By: Capt. Jeff Bacon
The month of December may be the most significant “transition” fall/winter month of the season on the Muskegon River for both resident and migratory fish and fishing and fishing in general.
The spawning salmon that came up in September, October and early November are long gone, but the residual effects of their spawning season are still evident. Both resident rainbow and brown trout, along with migratory steelhead and lake run brown trout will feed on the salmon eggs that get kicked up from spawning grounds, as well as small baitfish, mayfly, caddis and midge nymphs that are in the river, as the fish prepare for the colder months of the year.
Fly fishing options include indicator nymphing, stripping/swinging streamers, as well as bottom bouncing – a.k.a. chuck & duck. Fly rods of choice for nymphing would be along the lines of 6 and seven weight rods, with floating line and, indicator and flies of choice. Streamer rods could range from 6 or 7 weight rods for casting-retrieving streamers, as well as 8-9 weight two-handed rods for spey casting if you’re going to swing streamers. Chuck and duck setups would be with running/shooting on 7 or 8 weight rods.
Conventional tackle rigs would be either baitcaster or open face spinning reels, on matching rods for bottom bouncing or float fishing. Flies to have on hand include salmon egg imitations, as well as caddis and mayfly nymphs. For the conventional angler, fishing egg imitations as well as bait such as spawn bags will get you into fish.
The last handful of years has found the month of December provides some of the better steelhead fishing of the fall and early winter season. With a reduction of traffic on the river and fish taking up their “typical” early winter lies, it’s simply a matter of fishing very specific spots thoroughly and fishing many of them throughout the course of the day.
Enjoy the holidays and get out on the river during “Santa” month… it’s a great time of year to be fishing on the river, and the Muskegon River has plenty to offer!
Capt. Jeff Bacon
Michigan Fly Fishing Ventures
(616) 560-3195
www.westmichiganflyfishing.com
