Michigan Weekly DNR Fishing Reports for Salmon and Steelhead – Manistee River – Manistee River (231) 519-7348

Michigan King SALMON Fishing report

Michigan DNR Fishing Reports for Manistee River.

King Salmon Fishing Report Sept 4, 2025

Heavy winds and big rains the past two days have moved a lot of Salmon from Lake Michigan, into to the rivers. Cold nights have also helped bring in more fish. There is a fishable amount of fresh Kings in the lower portion of the river.

Most action is by boat fishing near the cool creeks that flow into to the big river. Still slow at the dam with only a small handful of steelhead and salmon. Water is warm, low and continuing to drop. Most action is up top above the coffer/falls just before and after dark. Beads, flies, 1/4-1/2oz weight, 12-20lb leaders. There are no real large numbers of fish and most fishermen are going home empty handed but it’s nice to see a few fish here and there smashing the surface. It’s a great feeling to know, they are finally there and it’s only going to get better and better every week.

Good luck out there friends and neighbors. Tight lines.

Big Lake Charters in both Ludington and Manistee have been reporting excellent catches of King Salmon, Steelhead, Coho, and Lake Trout. Trolling spoons have been the most productive including Limeade, Blue Dolphin, Orange Crush, and Wonder Bread Blue. Sable Point and Manistee are producing good numbers.
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Coho, Steelhead, and Lake Trout have been some nice bi catch as well. This should make for an excellent fall season on the Big Manistee River below Tippy Dam. We are looking forward to Tippy Day Salmon Fishing 2025.

Lots of new fish are entering the river right now. Recent rains have bumped the water levels for improved Salmon migrations. The Lower Pere Marquette River between Custer and Scottville has been loaded with salmon staging to move up river. Floats and skein has been very effective. Casting Thunder stick lures in the morning has also been fishing well. Fire Tiger has been the best color.

The Big Manistee River has a ton of King Salmon and Coho, starting to spawn and hitting the gravel. Salmon fishing has been excellent at this time. Lots and lots of Salmon, and a handful of Steelhead near Tippy Dam, on the Manistee River. Fly flossing fish on gravel has been very effective with long leaders, pencil weights, and black flies, or black yarn. Salmon don’t bite while on gravel, however, it is legal to run the line through their mouth. Fly fishing guides have been using this for years, this technique is very effective for spawning Salmon and Steelhead. Here is a video, on How To Floss Salmon & Steelhead on gravel.

Salmon have been pouring into Western Michigan rivers after the heavy North Eastern winds from last week. The Lake Michigan temperatures have plummeted, bringing in cooler water, and good numbers of King Salmon, Coho Salmon, and Steelhead, into the White, Muskegon, Pere Marquette, Big Manistee, and Betsie rivers. Recently, one Michigan fishing guide stated, “This is just the beginning! Lot’s more salmon will enter the rivers. Lots of bright fish entering the river. September should see the best Salmon fishing of the year, in Northern Michigan.
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November brings into prime time Muskegon River Fall Steelhead. The Muskegon River had an incredible Fall King Salmon migration. October was packed with spawning Chinook Salmon near Thornapple and Pine Street. Every inch of gravel seemed to have fish on or near it. Salmon fishing was great to say the least!!

The Mighty Muskegon River has a ton of dime bright, chrome Fall Steelhead. One of the better runs over the past several years, this fall out shines them all, as per sheer numbers of fish. Steelhead fishing should remain good well into New Years. There are plenty of Steelhead in the river, with a lot more coming in from the Lake.

We have Michigan Fall Steelhead Guides available for both November or December Fall Steelhead.

Let us hook you up!! Text to book (231) 519-7348

Looks like we have a great weekend coming up for Salmon fishing in Michigan!! We had several days of hard North East winds that significantly cooled the water temperatures down along the lake shore. Pere Marquette Lake, Ludington, Manistee Lake, Muskegon Lake, and Grand Haven now have King Salmon in close and pushing against the shore line. Recent rains have brought up river levels which should bump salmon into the river systems with Pere Marquette River, and Manistee hot on that list. Muskegon Lake may have a few salmon as well.

Welcome to the weekly Michigan Fishing Reports for the Muskegon, Pere Marquette, and Big Manistee River for Salmon, Trout, and Steelhead. Updated DNR fishing reports for Western Michigan rivers, including Manistee, Tippy Dam, and Pere Marquette River for Salmon fishing. We recommend Betts Guide Service for guided salmon fishing.

Starting to see good numbers of King Salmon entering Pere Marquette Lake and Manistee Lake. Salmon are beginning to stage in the lake and a few have already entered the river. Look for good pushes to start entering the river this week.

Jigging trips have been increasingly productive on Pere Marquette Lake. Gabe has been doing Well with King Salmon jigging trips with customers. This year salmon numbers are less than normal however, the Salmon Fishing Reports in Michigan, indicate much larger than average, Salmon this year. Fall Salmon in the rivers should be giant tackle busters! Less fish will be landed but the Kings will be HUGE!!

The best available Michigan Salmon Fishing Dates are from early September through late October.
King Salmon migrate into the rivers first, then Coho Salmon and Fall Steelhead.

Make Fishing Reservations for Salmon Fishing.
(231) 519-7348

Welcome to the weekly Fishing Reports for the Muskegon, Pere Marquette, and Big Manistee River for Salmon, Trout, and Steelhead. Updated DNR fishing reports for Western Michigan rivers, including Manistee, Tippy Dam, and Pere Marquette River for Salmon fishing. We recommend Betts Guide Service for guided salmon fishing.

The best available Michigan Salmon Fishing Dates are from early September through late October.
King Salmon migrate into the rivers first, then Coho Salmon and Fall Steelhead.

Make Fishing Reservations for Salmon Fishing. (231) 519-7348

December offers some of the best Fall and Winter Steelhead fishing that Michigan has to offer. Both the Muskegon River, and the Manistee River sport great Steelhead fishing action. Good numbers of both Lake Trout, Coho Salmon, and Steelhead below the coffer at Tippy Dam.

Zach and Anthony have been consistantly getting fresh Kings on Manistee and Pere Marquette Lake near Ludington. North East winds have been a game changer, bringing in cold water from Lake Michigan. Jigging and casting Thundersticks has been the most productive. Salmon skein eggs under a float has also been doing well.

Strong North West winds have started to kick off our 2024 Fall Michigan King Salmon run on the Big Manistee River, and Pere Marquette River. Jigging 1 oz Luna Spoons has been producing fish. King Salmon this year seem to be running large. The upcoming season looks good with lots of bright Salmon on the horrizon.

We recommend Betts Guide Service for guided salmon fishing.

The best available Michigan Salmon Fishing Dates are from early September through late October.
(September 7th – October 20th) Spinning Tackle, and Fly Fishing Available.
King Salmon migrate into the rivers first, then Coho Salmon and Fall Steelhead.

Make Fishing Reservations for Salmon Fishing. (231) 519-7348

Michigan Steelhead Fishing Reports – Steelhead Fishing has been excellent on both the Muskegon River, Big Manistee, and the Grand River. November is truly a prime Time month for Steelhead in Michigan. Steelhead have been running a muck larger size this year. Plentiful forage (Food) base in Lake Michigan has made for some monster Salmon, Steelhead, and Lake Trout. This is certainly the year for giants. Fishing should remain very good for steelhead well into the new year. CLICK HERE TO BOOK NOW or Text to book. (231) 519-7348

Manistee River is starting to get a decent number of Michigan Fall Steelhead. Water levels are perfect for fall fishing. There’s still plenty of King Salmon, Coho Salmon, Lake Trout, and resident river trout. Tippy Dam area has been fishing well, and should continue to fishing well for the next several weeks.

Tippy Dam Recreational Area has come alive over the past several days with fishing activity. Starting to see fishable numbers of bright, fresh King Salmon, Coho Salmon, and Fall River Steelhead. a handful of Skamania Steelhead are also in the system. King Salmon are now beginning to spawn and dig in the gravel. Look forward to an excellent Fall Salmon migration. One for the record books for Huge Kings, and Plentiful Coho Salmon. Book Now!!

Over the past several days, we have seen the main push of Michigan King Salmon entering the rivers in Northern Michigan. Pere Marquette, Manistee, Betsie, Platte, and Bear Creek, and Bordman, all receiving a big shot of salmon. Look for excellent salmon fishing over the never several weeks. The King Salmon are huge this year!! cooler temperatures, and a little rain has significantly helped the salmon migration in Michigan. More to come…

Jigging Kings in Pere Marquette Lake. Most days, they’re huggin the bottom. Lovin the Luna Jigs!
Salmon Season 2019.

Weather and its effect

First of all, North West winds have dramatically changed the water temperatures along the lake shore therefore making shore line temperatures along the coast line very cold. This should bring Michigan King Salmon into the rivers early. Cold shoreline temps kick off good fishing along the piers. Manistee River has a good number of Skamania Summer Run Steelhead below the coffer and Tippy Dam. King Salmon have also entered the Manistee River. The average size of Michigan King Salmon this year is 22 lbs!!

The best times for Michigan King Salmon is quickly approaching. Bright Chinook, Coho, and Summer Run Skamania Steelhead are now entering Lake Michigan rivers. Pere Marquette and the Big Manistee River have the best Salmon migrations right now. The Muskegon River gets salmon later in the season. Best times for Salmon fishing in Michigan is late August, through early November hence September and October is prime. Coho Salmon also run later on the Manistee River below Tippy Dam. Make Salmon Reservations >> Book Here.

Best time for fishing

The best salmon fishing in rivers takes place in September and October. Prime salmon fishing is during the month of October for King and Coho Salmon. Skamania Summer Run Steelhead, and early Fall Steelhead also enter the rivers in late October and November. Tippy Dam area fishes very well during the fall months. (231) 519-7348

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How to select the bait and flies for steelhead trout fishing?

How to select the bait and lure for steelhead trout fishing?

(8/26/26) We are starting to see good numbers of King Salmon on the Big Manistee River below Pine Creek. The holes are starting to load up with fresh Salmon. A few days ago, Manistee Received a decent amount of rain. That, paired with a change in the wind direction, the lake flipped, and brought cold water against the shoreline, bringing Kings into the river. Both Pere Marquette River and the Manistee Rivers now have fishable Salmon numbers.
We do have guide dates available for the Manistee River. Sept. 8th – Oct 25th.

Michigan Salmon Fishing Reports ~ Salmon Trips

King Salmon from the Big Manistee River. September 2023

We are now heading into peak week for salmon on the Big Manistee River. Lots and lots of salmon everywhere on the Big Manistee River. Good numbers of larger, King Salmon this season with a decent amount of Coho as well. . Much larger average size this year. We are also starting to land a few steelhead each day. Also hitting a few Lake Trout below the coffer at Tippy Dam.

Salmon fishing is going strong on the Big Manistee and Muskegon Rivers in Michigan. Good catches of Salmon, Trout, and Steelhead.

Good numbers of King Salmon on the Big Manistee River. Michigan King Salmon Guides.

Go big or go home!! John landed this beast – His first Michigan, Pere Marquette River Salmon!!

Floats & Skein on the Big Manistee River. Salmon fishing up North has been excellent! Tippy Dam Salmon Fishing – Guided Salmon.

Nothing beats working for it! In a sea full of salmon, nothing is better than finding the dime piece!! New Steelhead starting to show up!

Tippy Dam salmon are rockin in full tilt!! Good numbers of both King and Coho Salmon. Lots of fish with lots more coming.

We are starting to see big numbers of both King Salmon, and Coho Salmon on the Big Manistee and Pere Marquette Rivers. Michigan Salmon Fishing is in full swing now!

King and Coho Salmon are excellent table fare. We allow our clients to keep a limit of salmon per day. (5) Salmon per angler on the Manistee River.

October 11th – Michigan Salmon Fishing Report – Big Manistee River & Muskegon River

Big Manistee River: Tippy Dam is now starting to have good numbers of both King and Coho Salmon. Big numbers of Coho above the coffer at Tippy. A few of the salmon are beginning to hit gravel and spawn. Things are running behind schedule with the heat last week. Look for peak salmon season in mid to late October this year. Fishing is now just starting to get good!

Some of the creek mouths have good numbers of Coho salmon. Manistee River has been hit or miss with big pushes of fish moving through at times. Water levels are great right now for good salmon movement. Crank bait fishing (Thunder sticks) has been consistently good during the mornings. Skein fishing behind log jams has been good during the day. Red and pink producing the most fish. Some Steelhead also beginning to come in near Insta Launch.

Pere Marquette River Salmon: Most of the numbers of King Salmon have moved into the Upper Pere Marquette River- “Flies Only” Section. Incredible numbers of fish in the holes, with spawning salmon on gravel. Taylor Road, Upper to Walhalla, Barothy’s, and Rainbow Rapids to Sulac is loaded with salmon. Upper and Lower flies only water is also fishing very well. Stone flies, eggs patterns, leeches, and fry patterns are all producing fish. White / Chartreuse streamers in the morning.

Muskegon River Salmon Fishing Report:(10/11) Cooler water temperatures and rain has helped bring in more salmon to the Muskegon River. Pods of fish are finally starting to move. A big push finally moved through Muskegon River and entered the river. There was a slight concentration above Thornapple in the “Pipe hole”, and a small pocket below the clay banks near Boat house. End of story, not much going on. Water temperature is still in the low 70’s. Too warm for salmon. Maybe a week or so and cold nights may bring up a few more Muskegon River salmon. I wouldn’t expect fishable numbers of salmon until mid October.

Here are our open Michigan Salmon Fishing Dates for the Manistee River (Below Tippy Dam) or the Muskegon River (Near Newaygo). Guided Salmon Trips are all Inclusive, Includes all the gear, tackle, rods, reels that you may need. Heck, We’ll even clean your salmon for you!

It’s should be an outstanding season with some really large fish this year. We are also expecting massive Coho Salmon migration later October, on the Big Manistee River – Fall Salmon Season.
Michigan Salmon Fishing Reports.

Full Day (8 hr Day) $395 ~ Half Day (4.5hrs) $295 (Two Anglers) ~ Text to Book>> (231) 519-7348

Jigging. Casting. Float Fishing. We are gettin’ em!! Michigan Salmon Guides.

Good Numbers of Michigan King Salmon in the Pere Marquette, Muskegon, and the Big Manistee River. Michigan Salmon Fishing.

Salmon trips have been going well. Good numbers of salmon so far and they are huge this year!! If you get one, it will be big!! Scattered shots of salmon pushing in from the Lake. Both Pere Marquette Lake and Manistee Lake are starting to fill in. We are doing both jigging trips, and floats and skein for King Salmon in Michigan.

Lake Michigan’s water temperature in Ludington last night was 47.6 degrees. Definitely a lake flip to bring in fresh salmon into the Pere Marquette River. This is our second big Push of Kings to happen before Labor Day.

Trickle charge of salmon entering Pere Marquette Lake and River. Manistee Lake is also starting to load up. Michigan Salmon are large this year, I’ve heard of several 30 lb King Salmon landed off Manistee. It’s about to bust lose! Here are our available Michigan salmon fishing dates listed below.

ALL INCLUSIVE GUIDED SALMON FISHING>> $395 full day.
(8 hrs) $295 half day. (4.5hrs)

Thomas with a gorgeous salmon from the Pere Marquette River mouth in Ludington.

Starting to see good numbers of salmon in Pere Marquette Lake. Some salmon are entering the river. Early Season King Salmon.

Salmon are lots of fun! Good numbers starting to enter the rivers. Michigan Salmon Fishing. Pere Marquette Lake and Manistee Lake have good numbers of fresh King Salmon, Coho Salmon, Skamania Steelhead, Lake Trout, and Fall Steelhead. Fishing Should be excellent this fall.

This year class of Salmon are in very good condition. Fat and healthy. Great table fare for sure!

Michigan King Salmon on the brain!

Michigan Salmon Fishing Dates available for the Pere Marquette, Muskegon, and Big Manistee Rivers. ($395 / 2 anglers) All inclusive guided Michigan Salmon Fishing River Trips.

Michigan Salmon Fishing Guides – We’re very excited about the up coming 2018 Fall Salmon Season on the Pere Marquette and Big Manistee Rivers. We have a limited, 5 guide boats available for salmon fishing.

Guided Salmon Trips are $395. Half days are $295. Per two anglers.

** A third angler may be added to any trip for an additional $100. (Two angler fish at a time)

It’s should be an outstanding season with some really large fish this year. We are also expecting a massive Coho Salmon migration on the Big Manistee River – Fall Salmon Season. Michigan Salmon Fishing Reports.

Text to book (231) 519-7348 or Book Now!

Bobbers & Skein on the Lower Pere Marquette River. Rockin those big Kings!

Skein Ballin’ the Lower Pere Marquette River.
One of our most popular guided fishing trips is fishing King Salmon on the Lower Pere Marquette River. Drifting Skein (Fresh Salmon Eggs) From Indian Bridge to Scottville is a very productive method of salmon fishing. Bait Casters, Center pinning, or spin fishing works very well. King Salmon actually BITE salmon eggs under a float!! (Yes, I said bite salmon eggs) Salmon bite skein like a blue gill, followed by a hook set that sounds like a Muzzy broad head through a rib cage. No holds barred – Hand to hand combat with Michigan’s King Salmon. The Woodland Chinook of the Pere Marquette River.

Michigan Trout – Smallmouth Bass Fishing Guides – Muskegon River (231) 519-7348

Michigan Fishing Reports for Muskegon, Pere Marquette, and Manistee Rivers.

Please Check out our Michigan fishing reports for local rivers.
Evening Hatch Master Special $395 / 4.5 hours ~ Morning Light Tackle $395 / 4.5 hours
Full day guided fly fishing $495 / 8 hours. Guided trout trips are all inclusive. All gear, tackle, flies, lures, rods reels all included. (*Lunch is not provided) Book Now >>> (231) 519-7348

King Salmon: Starting to see a good number of King Salmon on the Little Manistee River. Lower Pere Marquette River has a few also. Salmon Season is just around the corner. PM & Manistee River trips available.

Trout: Trout fishing is going well. Water levels on the Muskegon River are back to normal. Creek mouths have been holding good numbers of trout. Croton Dam to Pine St is also fishing well. Jade & Cinnamon Caddis emergers

Smallmouth Bass: Smallmouth Bass fishing has been EXCELLENT. Good numbers throughout the river system. Morning and mid day fishing very well. Also seeing a few walleye each trip. Soft plastics fishing well.

Michigan Trout and Smallmouth Bass fishing guides for the Muskegon, Pere Marquette, and Big Manistee Rivers. All Inclusive guided Light Tackle Spinning or Fly Fishing Trips. Book Now >>> (231) 519-7348

Trout fishing remains strong in the upper river below Croton Dam. Caddis emergence each evening. Salmon, Steelhead and Sucker fry also fishing well for trout.

Beat the Heat! Hot Weather makes for great Smallmouth fishing. Great Kid’s trips!

Salmon parr, Steelhead fry, and Sucker fry are making up the bulk of the trout diet right now. Millions of minnows along the shore line. Fish key on fry this time of year.

Fry is the name of the game right now! Salmon parr, Steelhead fry, and Sucker fry are all along the shore line at this point. Any shade pocket against the shore line is loaded with minnows or fry. Chinook Salmon parr, Steelhead fry, and Sucker fry are making up the bulk of the trout diet right now. Both Smallmouth Bass and Muskegon River Trout are gorging on fry at this time. Sink tip fly lines with fry patterns are working well. Big numbers of trout in the upper river below Croton Dam. Smallmouth Bass are through out the main river. Crank baits and spinners are also working well.

Dry fly fishing for trout has also been very good. Gray Drake linger in the upper river below Croton Dam. Caddis and Caddis emergence every evening from 7pm – dark. Isonychia and light Cahills in the mid section – Thornapple to Henning Park. Smallmouth Bass on the fly has also been excellent. Large poppers and streamers are working best for big bronze backs! Book Now >>> (231) 519-7348

Ed, 90 years young, displays a gorgeous Michigan Brown Trout caught on a sucker spawn imitation.

John with a huge Muskegon River Brown Trout. Much larger fish this season! Great Michigan Trout Fishing.

Michigan Trout fishing has been phenomenal on the Muskegon River. Hot and humid weather has the bugs popping big time! Caddis and caddis emergers are now taking center stage. Most activity occurs in the evenings, after 7pm. Gray Drake spinner falls are still available, offering some trophy fish taking dries.
Sucker spawn by day – Hatches during the evening. What a time to be on the water!

Red Horse Sucker Spawn provides a great meal for larger Muskegon River Trout. Trout gorge on sucker spawn in Michigan Rivers.

During the Michigan Sucker Spawn many nymphs, larvae, steelhead fry, Salmon fry, and sucker eggs are dislodged – Trout feed heavily on these food sources.

Our main focus now is Michigan Trout fishing. The river is at a nice level and clear with water temps in the 50s. Large numbers of salmon, steelhead, and sucker fry are present against the shoreline. Sulphurs, Gray Drake, and Caddis are the prime hatches now. Red Horse Suckers are also starting to load up which should make for outstanding trout fishing. Muskegon River Trout feed heavily on the eggs of the spawning Red Horse Suckers. The native fish provide a staple food source for our resident Brown and Rainbow trout.
Trout on the Muskegon River have been feeding heavily on the numerous insect hatches going on right now. The most prolific are the cinnamon sedge Caddis and the Gray Drake. These hatches take place in the afternoon and evenings. The Gray Drake spinner fall takes place right at dusk. These hatches offer some of the best trout fishing in Michigan. Gray Drake spinner fall at dusk.

Sturgeon sightings are beginning to become common on the Muskegon River. These gentle giants glide next to the boat while trout fishing. Exciting to see!

Over the past several days, Muskegon River Trout fishing has been going great! We’ve been finding larger, hold over trout daily. At least one 20″ plus trout on just about each guided trip. Seems to be good numbers feeding on the sucker spawn. This trend should continue for the next 10 days or so. Trout on the Muskegon River have been feeding heavily on the numerous insect hatches going on right now. The most prolific are the Cinnamon Sedge Caddis and the Gray Drake spinner fall. These hatches take place in the afternoon and evenings.

Hopefully the first of many. Mike with a beast of a brown trout. Streamer fishing has been hot!

Michigan Trout Fishing – Ashallie displays a gorgeous Brown trout while nymphing with sucker spawn.

Fishing Notes for Today: Heavy Gray Drake Spinner Fall this Morning around Pine St.
Suckers Spawning big time. yellow egg patterns. Heavy Gray Drake spinner fall this evening. 9:30pm
Size #10 – Gray Drake Spinner dry fly or rusty dun dry flies.

Trout fishing in Michigan is in full swing! With a cooler than normal spring, the Muskegon River Trout Fishing is just starting. There continues to be small pockets of Steelhead available through May. Water temperatures are starting to climb into the low 50’s. Dry Fly hatches such as adult Stone flies, Gray Drake, and Sulphers will begin to play a key role in the trout’s diet. May and June offer high growth rates for trout, and a smorgasbord of feeding options. Michigan Trout fishing is certainly best during May and June.
Water is clear. Wading is available. Trout fishing is excellent.

Coming soon, Muskegon River Sucker Spawn “Hatch”. Less than one week away! Thousands of Red Horse Suckers ascent into the upper sections of the Muskegon River. Large Brown Trout follow these suckers and when the sucker spawn begins, trophy Brown Trout gorge on sucker eggs. Trout also key on nymphs dislodged by suckers actively spawning. The Muskegon River Sucker Spawn offers clients a chance at true trophy Brown Trout (over 25″) Big Brown Trout feed recklessly during the sucker spawn, and can be sight fished while fly fishing. Casting to specific trophy trout can certainly be exhilarating!
Sucker Spawn Trout Video

Chinook Salmon & Steelhead Fry also play a huge part in the trout’s diet this time of year. Trout take advantage of the millions of fry along the shoreline of the Muskegon River. Any shade pockets along the river are loaded with salmon and steelhead fry making for easy prey for larger trout. Mallard flank fry patterns stripped along soft water near shore offer consistent trout fishing. Fly Fishing with light sink tip fly lines, (Rio DC 150 gr) against the bank works well. Usually the softer pockets hold fish.

Michigan Dry Fly Fishing – As the water temperatures finally warm into the mid 50’s, dry fly hatches are key. Right now, adult stone flies can be seen during the afternoon. Trout feeding on stone flies are easy to see. Big, splashy rises are common for trout feeding on stone flies. Gray Drakes, Sulphers, and Isonychia should begin to pick up in late May, and early June. The Muskegon River boasts the largest Gray Drake spinner fall in the Mid West! Huge clouds of drake spinner fall at dusk.
How To Catch More Trout

Manistee River Trout Fishing – Casey displays a fat and healthy Brown Trout – Tippy Dam Trout

Fat and sassy Rainbow Trout are common on the Muskegon River. Trout fishing is excellent during May & June.

We offer three guided fishing trips for Muskegon River and Manistee River Trout Fishing.

Half Day morning – Light Spinning Tackle trips. These trips are fast paced with lots of trout caught, with a chance at steelhead and trophy Brown Trout. Numbers trout are caught on these trips. We cast small crank baits, spinners, and body baits. It’s a great trip for kids, offering constant activity. ($250 -4.5 hrs)

“Hatch Masters” Evening Dry Fly Fishing – Instructional Casting. Guided half day afternoon trips that fish well into the evening. Dry fly fishing, nymphing, and sucker spawn fishing. These trips offer shots at trophy trout during the sucker spawn, and big fish on dry flies! Half day trout usually begin around 4:30pm. All gear tackle, and flies provided at no additional charge. ($250 – 4.5 hrs)

Full Day Guided Fly Fishing Adventures. Instructional Casting, Dry Fly Fishing, Nymphing with shots at larger fish during the Sucker Spawn, or on dry flies. Streamer fishing can also be excellent. ($350 – 2pm – dark) All gear, tackle, and flies provided at no extra charge.

Michigan King Salmon ~ Muskegon River (231) 519-7348

Muskegon River Trout fishing is going streong at this time. Excellent hatches, such as the Gray Drake, Isonychia Bicolor, and Cinnamon Sedge Caddis. These hatches generally occur during the evening. Afternoon hatch fishing trips have been the most productive during the day.

Smallmouth Bass fishing on the Muskegon River. June, July, and August offer some of the finest summer time fishing in Michigan. These fish are powerful, and love to fight!! There are multiple ways to fish them, with light spinning gear, and fly fishing being top on the list.

The Big Manistee River is now at full peak, King Salmon fishing! There are lots on fresh Kings entering the river from the Lake Michigan, with new fish entering the river daily. Good numbers of Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, and a handful of Fall Steelhead. Best methods for fishing have been floats and skein eggs. Red or bright pink, has been the ticket for fish holding in the deep holes. Casting Thunder stick lures have also been working very well, especially during the morning hours. Salmon are also beginning to dig gravel and spawn. Flossing is in full effect. Long leaders with pencil weights, and dark flies have been fishing very well for spawning salmon.

Water levels are low and clear, making for excellent wading below Tippy Dam. Look for good fishing over the next few weeks. Plenty of Salmon, with a bunch more coming.

If you need some Salmon fishing supplies, or rod and reel combos, stop in at Pappy’s Bait and Tackle. They have everything you need! You have Herb clean your fish. They also have Salmon for sale, from the Little Manistee River.

We have guided Salmon trips available for the Big Manistee River below Tippy dam. Full Day ( 6hrs) $500 per 2 people. Half days available (4hrs) for two anglers. ($400 / 2 ppl). Fish cleaning, and all gear and tackle is included.

Text or book on the website. (231) 519-7348

As our Big Manistee River King Salmon run winds to an end, we look forward to Fall Steelhead fishing through November and December. With 2024 being one of the largest Salmon runs in history, it’s no wonder, this Fall Steelhead will be fantastic this year. Kings and Steelhead go hand in hand. If you have a great Salmon year, the Fall Steelhead and Lake Trout will be excellent. Here at Tippy Dam, we are starting to see, and catch good numbers of both super skippers, and adult Steelhead. Low water hasn’t slowed them down. Steelhead rush up to the Tippy Dam area for the constant salmon egg production. Salmon eggs are pure protein for Trout, and Steelhead.

With eggs being the only thing on the menu, that puts bead fishing into over drive! light colored natural bead colors, such as natural orange and peach have really been fishing well. 10 mm Beads seem to be working the best. Look for Steelhead fishing to really heat up if we get some rain at the end of October.

We have guide dates available for Steelhead on both the Muskegon River, or the Big Manistee River below Tippy. Send us a text for booking. (231) 519-7348

Much more mild than normal, Winter tempratures have offered anglers some great Steelhead fishing oppertunities. The Muskegon and Manistee Rivers has had excellent migrations of Fall and Winter Steelhead, with fresh Steelhead entering from the lake daily.

Trout Beads, Spawn Sack, Jigs with Waxworms, all fishing well.

Text to Book >> (231) 519-7348

Click here to make a Steelhead Fishing Reservation

Manistee River below Tippy Dam, has been fishing extremely well. Good numbers good, clean Fresh King Salmon, have loaded up on the gravel shoals. Absolutely, lots of salmon! Steelhead are also starting to show up in good numbers. Recent rains from this week, have brought in a lot of new fish as well. Things are look good, as late October is super prime time for the Big Manistee River King Salmon fishing in Michigan.

Big Manistee River Salmon and Steelhead – Guided Fishing Adventures in Western Michigan.

Hatch Master’s Evening Special – 5pm -10pm

Fly Fishing Evening (After work) Special for two anglers – Muskegon River
( $295 for two anglers – 4.5 hours )

Both Trout fishing, and Smallmouth are going strong on the Muskegon River. Gravel redds on the Muskegon River continue to have Red Horse Suckers, and Great Lakes Suckers spawning on the gravel shoals. King Salmon Fry (Salmon Smolt) are the main food source in the river at this time. Sucker Spawn for trophy Brown Trout is coming soon.

Morning Spinning Brown Trout – Smallmouth Bass Trips
Trophy Brown Trout on crank baits – Smallmouth Bass on soft plastics.
7am – Noon ~ ($295 for two anglers)
All inclusive guided fishing on the Muskegon & Big Manistee Rivers.

We are very excited to be able to resume guiding at this time. Both Steelhead and Trout trips are now available. If you had a deposit from April, you may now float it to a new date. Now is also a great time to book a Michigan Fall Salmon trip as well. Many of our rescheduled trips have moved to September and October. Its a good time to get on the salmon calendar now.

We look forward to fishing will you. Thanks for the helping us get through this!!

Full Day Guided Fishing Reservation or Text to book (231) 519-7348

Michigan Trout Fishing Report – Trout fishing on the Mighty Muskegon River and Big Manistee River, has been going well. Good numbers over both winter hold overs, (12″ – 18′) and this year’s recently stocked hatchery Michigan Trout. (8″ – 10″) Plentiful Trout makes for a really great day of guided fishing with constant activity. Lots of Trout, and lots of catching. Both morning (light Spinning tackle) and afternoon-evening trips are going well.

A variety of techniques have been working very well for Michigan Trout fishing. The best techique for Trout has been casting spinners on light spinning tackle. This technique in not a big fish trick but, more a less a numbers gig. Great for kids, (We pinch the barbs down, barbless) Because it’s much safer, and doesn’t injure the Steelhead and Salmon Smolt that we catch. I’m personally a fan of barbless hooks for Trout. Tons of Trout are caught so it’s not a big deal to lose a few. This in an excellent trip to introduce kids into river Trout fishing.

We are offering all inclusive, guided Trout Fishing Trips for the Full Day for $350 ( $50 Discount for Summer) and the evening “Hatch Master’s Special, evening dry fly Trout fishing trip. (4pm – 9pm) for $250 – Evening Trips.
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Muskegon River Spring Steelhead Report – Croton Dam – (231) 519-7348

The Muskegon River is now at full peak, King Salmon fishing! There are lots on fresh Kings entering the river from the Lake Michigan, with new fish entering the river daily. Good numbers of Chinook Salmon, Coho Salmon, and a handful of Fall Steelhead. Best methods for fishing have been floats and skein eggs. Red or bright pink, has been the ticket for fish holding in the deep holes. Casting Thundersticks has also been working very well, especially during the morning hours. Salmon are also beginning to dig gravel and spawn. Flossing is in full effect. Long leaders with pencil weights, and dark flies have been fishing very well for spawning salmon.

Water levels are low and clear, making for excellent wading below Croton Dam. Look for good fishing over the next few weeks. Plenty of Salmon, with a bunch more coming. If you need some Salmon fishing supplies, or rod and reel combos, stop in at Pappy’s Bait and Tackle. They have everything you need! You have Herb clean your fish. They also have Salmon for sale, from the Little Manistee River.

We have guided Salmon trips available for the Big Manistee River below Tippy dam. Full Day ( 6hrs) $450 per 2 people. Half days available (4hrs) for two anglers. Fish cleaning, and all gear and tackle is included. Text or book on the website. (231) 519-7348

Fully Guided Spring Steelhead Trips for Michigan Rivers.
Full Day Trips ( 8 hours) $450
Half Day Guided Fishing Tours (4 hours) $350

** All Gear, Tackle, Rods, Reels, Fishing Cleaning Provided**
Super Prime Spring Steelhead Dates & Half days available for Muskegon River.

Steelhead fishing has been incredible. The main push of steelhead is here now during May. Water temperatures are equivalent of April 20th. Steelhead is way behind schedule and fishing is great.

Our main focus has been sight fly fishing for steelhead on gravel. River water has been gin clear therefore sight fishing has been excellent. Good pockets of fish in the upper Muskegon River near the Croton Dam. Similarly, Mid section above Pine St has been doing well. Temperature and clarity is very good.

Best Steelhead flies have been brown pheasant tail nymphs, salmon fry patterns, sack fry, olive hares ears nymphs. Small egg patterns are also working well. Apricot, Steelhead orange, Oregon Cheese, and golden nugget, all working well in #8, or #10’s. Consequently, Steelhead Egg Flies Fishing should remain great for the nest 10 days or more.

Open May Steelhead Dates

After May 15th, guided steelhead trips are $395 for the full day.
Half day afternoon trips are $295 for 4.5 hrs of steelhead fishing.

George with a beautiful hen. Spring Steelhead are just beginning to spawn. May will be very good with lots of steelhead well into June this year.

Jordan with a giant buck steelhead. Double digit days just starting to rock! Spring steelhead just now beginning to spawn.

Two Steelhead on at a time! Yes, It’s about to be really really good fishing! New steelhead still coming in from Lake Michigan.

These steelhead have been gorgeous! Spring has been a month behind with very cold water temperatures hence fishing is just now getting good !

Open May Steelhead Dates:

After May 15th, guided steelhead trips are $396 for the full day.
Half day afternoon trips are $295 for 4.5 hrs of steelhead fishing.

If you’re sitting in your office cubicle, bored, or sitting at home, NOW is the time to get out of the house and fish! May Steelhead dates are filling quickly. We are only offering the $295 half day Spring special until May 15th.

Water temperatures are still very cold! 44 degrees. We are landing at least one steelhead per hour on the Muskegon. It’s a great time to be on the water with little angling pressure and lots of fish. Fishing has been excellent with last week’s high water which shuffled the deck and brought in lots of new steelhead from the lower river. Likewise, Spring Chromers coming in from the lake with more to come!

It’s nearly May 5th and over 90% of the Michigan Spring Steelhead migration has not even begun to spawn. Similarly, all of the spawning hen steelhead have not spawned yet. Fly fishing for steelhead is phenomenal right now! If you seen the weather pattern for the past month, you’d swear it was March at best which makes this year’s spring steelhead feel the same way!

Water temperatures are just barely in the 40’s with the vast majority of the steelhead not even ready to spawn. Gravel fishing over the past couple days has been PHENOMINAL! Double digit days have been the norm with the weather finally warming up, and water levels dropping to a perfect level. The drop has made for some very good fly fishing! Visibly sight fishing for steelhead on gravel is probably some of the best steelhead fishing you’ll ever experience. Watching a fish take your bead or fly. Exhilarating!!

Best Steelhead tips and techniques

Right now, free style nymphing for steelhead has been our best bet for numbers of steelhead. Trout beads and small black stone flies, salmon fry patterns, or green PM Caddis have all been working well. Sight fishing to spawning steelhead on gravel has been very effective. Long leaders and quality drifts has been the key to success. Running lines with a small amount of weight, and a two fly rig, or one trout bead with a stone fly dropper.

How To Catch More Trout

Bobber fishing on spinning tackle has also been effective. Very small spawn sacks in natural colors have been the best for both trout and spring steelhead. Brown trout have also been very active around spawning steelhead. Look for big numbers of steelhead during May this year. Steelhead are now just getting started and should go well into June this year.

Super Prime Spring Steelhead Dates & Half days available.
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What is Fishing Tackle & What you Need it for Smallmouth Fishing

Going Smallmouth fishing? Do you have the right tackle? If the term is confusing you, there is nothing to worry about. It simply refers to the equipment or crank baits, soft plastics, or lures, that you will use to fish. Almost all types of fishing equipment can be called as tackle. But if you are fishing for recreational purpose, you will mostly hear about the tackle, lures, and baits.

And, if you planning a Michigan smallmouth fishing trip, you definitely need the right tackle. The type of fishing equipment you use will depend on the technique. As you there are many fishing techniques like fly fishing and bait casting, spin fishing and trolling. Fly fishing popular method for fishing in the river water.

Knowing about tackle is important for the beginners. It will help your fishing technique and make you an efficient angler.

What rigs work best? Drop Shotting for Smallmouth Bass…

One of the best fishing techniques for Smallmouth Bass in Michigan, is drop shotting. A drop shot rig consists of a weight about 24″ below a side hook. A soft plastic bait, such as a soft plastic minnow or crayfish. the rig is cast out, then dragged or shaken in hops, along the bottom. Bites are generally soft but the bass take the bait well. It’s an excellent choice for clear water lakes and rivers.

Drop shot rigs are easy to fish, and they catch a lot of Smallmouth bass! Use a variety of soft plastic creature baits, minnow baits, of Goby styles of soft lures. Smallmouth bass focus on rocky bottoms, feeding on crayfish, small bait fish and minnows.

What are the things you in your Tackle Box for Smallmouth Bass fishing?

Michigan smallmouth fishing during August is an exciting time for anglers!! The water is warm, and the top water bite during later summer is on fire! Top water lures such as buzz baits, surface ploppers, Spooks, and a variety of jerk baits, make for spectacular fishing for Smallmouth during the warmer parts of summer. It’s best to focus on top water lures just before dark

But before you go fishing for smallmouth, you need to ensure that you have all the things you need in your tackle box.

Here are some of the must-haves for smallmouth bass fishing trip in Michigan:

Extra Hooks

No matter what type of fishing you are interested in, always carry extra hooks. This will help you stay prepared for catching all types of fish. But, if you are going for smallmouth bass fishing, you need the right hook. Some of the best types of hooks are the drop shot hook and extra wide gap hook. The type of hook you use will depend on the technique you will be using and your preference.

Extra Lines

Just like extra hooks, you will also need extra lines. You can never tell when your lines may get stuck in the log or something and break. You need to be prepared for this. Extra lines will help you quickly get on with fishing and catch that smallmouth bass you want. choose fishing lines as per the place, weather condition and surroundings.

Lures

You need lures to attract the smallmouth. Make sure that you have the right lures. You can use artificial lures to attract the fish you want to catch. You can then use the lures once again. Use the lures as per the type of fish you want to catch. For instance, if you are aiming for a big smallmouth bass, then choose a bigger lure. Bigger fish need bigger prey as their food requirement is different than small fish.

Sinkers

Your hook and lures will not stay under water on their own. You need some weight to make them sink and that is when you need sinkers. Most of the sinkers are made of lead, but you can use steel and brass as well. You must have extra sinkers in your fishing tackle box so that you have a back-up.

The Bottom-line

Fishing tackle is important for anglers as it helps them catch the fish they way. It should contain all the equipment you need for fishing efficiently for a smallmouth bass. Make sure that you have all the things you need for Michigan smallmouth fishing trip.

Don’t want to be bothered with all the fishing equipment? Betts Guide Service is just for you. Our all-inclusive guided fishing service includes fishing gears, a boat and a guide. You can easily plan a fishing trip with your family and enjoy fishing with us. Learn from the experienced fishing guides and improve your fishing techniques. Text to Book now – (231) 519-7348

Manistee River Salmon Fishing Reports – Tippy Dam (231) 519-7348

Many of the harbors along the lake shore are starting to see Salmon enter the rivers. The Lake Michigan Water temperatures “Flipped” or dropped significantly over the last several days, kicking off some very good Salmon fishing. Starting to see many King Salmon in the Little Manistee River near Stronach Rd. Lots of Kings in the pools below the “Tubes” on the Little Manistee River. Fishing floats and Salmon Skein eggs below a float, drifted through the deeper holes, has been producing some fish. Flossing with a single trout bead, and black stone fly has also been very productive when fishing for King Salmon. Please remember while flossing, Salmon and Steelhead MUST be hooked in the mouth, to be a legal catch. Anglers must be 100′ from the weir while fishing. I know its tempting to snag them there but please don’t do it. Starting to see good numbers of King Salmon loading up in Manistee Lake, and Pere Marquette Lake. Charter boats have been doing well there the last few days. North East winds have improved Salmon fishing. Jigging PM Lake has also been productive. There has been a handful of Skamania Steelhead, and King Salmon at Tippy Dam, Manistee River.
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The Manistee River below Tippy Dam has just received a nice push of bright, chrome Spring Steelhead. Good numbers of Steelhead the past few days. Spring snow melt and recent rains have brought water levels up, to near perfect flow levels. Steelhead fishing should remain very good during all of March and April.

Capt Daryll has been doing very well fishing with floats and beads. Bright colors, and variants of chartreuse, pink, and natural orange have all been working well for Steelhead and Trout. Feather jigs tipped with waxworms have also been fishing well. Mornings and the last two hours before dark, have been the best bite. Our afternoon half days have been fishing well, with slightly warmer water temperatures. Look for more Steelhead entering the river each day.

Manistee River Salmon Fishing – Tippy Dam Recreational Area
Salmon fishing is in full swing now with good numbers of Kings on gravel, visible spawning fish. Lots of both Coho Salmon, Chinook Salmon, Fall Steelhead, King Salmon, and Lake Trout near Tippy Dam. Recent rains have pulled salmon into the upper sections of the Manistee River. Salmon fishing should be excellent from here on out.

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Strong Winds and current change has brought good numbers of Michigan King Salmon into the River. Kings continue to move throughout the river system, up to the Tippy Dam area. Casting crank baits and fishing skein under a float has been the most productive for us. The main run of salmon has entered Manistee Lake. Salmon fishing should be good from here on out…

There seems to be good numbers of bright King (Chinook) Salmon in Manistee River. Salmon are beginning to ascend the Manistee River below Tippy Dam. Michigan Salmon fishing is going strong. Cooler water temperature and a North East wind has brought in Salmon. Morning fishing has been fishing the best. Jigging in Manistee Lake, Floating bobbers with fresh Salmon skein eggs, Trout bead fishing has all been producing good Salmon catches.

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Recent high water levels over the past several weeks have brought in a fair number of fresh bright King Salmon on the Big Manistee River. The lower sections near the train trestle near Insta-Launch has been fishing well. Casting crank baits (thundersticks) Mag Lips, and drift Salmon skein under a float has been producing some very respectable fish, both King Salmon, Coho Salmon, and Summer Run Skamania Steelhead. Salmon fishing has been best first thing in the morning, when light levels are low. Text to Book >>> (231) 519-7348

The best Salmon fishing on the Big Manistee River is during early September through late October and November for King Salmon. Steelhead and Coho Salmon are found below Tippy Dam in October and Novermber. Guided Salmon, Trout, Steelhead, and Smallmouth Bass trips, tours, and charters on the Big Manistee River below Tippy Dam.

Michigan Steelhead Fishing Reports (231) 519-7348

Water levels are finally back to normal with very good Steelhead Fishing conditions on the Muskegon, Grand, and Big Manistee Rivers. Starting to more bright Spring Steelhead entering the lower river. Float fishing with beads and spawn continues to produce the most fish. Fly Fishing with Black Stone flies are also producing.

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(231) 519-7348

Fall Steelhead Specials > Half Days now available in the morning, or afternoon. $295 per two anglers.
Guided full day > Muskegon River, Grand River, Manistee River. All Inclusive guided Steelhead. $395 Per Two Anglers.

It’s hasn’t much felt like Fall the past few days. Fortunely for us, the Steelhead have not noticed that its been cold. Steelhead have been very aggressive and feeding well. It’s still November in Michigan. Water temperatures continue to hold in the high to mid 40’s. Steelhead are feeding and jumping when hooked! Look for good numbers of Steelhead in the Muskegon and Grand Rivers. Trout beads and spawn are both fishing well. Please CLICK HERE TO BOOK NOW>
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Michigan’s Best Kept Secret – Michigan Fall Steelhead Fishing on the Muskegon River. Over the past several weeks, steelhead fishing on the Mighty Mo has been excellent. Good numbers of Fall Steelhead have ascended the river with the recent rains. King Salmon have just about finished their annual spawning migrations. Steelhead seek spawning gravel to feel on Chinook Salmon eggs deposited into the gravel shoals. This makes for outstanding Fall trout bead fishing for Michigan Fall Steelhead. Look for perfect Steelhead fishing conditions over the next several weeks.

Late October and November offer the best Steelhead fishing in the Mid West Great Lakes area. These rivers become packed with fall steelhead after the salmon die off. Bead fishing is excellent at this time.

Michigan Spring Steelhead Fishing is in full swing. Big Manistee River below Tippy Dam is fishing well. Muskegon River below the Croton Dam seems to be fishing the best with good concentrations of Spring Steelhead on spawning gravel. Steelhead fishing should continue well into mid to late may. (231) 519-7348

Michigan Fishing Reports Steelhead Fishing remains very good on the Muskegon and Big Manistee River below Tippy Dam. Both Steelhead and Trout catches are doing very well. We have guide dates available. (231) 519-7348

Fully Guided Spring Steelhead Trips for Michigan Rivers. Full Day Trips ( 8 hours) $395 Half Day Guided Fishing Tours (4 hours) $295 ** All Gear, Tackle, Rods, Reels, Fishing Cleaning Provided** Super Prime Spring Steelhead Dates & Half days available.

Michigan Steelhead Fishing Reports - Michigan Steelhead Fishing - Steelhead Fishing Great Lakes

Tasha with an absolutely gorgeous Winter… I mean April Steelhead! Warmer weather ahead! Michigan Steelhead Fishing Reports

Scott with a chromer. Starting to see the main push of Spring Steelhead in the upper sections of the Muskegon River. Prime Time is here! Michigan Steelhead Fishing Reports for Great Lakes Steelhead.

You definitely wouldn’t know it with the weather lately but, right now we are finally heading into the peak of the Michigan Spring Steelhead season on the Muskegon River. Both the Big Manistee River below Tippy, and the Muskegon River below Croton dam are fishing rock star now for steelhead. Good numbers of both winter and spring steelhead are spawning. Water temperatures have finally hit the magic 40 degree mark. We’re starting to see a lot of fish on gravel.

Best techniques right now are bobbers and beads, micro jigs tipped with wax worms (Water is low and gin clear so small is the key) Small spawn sacks in natural colors ( White, orange, peach netting) And of coarse, chuck and duck fly fishing. Sight fishing has been very good with the lower, clear water. Fish have been spooky so light tippet, and smaller, dark flies have been working best. Michigan Fly Fishing Guides

Look for a lot more spring steelhead to show up during our next significant rain fall. There’s a good number of steelhead still in the lower section that are ready to push into the upper river. Coming soon!

Eric with a colorful buck. Fishing is on fire right now! Next week should be peak week!

Bright Chrome hens! Lots of Steelhead starting to hit gravel and spawn! Spring Steelhead are here.

Michigan Steelhead Fishing Reports for the Muskegon River. Steelhead fishing on the Muskegon River is now in full swing!! Good numbers of steelhead in the upper river with a fair number beginning to spawn. Water levels and temperatures are perfect for the bite, and I think the DNR is finished shocking walleye for this week.

River conditions look favorable over the next week or so. Fishing is phenomenal right now and it should stay that way for awhile.

Best Steelhead fishing techniques for Spring Steelhead: Float fishing (bobber) with trout beads or jigs tipped with wax worms. Fly fishing to fish on gravel is going strong. Dull colored flies, stone flies, hexes, and green caddis are all putting fish in the net. Casting small crank baits has also been working well.

White River Trout Fishing Report Click here to Book Now.

Emily with a gorgeous hen. Fishing is outstanding right now!

Michigan Fishing Reports - Michigan Steelhead Fishing Reports - Steelhead Fishing Great Lakes MI

Matt and Emily has some really good fishing. Afternoon’s are also fishing well.

Muskegon River Fishing Report (231) 519-7348

Michigan Smallmouth Bass Fishing - Muskegon River Guided Fishing

February is closing, and March is upon us!! Welcome to Michigan’s number one Steelhead fishing destination and guide service. We’re happy to have the opportunity to guide and fish the Muskegon River, located in Western Michigan, near Grand Rapids. Over this past week, we have had unseasonably warm weather for Steelhead fishing this winter. Conditions for Steelhead have been absolutely perfect, and the Mighty Mo has been fishing exceptionally well. Good numbers of bright Steelhead throughout the system. Henning Park to Thornapple Launch has been fishing well. Boat launches are clear, and ice free. Water levels are mid level, and quite clear. There are lots of Spring Steelhead in the river, with many more coming in from Lake Michigan. Steelhead fishing should remain excellent for the next two months. We look forward to fishing with you!! Text > (231) 519-7348

We’ve had some very good Steelhead fishing this week. Double digit hook ups some days, with beads and spawning being the key! Trout beads with a hint of chartreuse and orange have been on fire! Usually neutral, natural colors work best during the winter, low clear water but beads with a little “pop” in color have been getting smashed like crazy!

While fishing for Steelhead during the Winter months, be sure to bring a variety of bait. Often times, in colder water, scent is the key. Steelhead skein spawn sacks, Waxworms,wigglers, or salted Emerald Shiners all contain a massive amount of scent, this gets Steelhead feeding in cold water temperatures.

Your fishing location also plays a key roll during the Winter months. Slower, deep water with boulders, rocks, and gravel is typically the most productive for Fall and Winter Steelhead. Rocks help break the current and give the fish a sense of security in clear water, especially on sunny days. Steelhead tuck tightly into rocky areas during the day. Spend time in these sections of water, and you’ll be rewarded with some nice fish. Larger Trout also hold in these areas.

Welcome to Michigan’s Smallmouth Bass Shangri la ~ Muskegon River Fishing Report~ (231) 519-7348 ~ Smallmouth Best fishing has been exceptionally good on the Muskegon River so far this summer. Perfect water conditions, excellent weather, and spectualar amounts of crayfish have made for some outstanding trophy Smallmouth Bass fishing on the Mighty Mo. Top water Bass fishing has been phenominal with the hot water! Lots of Muskegon River Smallmouth.

Smallmouth Bass fishing is exceptionally good during July and August on the Muskegon River. Hot weather makes for heart stopping, top water hits, and big jumps!! Crank baits, top water, and soft plastics are the name of the game during summer in Michigan. Michigan Smallmouth Bass fishing reports suggest that is is going to be a great summer!! Lots of Northern Pike, Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, and a few trout below the Croton Dam.

Welcome Spring Steelhead anglers – March madness is upon us! Muskegon River is now starting to get good numbers of Spring Steelhead moving throughout the river system. Water levels have been consistant and clear, with good clarity. Look for Steelhead fishing to remain good during the rest of March, well into April, and early May. Full Day Guided Steelhead

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A good selection of trout beads, small spawn sacks, and Salmon egg beads, all working well. Natural colors, as water has been very low and clear. Flourocarbon leaders, a bit light line, and a smaller presentation has been key. Small jigs and wax worms are also very good during March. Black jigs are exceptionally good, due to the large amounts of winter stone flies in the river system. Black Stone flies are a key, and major food source for Michigan, Spring Steelhead.

Look for Steelhead fishing to continue to remain strong over the next month or so. Big Fish, and lots of em! March and April offer excellent Steelhead fishing on the Muskegon River.

Good numbers if Michigan Fall Steelhead on the Muskegon River Steelhead fishing has been excellent !! January and February are the best times for Michigan Winter Steelhead. Starting to see lots of Steelhead moving through the lower river, into the Newaygo – Croton Dam section.

Recent rains have brought good numbers of Michigan Fall Steelhead into the Mighty Muskegon River, near the Croton Dam, and through the Newaygo area. Water levels are perfect now for Fall Steelhead. King Salmon are starting to die off, creating an epic “Egg Bite” for spawn sacks, and Trout Bead fishing. Trout beads mimic drifting salmon eggs.

Both the Michigan Fall Steelhead, and the Michigan King Salmon, have been much larger this season. Ample food in Lake Michigan has made great food, and growth for out migratory friends. Look for Steelhead fishing reo remain strong well throughout December, into January. November is the best month for these crown jewels of the Muskegon River.

Best techniques for catching Muskegon River Fall Steelhead, have been float fishing with a Trout bead or spawn sack suspended underneath a float, drifting with the current. This techniques produces a very natural drift, representing a salmon egg along the bottom. Back bouncing fresh salmon eggs directly on the bottom, produces a lot of steelhead.
Chuck -N-Duck fly fishing has also been very productive. Fresh salmon eggs or Steelhead Skein, is the key to this technique.

Michigan Trout & Smallmouth Fishing Reports for the Muskegon River, Pere Marquette, and Big Manistee Rivers.

Hatch Master’s Evening Special – 5pm -10pm

Fly Fishing Evening (After work) Special for two anglers – Muskegon River
( $295 for two anglers – 4.5 hours )

Fly Fishing the Caddis Super Hatches has been excellent! Each evening, we are having Gray Drake spinners, Isonychia emerging may flies, Pale Morning Duns, and Cinnamon Sedge Caddis . Fly fishing has been very good.

We look forward to fishing will you. Thanks for the helping us get through this!!

Full Day Guided Fishing Reservation or Text to book (231) 519-7348

Upcoming Fishing Oppertunies: Spawning Steelhead in May. Muskegon River Sucker Spawn for Trophy Trout. Hatch Fishing Dry Flies , Muskegon River Smallmouth in July and August.

Steelhead fishing has been very good on the Muskegon River over the past several days. Water levels are perfect and the water clarity is crystal clear. Starting to see Steelhead spawning on the gravel shoals, starting to dig gravel with some fish on redds. Fly Fishing will improve as more fish begin to spawn and become active. Stone flies are fishing well, and Salmon fry are also starting to emerge.

Booking Full Day >> (231) 519-7348

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(231) 519-7348

Warmer weather has made for some excellent Steelhead fishing. This Winter has been much more mild, than years past. Fresh batch of bright Steelhead just showed up the past couple days. Lots of action and activity with Steelhead and Resident trout. Fishing has been excellent. January and February are my two favorite month of the year to fish for Steelhead. Good fishing with few anglers on the water.
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(231) 519-7348

Muskegon River Steelhead Fishing Reports – Heavy snow last night made for some epic Steelhead fishing today on the Mighty Muskegon River. Good numbers of fresh Steelhead and double digit days right now. Lots going on. November is definitely the time to be on the river. Huge fish with huge smile! Click here to Book Now or text to Book >>
(231) 519-7348

Muskegon River Fall Steelhead Fishing Reports – Steelhead fishing has been very good during the past week or so. Good numbers of Steelhead in the upper Muskegon River near the Croton Dam. Float fishing with beads or spawn has been very productive. Double digit hook ups have been the norm for this time of year. Many resident trout are also caught throughout the day. Half Days ( $295 for 2 anglers) $395 for 2 anglers) Fish cleaning is free and included. Click here to Book Now or text to Book >> (231) 519-7348

Water levels are up and and crystal clear. Most of the leaves and eel grass have blown out making for easier fishing. Water Temperature is holding at 50 degrees. Levels are high and clear. Wading in not an option at this time. Level is holding at 4000 CFS.
Plugging is now an option and has been very productive. Float fishing with trout beads or spawn has also been fishing well. Steelhead are beginning to drop into their normal late Fall – Winter lies. Most of the Salmon have all died off, still a few flag tails hanging around. Steelhead Fishing is excellent right now, and should continue to be excellent well into December.
The Muskegon River and Grand River are now the most productive. We are offering both morning and afternoon half days for $295. Full days are also available each day for only $395. All Inclusive Jet Boat, Guided Steelhead Fishing. Click Here to Book Now>> (231) 519-7348

Muskegon River Steelhead Fishing Report – Good numbers of Michigan Fall Steelhead in the Muskegon River at this time. Recent rains has brought a nice batch of Steelhead into the river. Water levels are now back to normal, and Steelhead fishing is very good. King Salmon are still in the river system but, are in poor condition, and fading quickly.

Resident Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, and Steelhead rely heavily on King Salmon eggs as a food source. Keying in on eggs makes for some World Class, Alaska style, trout bead fishing. Fall Steelhead are a Rainbow trout on crack! If you have never experienced the exhilarating runs, acrobatic jumps, and screaming speed of the Steelhead, now is and excellent time to fish for them. November is the best month for Fall Steelhead, and the Muskegon and Manistee River offers lots of them. Click Here to Book Now>> (231) 519-7348

Muskegon River water levels have been nearly perfect. Rolling at 2260 cfs. Water temps hovering around 58 degrees. Very good temperature for Salmon, Trout, and Steelhead. We’ve been spending time float fishing behind spawning King Salmon. Starting to see good numbers of Steelhead, and very happy about the larger resident Brown Trout. Looking forward to some great fishing for the next month. November should be excellent with the recent flow rates.

Finally starting to see some good numbers of King Salmon on the Muskegon River. Recent rains, and cooler temperatures have brought more fish into the river system. These salmon are huge this year, and are still a ways from spawning.

Best technigues have been float fishing salmon skein through the deeper holes. Casting thunder sticks in the morning. Fly Fishing has also been productive during the day. We landed these giants casting crankbaits but, lots of technigues have been working well. Muskegon River runs late for salmon season. Mid to Late October is best for Muskegon River Salmon.

Muskegon River Fishing Reports for Giant Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Musky, and Walleye. Located on the lower Muskegon River below Newaygo, Michigan. Click Here to Book Now>>

Muskegon River Smallmouth Bass Fishing has been excellent! Water levels are now back to Summertime low levels. Top water bass fishing has been the name of the game. The hotter, the better!! Smallmouth Bass absolutely love hot and humid weather. Buzz baits and cranks have been fishing really well. Weather and water are nice. It’s a fantastic time to be on the water. Call or Text to book, or reserve online. (231) 519-7348

Very good insect activity and dry fly fishing over this past week. Hot humid weather has really got the May flies going. Gray Drake, Hexes, Isonychia, and lots and lots of Caddis during the afternoon. Landing lots of quality Rainbow and Brown Trout below the Croton Dam. Fly Fishing has been excellent. Weather and water are nice. It’s a fantastic time to be on the water. Call or Text to book, or reserve online. (231) 519-7348

Getting into Smallmouth Bass, Trout, and Pan Fish. These Michigan guided fishing trips are fun, and fast paced with tons of fish CATCHING! Muskegon River offers World Class Smallmouth Bass fishing. Local Lakes offer very good pan fish, Blue Gills, Crappie, and Rock Bass. These are excellent light tackle trips for children and adults alike. Just makes for an excellent, fun filled, catching trip on the water!

$295 – $395 ~ Text to Book>>> (231) 519-7349

Muskegon River Trout Fishing – If you love huge Brown Trout, now is the time! Muskegon River Sucker Spawn is in full swing. Trout gorge on eggs and nymphs dug up from the spawning suckers, providing opportunities for trophy trout in Michigan. Streamer Fly Fishing and Casting crank baits is fishing very well for numbers of solid trout.
New Trout Fishing Regulations for Brown Trout – Muskegon River. 15″ limit is wonderful, providing us with a lot more larger trout. Making for better trout fishing! Text to book>> (231) 519-7348

Evening Hatch Master Specials for Muskegon River Trout Fishing – 4:30pm – 10pm. ($295) Hatch Fishing at it’s finest! Caddis, Gray Drake, Isonychia, and Sulphers. Become the Dry Fly Jedi
Muskegon River Guided Fly Fishing.

Full Day Guided Trout Trips $395 ** All Inclusive Guided Fly Fishing Trout Guides **

Muskegon River Steelhead Fishing Report

Water levels are are prefect ( Clear @ 4200 cfs) with lots of Steelhead of gravel. Fly Fishing has been the best technique at this time. Free style nymphing with black stone flies, salmon fry, and small natural trout beads are all fishing well. Many bright Steelhead with lots more entering the river. Prime Time is several weeks behind this year with Muskegon River Steelhead Fishing lasting well into May and early June. Good numbers of Steelhead and Trophy Brown Trout at this time.

Steelhead Fishing Should remain good, double digit hook ups until early June. Water temperatures are much colder than a normal year. Steelhead Fishing is exceptionally good right now!

(231) 519-7348

Muskegon River Steelhead Fishing Report

Water levels are are prefect ( Clear @ 5000 cfs) with lots of Steelhead of gravel. Fly Fishing has been the best technique at this time. Free style nymphing with black stone flies, salmon fry, and small natural trout beads are all fishing well. Many bright Steelhead with lots more entering the river. Prime Time is several weeks behind this year with Muskegon River Steelhead Fishing lasting well into May and early June. Good numbers of Steelhead and Trophy Brown Trout at this time.

Steelhead Fishing Should remain good, double digit hook ups until early June. Water temperatures are much colder than a normal year. Steelhead Fishing is exceptionally good right now!

(231) 519-7348

Steelhead fishing has been phenomenal the past several days. We are now heading into the peak weeks with big number hook ups, and lots of fish! Fly fishing now takes center stage with good numbers of Michigan Spring Steelhead on gravel and actively spawning. Water temperatures are perfect at 42 degrees. Visibility is very good, over 10′ visibility. Sight casting to fish is now an option. Fly Fishing for spawning Spring Steelhead has made for some double digit days on the Muskegon River below Croton Dam, just upstream of Newaygo, Michigan.

Finally! The moment we’ve all been waiting for! Our first good push of Muskegon River Spring Steelhead. Bright Silver Steelhead just showed up over the weekend. Water temperatures are still cold but we have seen many Steelhead beginning to spawn and hit gravel in some locations.

Spinning fishing light tackle with floats and spawn, trout beads, and jigs and waxworms. All of which are fishing very well.
Fly fishing should pick up later this week as water temperatures begin to warm, and spawning becomes heavy.

Water levels are finally back to normal Spring levels. Muskegon River is running at 5440 cfs. Clarity is very good at 5′ and clearing. We had an excellent day fishing with Greg and Luke. We landed a ton of nice Steelhead this morning. I feel like today marks the first batch of Muskegon River Spring Steelhead. Lots of Steelhead now entering in from the lake with the major push starting this week.

What’s working? Jigs tipped with wax worms worked well for us this morning. Florescent colors seemed to work best. Trout beads have also been working well. medium sized spawn sacks in chartreuse and pink, all working very well. Small jigs tipped with small ice fishing plastics have also been good. Michigan Steelhead Fishing Reports – Muskegon River.

What a gorgeous spring chrommer…

Starting to see good numbers of bright spring Steelhead. New fish coming in…

Update: Water Levels are at 5440 cfs, Levels are up but the clarity remains good. Visibility is 5′. Should make for some phenomenal Spring steelhead fishing next week! We are finally getting some much needed warmer weather! Temperatures are scheduled to be above freezing for the next week. Starting to see good Spring Steelhead movement throughout the Muskegon River System. Longer daylight, good water levels, and warmer temperatures should certainly kick up the fishing a notch. Full day $395 Half Day $295

Fishing fresh steelhead spawn has been excellent. Smaller spawn sacks in natural colors have been fishing well. Steelhead Trout Beads, in natural, 6mm and 8mm all fishing very well. Starting to see a few early spring stone flies. Fly Fishing should become a major thing during the next several weeks as steelhead gorge on stone flies.

Toby with a chromer. Bright Steelhead Year Around

Evan displays a gorgeous Spring Steelhead.

Some our best Spring Steelhead fishing takes place during late February and early March. Steelhead feed heavily on King Salmon Fry, Gobies, Sculpin, Scuds, Green Caddis, and after waking up from Winter’s slumber, Steelhead absolutely love the late Winter Stonefly.

Trout beads drifted along the bottom perfectly represent Brown Trout or King Salmon eggs. Hand painted trout beads look identical to salmon eggs.

Flies that represent Scuds, Sculpins, and Coho Salmon fry are also very effective near the Croton Dam. The Muskegon River never freezes so we fish all winter long, offering great fishing year around.

Drifting Trout Beads, tiny spawn sacks, or jigs tipped with wax worms has been fishing best for Muskegon River Steelhead, Brown Trout, and Salmon. Good numbers of Michigan Spring Steelhead throughout the main Muskegon River. Lower sections near Maple Island, Bridgeton, and Newaygo are all fishing well. Pine St and the Croton Dam have lots of resident trout and spring steelhead. There should continue to be steelhead well through the spring months. Steelhead usually peak here in late March and early April.

Giant Spring Steelhead from the Muskegon River near the Croton Dam. Muskegon River Spring Steelhead

Spawn sack and Bead fishing is going well right now. Bright Steelhead entering the river.

Muskegon River Steelhead Fishing

Recent rain has greatly improved the Steelhead fishing on the Muskegon River. The middle sections have been fishing well. Pine Street to Henning seems to have the most fish.

We are now starting to see good numbers of Muskegon River Fall Steelhead entering the lower Muskegon River near Giles and Maple Island. Fall steelhead ascend the river to feed during the fall months. King salmon eggs are the main food source for steelhead during November. Trout beads, small spawn sacks, crank baits, and swung flies all fish well for Steelhead this time of year.

Water temperatures play an important role for migratory fall steelhead. The best water temperatures for Steelhead in Michigan are between 55 to 45 degrees. These water temperatures make for excellent steelhead fishing in Michigan. Screaming drags, incredible jumps, and mean head shakes make for thrilling fights with Michigan Fall Steelhead.

Croton Dam to Newaygo offers some of the best Fall Steelhead Fishing in Michigan. Excellent runs and deep pools in this section of river, it offers great holding water. Pine St to the Thornapple access also has fantastic trout fishing for Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, King Salmon, and Steelhead. Smallmouth Bass can be found here during the Summer Months.

Muskegon River Fishing Reports

Muskegon River Steelhead Fishing Reports for the Croton Dam and Newaygo Area for Trout, Salmon, and Steelhead

Muskegon River Steelhead Fishing Reports for the Croton Dam and Newaygo Area for Trout, Salmon, and Steelhead.

During the Fall months, the Muskegon River receives a large amount of Steelhead. Steelhead can be fished throughout the Winter and into Spring Months (10/28)

Trout fishing remains strong. Good numbers of Muskegon River Trout feeding behind the spawning King Salmon near the Croton Dam. Fishing Reports for the Muskegon River near Newaygo.

MUSKEGON RIVER STEELHEAD is the ultimate game fish and the crown jewel of Michigan Rivers.

Steelhead are the only freshwater game fish that will strike a fly savagely in 35 degree water, leap relentlessly, make blistering lightning quick runs, and test every fly fishing skill you possess.

Honest 18lb Steelhead! No doubt the largest year class of steelhead since the mid ’90’s. Steelhead are plentiful and huge this year!

Like Salmon, Steelhead are born in rivers but spend their growing years in larger bodies of water. Our great lakes Steelhead return to the rivers when they reach sexual maturity after three or four years of growth in the big lake. After spawning commences in late spring Steelhead migrate back to the big lake and start the process all over again the following years.

These beautiful fish average 8-10 pounds with an occasional monster caught close to 20 pounds each year. Join us for an experience of a lifetime fishing for one of the most sought after fresh water game fish in the world. These world-class fish are available in the fall, winter, and spring.

FALL STEELHEAD (October thru November)

Fall Steelhead fishing is your best opportunity throughout the year to experience the true power these fish have to offer. These Great Lakes Steelhead migrate into our rivers in October following the migration of the Chinook or King Salmon. These bright silver bullets cruise behind spawning salmon redds in search of discharged eggs.

If you truly want to experience Steelhead fishing at it’s best, join us for a fall Steelhead fishing trip. You will not be disappointed!

WINTER STEELHEAD (December thru February)

Winter fishing for Steelhead is one the best kept secrets throughout the Muskegon river system due to numbers of fish throughout the river and you virtually have the complete river to yourself. Steelhead will ascend the Muskegon river all year long due to its warmer tail water and ice free flows providing for some spectacular fishing December through February.

Betts Guide Service prides itself on being able to offer you some of the best winter Steelhead fishing on the Muskegon. It has been common to experience double digit hook ups even on some of the coldest winter days.

If you have never experienced the sheer tranquility and peacefulness of winter Steelhead fishing on the Muskegon River, give us a try; it’s a great way to shake the winter blues in Michigan.

SPRING STEELHEAD (March thru May)

Beginning in late February, the winter Steelhead move up river and begin their migration to their spawning areas. During March, April, and May Steelhead begin to polish gravel and begin to spawn. During this time, Fly Fishing for Steelhead is at it’s best. Anglers can visually seek Steelhead and make casts to the spawning Spring Steelhead. Sight fishing to Steelhead on gravel and watching them take flies makes for a very exhilarating experience.

Category: Michigan Fishing Reports

Michigan Weekly DNR Fishing Reports for Salmon and Steelhead – Manistee River – Manistee River (231) 519-7348

Michigan King SALMON Fishing report

Weather and its effect

Best time for fishing

How to select the bait and flies for steelhead trout fishing?

Michigan Salmon Fishing Reports ~ Salmon Trips

Michigan Trout – Smallmouth Bass Fishing Guides – Muskegon River (231) 519-7348

Michigan King Salmon ~ Muskegon River (231) 519-7348

Muskegon River Spring Steelhead Report – Croton Dam – (231) 519-7348

Fully Guided Spring Steelhead Trips for Michigan Rivers.
Full Day Trips ( 8 hours) $450
Half Day Guided Fishing Tours (4 hours) $350

Open May Steelhead Dates

Open May Steelhead Dates:

Best Steelhead tips and techniques

How To Catch More Trout

What is Fishing Tackle & What you Need it for Smallmouth Fishing

What rigs work best? Drop Shotting for Smallmouth Bass…

What are the things you in your Tackle Box for Smallmouth Bass fishing?

The Bottom-line

Manistee River Salmon Fishing Reports – Tippy Dam (231) 519-7348

Michigan Steelhead Fishing Reports (231) 519-7348

Muskegon River Fishing Report (231) 519-7348

Muskegon River Fishing Reports

Adventures

Trip Options

Company

Michigan King SALMON Fishing report

Weather and its effect

Best time for fishing

Fully Guided Spring Steelhead Trips for Michigan Rivers. Full Day Trips ( 8 hours) $450 Half Day Guided Fishing Tours (4 hours) $350

Open May Steelhead Dates

Open May Steelhead Dates:

Best Steelhead tips and techniques

How To Catch More Trout

What rigs work best? Drop Shotting for Smallmouth Bass…

What are the things you in your Tackle Box for Smallmouth Bass fishing?

The Bottom-line

Muskegon River Fishing Reports

Adventures

Trip Options

Company

Fully Guided Spring Steelhead Trips for Michigan Rivers.
Full Day Trips ( 8 hours) $450
Half Day Guided Fishing Tours (4 hours) $350