T he Muskegon River is in full spring steelhead mode and will be for the next several weeks. We are seeing steelhead fresh out of Lake Michigan work their way upstream to the Newaygo area, many returning to their natal river for their annual spawning run. We see good numbers of fish showing up after the heavy rains brought high water to all West Michigan rivers. The levels are beginning to taper off and returning to near normal flows for this time of spring.
We are fishing for steelhead with both fly fishing and light spin tackle equipment, in pockets and pools near spawning grounds. This is where most fish will settle in once they complete their migration. Steelhead have been running from the 5-6 pound range, up to 10-12, with the occasional fish in the lower teens.
The fly angler has several options, including the simple but effective “chuck and duck” method of bottom bouncing flies. As well as swinging streamers and indicator nymphing rigs with floating line, on 7 or 8 weight rods, in 9-11’ lengths, with tippet in the 8# range.
The conventional equipment angler can fish both bottom bouncing rigs with egg flies, nymphs or bait, on 9-10’, medium action rods with tippet/leader around the 8# range as well. Fishing floats/bobbers on longer rods, in the 12’ range, allows one to suspend their flies, nymphs or bait, above structure and is an option as well.
Walk-in and wading access on the Muskegon River is all flow/level dependent. If water levels allow, wade-in access around Newaygo itself, where M-37 goes over the bridge, provides you with good water to wet a line. Other accesses are available from Thornapple Road and Pine Street boat ramps.
With our mild end of winter and runoff, we had a small bout of near flooding, but that looks to be behind us. We’re looking forward to a great wrap to our spring steelhead run and the onset of trout fishing on the Mighty Mo.
Happy Fishing!