By: Capt. Jeff Bacon
The holidays have come and gone, the decorations have come down and are in storage for the year. Mother Nature has provided us with an unprecedented “arctic blast”, followed by near 60 degree weather in mid January and who knows what’s next !!!!
We do know that February is a “swing month” for sure in the lives of many anglers looking to get back to the Muskegon river for some late winter/early spring fishing for resident rainbow and brown trout, as well as steelhead that have taken up short term residence in the river. How much river fishing can be done in February depends on the amount of snow we have and how it impacts access to the river.
Historically, February is a time to get to the last of the trade shows, fly tying seminars and other similar events that serve to counter the affects of “cabin fever”. Some will get equipment out, look over reels, lines, take inventory of leaders, tippet, flies, lures and other pertinent accessories so that when the time comes, they will be ready.
For those who just can’t wait, there are places to fish on the Muskegon river that aren’t that hard to get to and provide access to fish holding water. Each of the boat launches on the river from Croton dam down to Newaygo itself, have walk in access close by. Down stream from Croton dam finds good, deeper pools and runs, as well as above and below the Pine St launch, below the Thornapple launch, both up and down stream from Henning County Park and in Newaygo itself, up and down from M-37. Safe wading is the theme though, because in these water temperatures, you won’t have long before hypothermia sets in should you decide to wade and take an unexpected swim.
With water temperatures still quite cold in February, slow and small should be your motto – fish slower moving water that still have decent depth, with smaller flies, lures, etc., and on lighter pound test line. Key in on “seams” in slow to medium-slow current, with depths of at least 3 feet. Fish can be lethargic in colder water, so be diligent about working the water you’re fishing, slowly and thoroughly.
Many who take destination trips in the spring, have buttoned up details for their trips by early-mid February and for those sticking closer to home, it’s a time to get their own respective outings on the calendar.
Once we get into February and see what kind of weather patterns we’re in for, it will be easier to determine when things will really kick into gear on the Muskegon River.
Capt. Jeff Bacon
Michigan Fly Fishing Ventures
(616) 560-3195
www.westmichiganflyfishing.com
