Muskegon River Trout Fishing Report – Newaygo, MI – May 15, 2017

Muskegon River Trout Fishing Report – Newaygo, MI – May 15, 2017

The Muskegon river trout fishing report for Newaygo, MI this time of May is about a true mixed bag of fishing opportunities. 

A chunky Muskegon river Brown trout that took a dry fly.

From resident Rainbow and Brown trout, to a few Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye and even the last of our spring steelhead can be found if one searches them out.

We are in a time of transition on the Muskegon river, as water temperatures rise into the mid and upper 50’s, we’re seeing both resident and migratory sucker fish take over the spawning grounds for their respective spawn.   This will find resident trout feeding behind them in the large spawning flats that are used by migratory fish during their annual spawn, easting the eggs and insects that get kicked up during the spawning process. 

As the water temperatures warm a bit, the first of our major insect hatches are coming on, which provides the fly fisher with the first dry fly fishing opportunity of the early summer season.  Starting with Caddis, then Sulphurs, BWO’s, Gray Drakes, Brown Drakes and Isonychia’s make  up the bulk of our hatches on the Muskegon river, from Croton  dam down through Newaygo itself.

The mid to late spring “streamer bite” was short lived, but did put up a few nice trout.  The reason for such a short window of time, is that in a short amount of time Michigan’s Department of Natural Resources completed their annual stocking of small Steelhead, as well as Rainbow and Brown trout, as various boat ramps from Croton dam down to Henning County Park in Newaygo.  This years batch of stocked fish were a bit smaller than in years past and I presume they made for large, easy meals for resident fish and as a result, the larger Rainbow and Brown trout are full….as well as the Walleye and Pike !

As stocked fish spread out, grow a bit and get accustomed to their new surroundings, I’m sure they’ll become more wise and better able to avoid the predator fish the pursue them.

With good water levels and temperatures over the last near 2 weeks, the river is setting up for a good early trout season, once the bugs kick into gear that is.

Some good dates are still open for those considering a full or half day guided trip.  Check out the “kids and fish” and “match the hatch”, half day specials, check this link for more details – http://westmichiganflyfishing.com/gift-certificates-and-seasonal-specials.

Present water temperature in the 55 degree range.