Winter has settled in here in West Michigan. Most lakes are frozen over and many rivers are losing open water and giving way to shelf ice that will stick around until either our next real good spell of warm weather or the onset of spring. The Muskegon River near Newaygo remains open to provide some good winter fishing for both resident rainbow and brown trout, as well as migratory steelhead that are wintering in the river.
A fish’s metabolism does drop when water temperatures get into the low-to-mid 30’s, but they still eat and are there to be shed throughout the winter months. Fishing has been good for both trout and steelhead over the past month as we downshift into “winter mode” and begin fishing different types of water that these fish frequent during the colder month of February.
The fishing for steelhead on the Muskegon River during winter months is between Croton Dam and the town of Newaygo, in the deeper pools and runs. Trout numbers are better in the first six to eight miles below Croton Dam, as water temperatures remain more consistent in the upper river then they do closer to Newaygo or even down river from there. Trout are moving to their “winter lies” and can be found in the softer water, near main or primary current “seams.” The menu changes during the colder months as well, with nymphs and larva eggs for fish to feed on as well. The longer migratory fish are in the river, steelhead, the more they key in on naturals such as caddis larva and various mayfly nymphs. Resident trout are quicker to key in on the “naturals” bite, as they rely on them for a majority of their year round food. Access points such as the launches at Croton Dam, Pine Street, Thornapple Rd and Henning County Park can all provide walk in fishing opportunities. Be cautious if you venture down one of these boat ramp roads, many of them are still ice covered, slippery, and can be dangerous.
Both fly fishing and light spin tackle work sell during the winter months as it really doesn’t matter how you get your offering in front of fish, it’s just a metter of getting it there. For the fly fisher, the most common technique for winter time trout is nymph fishing 4-6 weight rods, floating lines and indicators. On light tippet such as 2.5 – 4# test line, fish small natural patterns such as Caddis, Hares Ears, Pheasant tails, small Wiggle Hex patterns and even micro eggs to match any lake run brown trout eggs floating down river. Another option for the fly fisher in pursuit of steelhead is drift fishing, aka chuck-n-duck, using 9-10′ long, 7-8 weight rods and bouncing the same nymphs used for trout fishing, but with the 6-8# test line. It’s not uncommmon to hook steelhead while fishing for trout, as they will occupy the same water, but you may have a handful with a 10 pound fish on a 5 weight rod and 3# test tippet! For the spin fisherman, the same flies can be used, fished with a 9-11′ rod, under a bobber with split shot above the fly patterns, or fishing bait with either spawn or wax worms under a bobber, with 6-8# test line.
At this time of year it’s more about where you CAN gain access to the river than where to fish IN the river. Most every stretch of river between Croton Dam and Newaygo has fish holding water within sight. Finding those spots that can be accessed by the walk-in angler is another story though. Now if the time of year to “fish smarter, not harder.” In other words, identify the run you want to fish and look it over from the shoreline.
As we embrace the heart of winter here in Michigan, know that just because lakes are solid, small streams are frozen over and the temperatures drop to the teens and below, fishing is still an option for the avid angler. The locations may be fewer and further in between, but “hydrotherapy” is still there to be had for those looking to counter their bout of cabin fever.
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