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.

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!

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.

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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.
Text to Book >>> (231) 519-7348

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

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.

Click here to Book Now or text to Book >>
(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.

Tag: Muskegon River Fishing Report

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

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

Muskegon River Fishing Report (231) 519-7348

Muskegon River Fishing Reports

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