SIGN UP FOR OUR EMAIL NEWSLETTER! The Cut River connects Marl Lake to Higgins Lake giving ample opportunity to fish for Perch, Smallmouth Bass, and Northern Pike. https://bettsguideservice.com/muskegon-river-fishing-report The county location provided for each site can be used to obtain travel information for the area by searching the Pure Michigan or county websites. Saved by Dena Harris. The new 15″ minimum Brown Trout regulations have been in place on the Muskegon river the past few years now and have been producing incredible results like Rod’s river brown. If those times won’t work for you, 12:00AM to 12:00AM looks promising. Walleye, bass, pike, catfish, perch, panfish, trout, salmon, and more can be found seasonally in these waters. or. Continuing north with Lake Michigan tributaries, the Muskegon River is an excellent winter steelhead stream. Here’s Rod with the Northview Fly Fishing Club of Grand Rapids, MI with an absolutely gorgeous native Muskegon river brown trout. Over the centuries some species have since become locally extinct, and other species have been introduced. The Muskegon River runs through several counties, so there are a few places to launch from. Forgot account? Migratory fish:  Lake Michigan steelhead, lake-run brown trout, and chinook salmon. Chinook or king salmon enter the Muskegon in August and September, but are not fished heavily until they concentrate in October. Fishermen will find a variety of fish including walleye, brown trout, catfish, smallmouth bass, rainbow trout and brook trout here. Just makes for an excellent, fun filled, catching trip on the water! Summer is the top time for bass fishing, and smallmouths strike spinners, topwaters and a variety of soft plastic baits. Michigan’s Muskegon River is a very large river system, spanning over 100 yards wide in certain spots and travels over 200 miles through the lower peninsula of Michigan, passing through 6 counties along the way. The Muskegon is a fantastic smallmouth river from late June until late September. As of 2011, an annual all-species license costs $28 for Michigan residents and $42 for nonresidents. Lake-run brown trout are an often overlooked game fish that are most abundant from late September through March. It provides the angler with winter-time fishing opportunity. The Muskegon River is a tail water fishery north of Grand Rapids, Michigan below Croton Dam near Newaygo, Michigan. Muskegon River, Michigan fishing report, rainbow trout fly fishing forecast, fishing season updates, fly shop and fishing guides, and fly-fishing weather. Find out where the action is, what the water conditions are and everything you need for a successful day on the … Armed with an outboard motor and local knowledge, one could skip around to all the “honey” holes and usually find success. Michigan fly fishing for salmon, steelhead and trout, a Michigan River Guide fishing Muskegon river for Salmon, Steelhead and Trout with Captain Art, - WE GO WHERE THE FISH ARE - If learning how to present a fly or roll a spawn bag to awaiting Trout and Salmon sounds like fun, then Capt Art will surly teach you the technics to bag your Trohpy of a life time fishing the famous Muskegon River … See more of Muskegon River Outfitters LLC on Facebook. The Muskegon River is definitely one of Michigan's top fly fishing destinations. During the months of October, November, and December, the Muskegon is transformed into one of the Midwest’s premier spey fishing rivers. Several different species of both coldwater and warmwater fish call the Muskegon home on a year round basis or part time in the spring, summer and fall. Popular with anglers looking for Bass (Smallmouth) fishing charters in Muskegon River You can fish on a number of rivers including Muskegon, Manistee, Rogue, Grand or Jordan Rivers. The new 15″ minimum Brown Trout regulations have been in place on the Muskegon river the past few years now and have been producing incredible results like Rod’s river brown. West Branch Muskegon River Bait Shops and Fishing Charters . These unique, one-of-a-kind rooms offer a restorative. Steelhead start running in November, and you may catch them through the winter until early March. The fall steelhead fishing gets to be very strong by the third week of October. The impressive diversity of fish species in this river has been known (and celebrated) since 1590, with poetry containing the earliest mention that the Trent contains 30 kinds of fish. This allows you to recognize a steelhead pick-up because of the longer drift. In regard to the types of fish you can find on the Muskegon River, there’s a mix of options, with the most popular being rainbow and brown trout, fall steelhead, salmon and lake-run brown trout, spring walleye, steelhead, trout and summer time smallmouth bass. The Muskegon is a fantastic smallmouth river from late June until late September. Spring: Springtime is the best time fly fishing the Muskegon River for trout because of the numerous hatches. Best Spots for Fishing Fly fishermen won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to hook Brown Trout, Smallmouth Bass, and Pike, either. Guided fishing charters based in Muskegon, Michigan. Muskegon Lake, Bear Lake, Mona Lake, and the Muskegon River offer tons of fishing opportunities. Local Business. Muskegon River offers World Class Smallmouth Bass fishing. His areas of expertise include travel, sports and recreation, gardening, landscaping and the outdoors. etc. Great Lakes Fly Fishing/Fred Vargas Get involved in our stream restoration or youth education programs. Feenstra Guide Service Catch A Bunch Charters. Warm water resident fish:  The most popular warm water fish are smallmouth bass and northern pike. The Muskegon River's fishery provides walleye for … Fishing Store. Cut River . Fall steelhead fishing can be either very good or very slow, it’s simply “that kind” of river, with very little middle ground for some reason. I have never fished it and would like to start as my folks have property 1 mile from it and 1.5 miles from downtown Evart. Little Muskegon River. The Muskegon River is the second-longest river in Michigan. Here’s Rod with the Northview Fly Fishing Club of Grand Rapids, MI with an absolutely gorgeous native Muskegon river brown trout. Trout Unlimited is America’s leading coldwater conservation organization. Fishing abounds for a variety of species including; Lake Trout, Perch, Crappie, Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, … Gwizdz: Steelhead fishing on the Muskegon River NEWAYGO – When the bobber went down, I swatted, and thought, for just a second or so, that I’d hung the bottom as it didn’t move. The Muskegon river is the second longest river in Michigan, spanning over 200 miles from its source in north central Michigan, down to the port town of Muskegon, where the river flows into Muskegon lake and then lake Michigan. The Muskegon River begins near Houghton Lake and ends up flowing into the east side of Lake Michigan after going through a series of three dams. Current fly fishing reports and conditions for Muskegon River in Michigan! Geographic Coordinates Lat:43.422816 / Long:-85.695096 Create New Account. Uncategorized muskegon river salmon fishing This type of fishing is done in early spring with nets on the Cut River and the Muskegon River. Northern pike inhabit the entire system and are fished during the months of May through September. Its … The river has good runs of migratory salmon, steelhead, and brown trout. MUSKEGON RIVER. Depending on the species you prefer to target and the time of the year you go out, Aaron will advise you which river is your best bet. The two-track is very rough and sometimes impassable during wet weather. Muskegon upstream to Higgins Lake and includes the types of fishing and directions to the site, with GPS coordinates and internet links when available. Local Lakes offer very good pan fish, Blue Gills, Crappie, and Rock Bass. Muskegon River is a river in the western portion of the lower peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan. Fishing Regulations The Muskegon River in this area is designated a Type 4 trout stream. The Muskegon River is 216 mile (348 km) long and drains an area of 2,350 square miles (6,100 km2). Fishing Charter. You may camp and fish at Newaygo State Park, which offers access to Hardy Dam Pond, an impoundment of the Muskegon River. A. Runs are nothing like they were back in the 1980s and 90s, but there are still enough returning fish to provide a decent fishery. The river also has a native trout population, and regularly is stocked by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment. The chuck-n-duck style of fishing can be done from either the comfort of a boat or while wade fishing, although line management can be a challenge when casting great distances while wading the river. Muskegon River Map The Muskegon River below Croton Dam is a fantastic year-round fishery popular with jet boats, drift boats, and wading anglers. Welcome to the Muskegon River Lodge, an extraordinary property, perfect for your Muskegon River adventure. It’s a tailwater fishery and as such this section rarely freezes. The Muskegon River offers outstanding fishing for a variety of freshwater game fish, and you have a fair chance of hooking up with big fish at almost any time of the year. Muskegon River Fly Shop. to the river. The river corridor features steep banks and unique scenery. Accessible from Newaygo, the Muskegon River is the second longest river and one of the best kept fishing secrets in Michigan. The Muskegon River Inn is a boutique hotel in downtown historic Newaygo, Michigan offering contemporary amenities with a relaxing, small-town charm. In the month of June we move our 28' Sea Ray to Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron (Au Gres, Linwood, Michigan) and load up on Walleye. It is the 2nd largest river in the state and has a variety of fish, something for everyone. Pinterest . Check the regulation for walleye (well check for all fish actually), as they do regulate when you can target and harvest these fish. These fish migrate upstream every year from Lake Michigan to spawn. 45 W. State Road, Newaygo, MI 49337, USA +1 (307) 690-2962. Seasonally, migratory steelhead, brown trout and pacific salmon make there way up stream to spawn. See our donation page for details on how you can help. The River gets a big run of migratory Walleye from Lake Muskegon, too. The Muskegon River is a tail water fishery north of Grand Rapids, Michigan below Croton Dam near Newaygo, Michigan. But you need not be a fly fisherman to enjoy the Muskegon River Lodge. Get the latest up to date fly fishing report for Trout, steelhead, Pacific salmon fishing in Muskegon River with the top producing flies and recommended equipment to get you into fish. Charter fishing Lake Michigan for salmon, steelhead and trout, river guides fish Muskegon river for salmon, steelhead and trout with Captain Art, - WE GO WHERE THE FISH ARE - Experience the thrill of a life time fishing with family, friends and business associates for trophy salmon, steelhead and trout from the #1 rated world class salmon fishing port of Muskegon on … Maps Muskegon River Map. Join us as we discuss the Michigan Fishing License options, fishing rules and fishing regulations. Steelhead enter West Michigan rivers as early as late September. WestMichiganAngler.com | Jeff Bacon Muskegon River Steelhead Fishing Guide / Maps. For steelhead fishing in the Muskegon River during November and December, use either a 10' 8wt fly rod or a 9'6" 8wt fly rod. Muskegon river trout fishing report coho salmon set to return muskegon muskegon river fishing report april muskegon river has recipe for producing muskegon river fishing … Steelhead are the only freshwater game fish that will strike a fly savagely in 35 degree water, leap relentlessly, make blistering lightning quick … Bead fishing for trout behind spawning salmon has been excellent. West Branch Muskegon River is a stream located just 6.7 miles from Houghton Lake, in Missaukee County, in the state of Michigan, United States, near Merritt, MI. Natural Salmon egg bead colors are doing well for steelhead and trout. Fortunately, the Muskegon River produces thousands of salmon each year to provide some semblance of a return. Good numbers of steelhead… Like so many rivers in Michigan, the Muskegon is well know for its great Steelhead runs. From October to June, it’s all about hooking Muskegon’s most famous resident – Steelhead. Gray Drake Lodge and Winter Steelhead Fishing For steelhead fishing in the Muskegon River during November and December, use either a 10' 8wt fly rod or a 9'6" 8wt fly rod. MUSKEGON RIVER STEELHEAD is the ultimate game fish and the crown j ewel of Michigan Rivers. Muskegon River is a river in the western portion of the lower peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan.The river source is located at Houghton Lake in Roscommon County, flowing out of the North Bay into neighboring Missaukee County.The river passes through Clare County, Osceola County, Mecosta County, Newaygo County, and Muskegon County, and generally flows … It is heavily stocked, and the reach between Croton Dam and Newaygo remains ice-free all winter. Today. Related Pages. Drifting the river is quite relaxing compared to the Betsie River or Pere Marquette. Not Now. Fishing the Clinton River Spillway in Michigan, Fishing the Muskegon River in Newaygo, Michigan, State of Michigan Department of Natural Resources; Muskegon River Watershed Assessment; Richard P. O’Neal; July 1997. Fishing West Branch Muskegon River, MI on 1/27/2021 will be best from 12:00AM through 12:00AM, and from 12:00AM to 12:00AM. This allows you to recognize a steelhead pick-up because of the longer drift. An experienced Muskegon River angler can probably fish this whole section in a day. One of the things that steelhead really like to eat in the rocky areas of the Muskegon dur-ing the cold months is bottom dwelling baitfish such as sculpins and darters. The forest along the river varies from mixed oak, pine and aspen to white cedar and hemlock stands. Since 1978, the Michigan Department of Natural Resources has collected millions of walleye eggs each year from fish in the Muskegon. Both types of trout can be found in the twenty miles of river below Croton Dam. Muskegon River Fly Shop, Feenstra Guide Service Types Of Photography. The earliest actual list of fish in the river is from 1641. People come from all over the world just for the opportunity to fish the Muskegon River, drawing major attention from anglers in search of large freshwater trophy-sized salmon, steelhead, lake-run browns, and native rainbow and brown trout. The upper section of the Muskegon river from the Croton Dam on down to the city Newaygo has strong runs of steelhead, salmon and brown trout. You can fish this upper reach fairly well on foot even though the river is rarely crossable. The two-track is very rough and sometimes impassable during wet weather. Please refer to the Inland Trout and Salmon Stream Regulations in the current Michigan Fishing Guide. Trout fishing on the Muskegon River has also been excellent. https://westmichiganfishingguide.com/rivers-we-fish/muskegon-river « Download The GOCERY App Today! 88 votes, 11 comments. You may launch a boat at four different sites between the dam and Newaygo. Help support Oak Brook Trout Unlimited’s conservation and educational efforts. The river corridor features steep banks and unique scenery. The river is home to three groups of gamefish: migratory fish, cool water resident fish, and warm water resident fish. Also beneficial is the fact that these longer rods allow for a better presentation, a better mending and they tend to keep your line off of the water's surface. Betts Guide Service - Michigan Steelhead, Salmon, and Trout Guides. 1. to the river. The fishing on the Upper Muskegon River has been good as of late. The Muskegon also holds a substantial smallmouth bass population, and some big pike, walleye and channel catfish lurk in its depths as well. Richard Corrigan has been a full-time professional writer since 2010. Cut River. The 67 fish, ranging in length from 30 to 50 inches, are being moved to Lower Crooked Lake near Delton, which has a small muskie population remaining from stocking in … Steelhead enter West Michigan rivers as early as late September. ... Book your fishing trip. State of Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment: Newaygo State Park; Quest Outdoors: Muskegon River Access Sites Croton Dam to Newaygo, streetdirectory.com; Steelhead Fishing on the Muskegon River; Brent Vanderstelt, State of Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment: License Information; 2011, Guide to Fishing on the St. Mary's River in Michigan, Privacy Notice/Your California Privacy Rights. Fly fishing is a reliable way to hook up with steelhead and trout. Explore the stretch from Thornapple to Newaygo for monster Trout and a fantastic Steelhead run. Log In. Fishing the Muskegon River in Newaygo, Michigan (Photo: ). … Geographic Coordinates Lat:43.417953 / Long:-85.806805 Trout fishing slows a bit once the heat of summer settles in, especially a couple miles below the Hesperia dam. Detroit – The city that needs no introduction. Timing is an important consideration when you visit the Muskegon River. These are excellent light tackle trips for children and adults alike. Salmon fishing takes off near the town of Grayling and continues south, eventually ending when the fish … MUSKEGON RIVER. Jay Allen Fly Fishing Guide Service. The Muskegon River is a tail water fishery north of Grand Rapids, Michigan below Croton Dam near Newaygo, Michigan. Oak Brook Trout Unlimited needs volunteers to further its mission. From there it flows mostly southwest to Muskegon, Michigan, where it empties into Muskegon Lake. Ideally located amidst some of the Muskegon River’s finest steelhead runs and dry fly water, the Muskegon River Lodge offers superb fly fishing literally a cast away from the deck overlooking the river. Fishing Regulations The Muskegon River in this area is designated a Type 4 trout stream upstream (above) from Bridge Street and a Type 4 trout stream downstream (below) Bridge Street. These fish migrate upstream every year from Lake Michigan to spawn. Although some Coho salmon do migrate up the Muskegon river, the Chinook dominate and can be found by the thousands in mid-late October each year. Steelhead enter West Michigan rivers as early as late September. Fishing Spot. Fishing in the Muskegon River. You may purchase a license through the Michigan DNRE website, or at bait shops and other retailers all over the state. Fish Species Trout, steelhead and salmon are the most sought-after fish species in the Muskegon River. Description for Little Muskegon River, Newaygo County, Michigan Little Muskegon River is a stream located just 7.1 miles from Newaygo, in Newaygo County, in the state of Michigan, United States, near Croton, MI. When you get your license, pick up a free copy of the Michigan Fishing Guide, which contains all the information you need on fishing seasons and limits. The forest along the river varies from mixed oak, pine and aspen to white cedar and hemlock stands. During the winter, slowly swinging flies that looks like one of these yields steelhead, resident brown and rainbow trout, and occasionally walleye and northern pike. Old AuSable … Please refer to the Inland Trout and Salmon Stream Regulations in the current Michigan Fishing Guide. Secluded on 12.5 wooded acres with 500 feet of prime Muskegon River frontage, the Muskegon River Lodge is the official home of RiverQuest Charters, a “Catch and Release Only” fly fishing guide service. Near the town of Newaygo, Michigan and less than an hour drive north of Grand Rapids is the Muskegon River, one of the best tailwater fisheries in the midwest. Reportage Photography.. MUSKEGON RIVER INN. He earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from SUNY Geneseo in 2009. your steelhead fishing, because it allows you to cover much more water. Pick up a current Michigan fishing license before you hit the water. The Croton Dam Area offers access to the river and is a top spot in spring and fall. But, again, a boat will allow you to cover all of the holding water. Geographic Coordinates Lat:43.422816 / Long:-85.695096 Muskegon River Guide. Remember to adjust these times based on barometric pressure, and weather changes. Sports & Recreation . Can anyone help me out as to where to launch, what kind of fish are in the river and at what times of year to fish what, if my 16.5' Monark will fish it ok, etc. Both types of trout can be found in the twenty miles of river below Croton Dam. Migratory fish: Lake Michigan steelhead, lake-run brown trout, and chinook salmon. Mango egg bead colors for trout have been fishing best. While most wading anglers concentrate their time between Newaygo and Croton Dam, boats will motor all the way downstream. Large resident Brown, Rainbow trout, Smallmouth bass and walleye are also numerous in the Muskegon River which makes it a great year round fishery. Good numbers of steelhead… People come from all over the world just for the opportunity to fish the Muskegon River, drawing major attention from anglers in search of large freshwater trophy-sized salmon, steelhead, lake-run browns, and native rainbow and brown trout. Our hope is that clean, cold, fishable water exists for generations to come, but we can’t do it without the support of committed anglers and conservationists like you. Wow! Please refer to the Inland Trout and Salmon Stream Regulations in your current Michigan Fishing Guide. Fishing related news and personal stories. The river has its headwaters in Houghton Lake in Roscommon County, flowing out of the North Bay into neighboring Missaukee County. This stretch of the river has a smooth gradient and is a good spot for canoeing. The river is home to three groups of gamefish: migratory fish, cool water resident trout, and warm water resident fish. The best floats to use for Muskegon River steelheads are Thill orange and black steelhead floats. Muskegon Lake has good fishing during summer and winter for largemouth and smallmouth bass, panfish, yellow perch, northern pike, walleye, channel catfish and freshwater drum. Coming is with a FOUR rating out of 100, Detroit has been the whipping post for media outlets both nationally and even globally. The Muskegon doesn't receive chinook salmon plants anymore. Fishing Regulations The Muskegon River in this area is designated a Type 4 trout stream. The area around the town of Newaygo has access to the river, and the river is ideal for fishing and canoeing. Cool water resident fish:  There is a very strong population of resident brown and rainbow trout. Fly Fishing Michigan Rivers Guiding. Lake Michigan steelhead, lake-run brown trout, and chinook salmon. Muskegon River, Michigan Page 1 of 6 MUSKEGON RIVER ROGERS HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT (P-2451) HARDY HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT (P-2452) CROTON HYDROELECTRIC PROJECT (P-2468) These three projects on the Muskegon River are part of the Settlement Agreement filed on December 7, 1992 that includes a total of 11 projects (3 on the Muskegon, 6 on the Au Sable and 2 on the Manistee River). Once spring rolls around, catch trout by using flies that mimic whatever insects are hatching at a given time; various types of caddis and mayfly hatch throughout summer. © 2020 USATODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, Inc. https://www.where-to-fly-fish-in-america.com/Muskegon-River.html Fishing the Muskegon River. Trout, steelhead and salmon are the most sought-after fish species in the Muskegon River. Migratory fish. We are in our early Fall transition with low clear flows and perfect daytime weather! Seasons: The season varies with the species and location. We own 2 charter Boats on Lake Michigan (31' Tiara & 27' Sea Ray) out of the port of Muskegon. Warm water resident fish: The most popular warm water fish are smallmouth bass and northern pike. The White river is popular to the fly fisher for salmon, steelhead and trout. These great game fish can range from 10-20 pounds or more, depending on the health of the Alewife population, which is the primary food for salmon in lake Michigan. … The river has several tributaries, namely the Hersey River , Cedar Creek and Little Muskegon River. Northern Michigan seasons happen fast and we as anglers must take advantage of all the different opportunities this state has to offer. 807k members in the Fishing community. Fish through the ice for smelt on Higgins Lake with hook and line. Getting Bit Guide Service. Little Muskegon River. The river is home to three groups of gamefish:  migratory fish, cool water resident fish, and warm water resident fish. Muskegon River – Species and Tactics: While the Muskegon River is best known for its fall/winter/spring Steelhead run, it is also a formidable fishery for brown trout, smallmouth, and walleye. Soft plastic baits an absolutely gorgeous native Muskegon River what kind of fish are in the muskegon river a tail water fishery north of Grand Rapids Michigan! Your steelhead fishing, and regularly is stocked by the Michigan fishing Guide WestMichiganAngler.com | what kind of fish are in the muskegon river Bacon River! Of fishing is done in early spring with nets on the opportunity hook... Lake with hook and line for media outlets both nationally and even globally to! To Newaygo for monster trout and pacific salmon make there way up stream to spawn varies... 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