M id-summer brings a mixed bag of options for both the fly angler and light spin angler on the Muskegon River near the town of Newaygo this year. With cooler than average air and water temperatures both resident trout and summer migratory smallmouth bass will be the fish to pursue, from Croton Dam down to Newaygo itself.
Other stretches of the Muskegon River really heat up for smallmouth and northern pike action through the month of August. On any given day, we can be 5-30 river miles from a stretch we fished the previous day….we follow mother natures lead and go where fish are biting!
We fish summer-river smallmouth bass with topwater poppers fished on 6 & 7 weight fly rods with floating lines. As well as baitfish and crayfish streamers fished on the same rods with 200-250 grain sink rates. As well as indicator rigs in certain tailouts and runs where this method is effective. Tippet can range from 6-10# test, depending on water clarity, depth, and current speed.
The light-spin-tackle angler can fish pretty much the same flies/baits with conventional gear, it’s simply a matter of rigging it correctly for the conditions. Crayfish and baitfish crank baits will cover a lot of water quickly and produce fish. Spin rods can range from 7-9’, medium to medium-fast action, with 12-14# main line and running 6-10# tippet/leader.
As we get closer to the fall season, many anglers will shift their attention to our Great Lakes big game fish…chinook and coho salmon, fall steelhead, and lake run brown trout. A true potpourri for the fresh water, big fish angler!