Muskegon River Fishing Report
The Muskegon River near Newaygo is where many anglers have been fishing over the last couple months. During the period when water levels were low and gin clear, many of us ventured even lower in the river system, closer to Muskegon itself, where fish tend to hold up during low-water situations. Our fall run took quite a while to get here and in reality, we may have more steelhead in the Muskegon River now, than we did during what’s traditionally prime time….the month of November.
Angling options for the highly-prized steelhead include several approaches for both the fly angler, as well as conventional gear/spin angler. Fly anglers can scour the bottom with deep water, drift-fishing rigs, a.k.a. chuck-n-duck. Suspend the offering above big rocks, boulders, or log littered runs with a floating line and indicator setup or wait for the BIG TUG by swinging streamers on sinking or sink-tip fly lines. Chuck-n-duck rods should range from 9-10’ in length, with medium-to-medium-fast action, with 6-8# test line to flies such as caddis, hares ear, scuds, hex’s, small leaches, or egg imitations. Indicator rods should be a bit longer, allowing for deeper sets. Use a 6-8# tippet with similar flies. Streamer rods can range from 9+’ long for single-handed rods to 12-13+’ for two-handed rods when spey casting big, gaudy, attention demanding flies on heavy tippet -15# fished through medium-speed and medium-depth runs. Conventional tackle approaches include bottom bouncing in a manner similar to chuck-n-duck. Use 9-10’ rods, as well as running floats/bobber rigs with flies or bait suspended off the bottom with 10-12’ rods. Also use 6-8# test line to flies or bait.
Getting into late fall/early winter water is somewhat limited for the walk-in angler. Many of the fish have moved to deeper, slower runs and pools as water temperatures drop. Anglers can find access, but you may have to cover some ground getting to it. Check around boats launches at Pine St, Thornapple, and Henning County Park around Newaygo. Access is limited when downriver around the Anderson, Bridgeton and Maple Island launches. Look for 8+’ of depth, with current speed in the 2-to-4 mph range.
Fishing for resident rainbow and brown trout around Newaygo with lighter rods and finer tippet has been bringing some nice trout to hand. The fish are transitioning from fall-to-true-winter lies, have access to food, and are not using too much energy. They will continue to move within the river itself, as water temperatures continue to drop. A common nymph rod setup for the fly angler would be a 9-10’ long, 5-6 weight rod, fishing small nymphs and micro egg patterns, with lighter tippet in the 3-4# range. Look for soft-water pockets near main current runs, often behind gravel bars or near big boulder runs and fish it thoroughly from head to tail out. The fishing forecast for the Muskegon River is GOOD! My winter special for half-day guided trips begins in January and goes through February, touch base if you’re considering a mid-winter outing.
Happy fishing and Happy New Year!
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