Colder conditions have made their way into the Midwest, with snow accumulations making it look “a lot like winter.” Although water levels and temperatures have dropped with the snow and colder weather patterns, it’s still good fishing on the Muskegon River. The next month or so should fish well for both steelhead and resident rainbow and brown trout.
Fishing for resident rainbow and brown trout has been exceptional this fall and early winter. After the floods of last spring, the Muskegon River water levels and temperature stayed above average in flows and sustained below average temperatures over most of the summer and as a result, trout had a chance to fatten up…and they did! The huge salmon runs from this fall allowed trout to pack on more weight in anticipation of the colder months ahead.
This month will find the steelhead that are currently in the river system relocating to different parts of the river for a better “lies”— places where they can comfortably post up to feed and conserve energy. The resident brown and rainbow trout will find their winter lies as well and continue to strap on the feedbag in preparation for the colder months. Lake run brown trout are now in the river system and more are sure to follow. Some have already spawned; others will do so in the weeks ahead.
Both the fly fisher and light spin angler are catching steelhead using a variety of techniques. Swinging streamers with sinking or sink tip lines, on one and two handed fly rods are getting some fish to net, but patience and covering water is critical to the swing. Floating line+indicator rigs are good options as well when fishing pocket water or runs that don’t require too long of a cast. Deeper water drift fishing, a.k.a. “chuck-n-duck”, is best when fishing very long, deep runs and troughs where getting flies down and keeping them down is required. Those spey casting two handed rods are doing so with 11-15′ long, 8-9 weight rods, with heavy floating/Skagit lines and sink tips from 10- 15′ long. Flies for swinging are wide open to one’s imagination and river conditions. Big, gaudy streamers in rich and vibrant colors are also getting looks by fish. Use both “chuck-n-duck” and floating line+indicator rods with 7-8 weights, in 9-10+’ lengths, with 6-10# test line. Egg flies-beads, nymphs, and very small minnow patterns are options for floating line rigs and chuck-n-duck.
For the light tackle spin angler, bottom bouncing beads, flies, or bait is getting it done, as well as float fishing – floating beads, flies, or bait under bobbers. Best setups for bottom bouncing spin gear rigs is 9-10′ med action rods. Same flies can be used with spin gear as fly gear….bugs are bugs, the fish don’t know what kind of setup you’re using!
As water temperatures drop, fish will look for slower moving water. Reduce the size of your offering in slower moving water. Line choices can range from 6-10# test, water color/clarity will help one decide.
Locations to seek out for fishing fall steelhead and lake run brown trout include most all water from below Croton Dam, down to Muskegon, but a bulk of the lake run brown activity has been from Croton Dam down to Newaygo. As for resident trout, focus on the water from Croton Dam, down past the Thornapple Rd access site, down to Newaygo. Trout numbers drop off considerably once you get below Newaygo.
Winter fly fishing for trout with floating line and indicator rigs is producing some rocky mountain caliber fish and will be a great option for those looking to keep lines wet here and there throughout the winter months. The next month should fish well for both steelhead and resident rainbow and brown trout. Some of the largest trout I’ve seen in years have come to hand over the past few weeks. I will be targeting both during my half day, winter special trips. Check my website for more trip details at www.westmichiganflyfishing.com.
I hope everyone had a great holiday season and welcome 2014!
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