Muskegon River Fishing Report – Newaygo, MI – February 7, 2017

Muskegon River Fishing Report – Newaygo, MI – February 7, 2017

Curt, from west MI, with a nice winter steelhead from the Muskegon river

The Muskegon river fishing report for the Newaygo, MI area is a wet, soggy one over the last few days !!!  Unseasonably warm weather continues to sneak in here and there, between more normal “mid winter” weather conditions of early February such as temperatures ranging from upper teens to upper 20’s.  I’m sure Mother Nature isn’t done with us yet though….anticipate more snow and cold weather, at least that’s what the groundhog said !

Due to warmer weather and more rain than normal over the last couple weeks, the Muskegon river is running a little above average flows at this time and sticking in the low to mid 30’s.

With both fly fishing and light spin tackle, both resident Rainbow and Brown trout, as well as migratory steelhead that are “wintering over” in the river, we have options for all angling interests and levels.

Most fishing this time of year is done is slower “winter water”, where fish have access to food in water that’s easy for them to hold in, but also with structure to break up the current and provide some cover.

Light lines and small offerings are the key to mid winter fishing.  Indicator nymphing with 4-6 weight fly rods is best done with 6 or 7 x tippet, along with smaller patterns such as #18-20 black & brown midge, along with brassie’s in similar size.  Caddis, pheasant tails, hares ears and scuds in #16-18 work well this time of year as well.

For the light spin tackle angler, it’s all about longer rods, lighter lines and floating washed out egg imitations, nymph patterns and even bait under bobbers in the same winter water noted above.

With mild weather forecasted for the most part over the next near week, we should continue to see good fishing on the Muskegon river through the month of February.

Present water temperature in the 34-35 degree range.

*** FOR THOSE CONSIDERING A GUIDED TRIP FOR STEELHEAD FROM MID MARCH – MID MAY, AS WELL AS PRIME TROUT LATE MAY – LATE JUNE, CONTACT ME AS SOON AS POSSIBLE, I HAVE A LIMITED NUMBER OF OPENINGS FOR SPRING & EARLY SUMMER 2017…….616-560-3195…..Jeff