood stage before the end of the day.  Click HERE for current and forecasted weather.

Once the river drops in level and rises some in temperature, we will see the real beginning of our 2019 spring steelhead run.

Once upon us, with both fly fishing and light spin tackle equipment, we’ll pursue these great lake Michigan game fish through mid May on the Muskegon river north of Grand Rapids.

Not far behind the spring steelhead will be the first of our insect hatches, which provide the best dry fly fishing opportunities for resident Brown and Rainbow trout.  Most years, this begins in late May and goes through most of June.

And before we know it, early summer will be here and focus will shift to chasing warm water species such as Smallmouth Bass and Northern Pike.  This will be done on not only the Muskegon river in several stretches up and down the watershed, but also the Grand river in/around the Grand Rapids area, which can be great fishing, “when” river conditions are right.

Should anyone be pondering a spring steelhead or late spring/early summer trout outing, it may be best to touch base sooner than later to check on availability, as my schedule is filling up fast !

 

 

The Muskegon river fishing report for March 15, 2019 is about the fishing we got in yesterday and the flooding that’s going on right now !

Yesterday found the river steady, but with obvious signs of pending change, with many small tributaries flowing chocolate milk colored water into the main river.   Although levels didn’t change much during our trip yesterday, it did overnight and the Muskegon river will not be fish-able for several days.  Click HERE for current Muskegon river water flow information and data.

With more rain forecasted for today, we’ll likely see all west Michigan rivers rise rapidly and some will approach or exceed flood stage.  Click HERE for current weather information and forecast.

As we now enter a phase of waiting for water levels to first peak, then begin to recede, there won’t be much fishing taking place as all rivers are a mess and will be for several days.  

Once the Muskegon river settles down in flows and rises in temperature, we will see more steelhead come in from lake Michigan on their annual spring spawning run.

Other species to consider that will also be migrating up river, are Muskegon lake Walleye, which number into the thousands during their respective spawning run, but this ends today !

Once steelhead are back in our cross hairs, we will fish them with both fly fishing and light spin tackle equipment, much of this depends on weather, fishing conditions, personal preference and much of the time, what works best !

Not many open dates are left for the spring 2019 steelhead season, so if you’re pondering an outing, best to call sooner than later to inquire about open dates – 616-560-3195.

Despite the soggy weather over the past few days, it actually looks like spring is finally here !