Muskegon River Fishing Report: January 2016

T he Muskegon River continues to fish well for resident brown and rainbow trout, as well as steelhead, which should provide good fishing action through the New Year and beyond. Due to warmer than normal weather this late fall and early winter, coupled with the good rains that came through most of Michigan over the Thanksgiving weekend, the “MO” is set up to fish well for quite some time.

Our overall fall/early winter late salmon, resident trout, and steelhead seasons have been pretty good in general and much better than some of the more northern rivers. This is due to a number of reasons or factors, and we’re very fortunate to have such good fishing, amidst the turmoil and uncertainty that faces Michigan’s fisheries management and the future of a cherished sport fishing industry.

Most of my fall/early winter fishing has been done from Croton Dam down to Bridgeton and below, covering more than 20 river miles. Fishing both fly and light spin tackle gear, we’ve been able to find consistently steelhead, just had to work a bit harder on certain days, cover more water, but they are there to be caught, and some will stay in the river throughout the winter.

Fly rod setups include bottom bouncing-aka chuck-n-duck-, indicator style nymphing rigs, both with 9-10’ rods, as well as swinging streamers on both 9-10’ single handed and longer 2 handed rods for those who enjoy spey casting and methodically working longer runs. Light spin rigs are primarily longer rods, in the 11-12’ range, used for float fishing medium depth and medium current speed runs. Bottom bouncing is certainly an option as well, but using shorter rods, in the 9-10’ length.

Walk-in access can always be a big question mark come this time of year due to cold and potentially dangerous water temperatures. Plenty of access can be found around the Pine St, Thornapple, Henning County Park, and Newbridge access sites, but sure footing is a must when fishing in water temperatures below the mid 40’s.

The forecast for the mid-winter months of January and February looks to be good for now based on long range weather models, but we do live in Michigan, and this can change quickly. That being said, we’re certainly not going to see river temps drop that fast, as we still have some mild weather in the forecast through the first of the new year. Many will take advantage of my “Winter Special” during the months of January and February, check it out on my website or feel free to call – 616-560- 3195. On another note, most dates for spring steelhead – late March – mid May – as well as prime trout times of late May – early July, will book up quickly, don’t hesitate touching base if you’re considering a guided trip in 2016. If you’re pondering a quick trip to the river to wet a line for an hour or a few and would like a current report, by all means give me a call, I can fill you in on present conditions during a short conversation.