As summer winds to an end and the leaves begin to change, our focus changes toward the annual migration of Chinook salmon on the Muskegon River. Cooler nights and colder water temperatures bring Chinook salmon into the lower ends of the river near Muskegon Lake, Mill Iron, and Giles Road.
Throughout the lower sections of the river near Anderson Flat to Bridgton offer some excellent thundersticking for kings! Casting crankbaits is a great way to cover water in search of vicious head shakers! Best colors for salmon usually have some sort of kelly green. Fire Tiger or clown colors are also excellent choices. Kings are running much larger this season because of the bountiful Alewive populations.
We typically spool spinning rods with 30 pound Power Pro braided lines, or 15 pound Berkley Big Game clear monofi lament, 9 foot medium-heavy spinning rods, and reels with a smooth drag. Remember to save your salmon skein for upcoming steelhead in November.
Trout follow the salmon throughout the river as though in search of mother’s milk! Trout key big time on the spawning Chinook salmon. As salmon dig gravel, vast amounts of nymphs, larvae, and eggs are kicked up. Trophy Brown trout and nice rainbows are often caught at this time along with the occasional skipper steelhead, hanging behind the salmon. Light spinning or fly rods are the preferred tackle, fishing with small spawn sacks, egg patterns, or caddis nymphs all work well.
Finding spawning salmon equals great trout fishing! Smallmouth and walleye also put on the feed bag during late summer and fall. Casting crayfish colored crankbaits or soft plastics is a sure way to get a bite. Consider Number 5 Shad raps in pearl or perch colors for the walleyes. Perch fishing can also be great. Minnows also begin to school this time of year so bait balls produce big catches of walleye and smallmouth.
Chad Betts
Betts Guide Service
(231) 519-7348
www.bettsguideservice.com
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