Copyright 2011 James Marsh
Fly Fishing The Muskegon River
Michigan
The Muskegon River is a tailwater that flows from
Muskegon Lake through Croton Dam into Lake
Michigan. It's located in the western portion of the lower
peninsula of Michigan. It's popular for its large runs of
steelhead and salmon as well as its trout fishing
opportunities. Fly fishing the Muskegon River can be
good all year long thanks to its diverse species of fish.
The great fishery hasn't always existed. The power
company that operates the dam, CMS Energy, began a
controlled release schedule in 1994 that greatly
improved the tailwater. The thirty-five mile long tailwater
averages over two-hundred feet in width as is best
fished from a drift boat but plenty of wading
opportunities also exist.
The Muskegon River is a smooth flowing tailwater that
reminds us of Montana's Missouri River below Coulter
Dam. Current seams makes dry fly presentations tricky
and the rainbow and brown trout can be very selective
at times. The stream's aquatic vegetation helps create
the varying current. The bottom consist mostly of a
mixture of sand and soil with small stones, cobble and
some larger rocks.
Steelhead enter the river in October following the
salmon. They can be caught throughout the Fall, Winter
and early Spring months until as late as May. Salmon
enter the river in late September and are in the river into
November.
Aquatic insects are plentiful in the Muskegon River
thanks to its good pH level, aquatic vegetation and
consistent water levels. Mayflies, caddisflies and a few
stoneflies provide plenty of food for the trout. Steelhead
are taken on a wide variety of flies including nymphs,
streamers and egg patterns. Spey fishing is popular and
irregardless of the type of rod used, swinging the wet fly
is effective most of the time.
There are a few areas of the river that are accessible
from the bank that can be waded. There are access
areas on both side of the river just below the dam. A drift
boat provides better opportunities, especially if your
steelhead fishing, because it allows you to cover much
more water. The Muskegon River is definitely one of
Michigan's top fly fishing destinations.
Seasons:
The season varies with the species and location.
Spring:
Springtime is the best time fly fishing the Muskegon
River for trout because of the numerous hatches.
Steelhead can be caught as late as the first of May
depending on the weather.
Summer:
Summertime continues to be a good time for trout
thanks to the cold water discharge.
Fall:
Salmon first enter the river and the steelhead follow.
Steelhead begin entering the Muskegon River as early
as the first of October. The fishing is good throughout
the Fall. Trout fishing remains good during the Fall.
Winter:
All but the coldest days of Winter can be good for
steelhead and trout. The extremely cold water of
January and February can make the fish sluggish but
otherwise, fishing remains good throughout the Winter. .
Fly Fishing Gear, Trout, Steelhead and Salmon
Flies
Michigan
The Muskegon River is a tailwater that flows from
Muskegon Lake through Croton Dam into Lake
Michigan. It's located in the western portion of the lower
peninsula of Michigan. It's popular for its large runs of
steelhead and salmon as well as its trout fishing
opportunities. Fly fishing the Muskegon River can be
good all year long thanks to its diverse species of fish.
The great fishery hasn't always existed. The power
company that operates the dam, CMS Energy, began a
controlled release schedule in 1994 that greatly
improved the tailwater. The thirty-five mile long tailwater
averages over two-hundred feet in width as is best
fished from a drift boat but plenty of wading
opportunities also exist.
The Muskegon River is a smooth flowing tailwater that
reminds us of Montana's Missouri River below Coulter
Dam. Current seams makes dry fly presentations tricky
and the rainbow and brown trout can be very selective
at times. The stream's aquatic vegetation helps create
the varying current. The bottom consist mostly of a
mixture of sand and soil with small stones, cobble and
some larger rocks.
Steelhead enter the river in October following the
salmon. They can be caught throughout the Fall, Winter
and early Spring months until as late as May. Salmon
enter the river in late September and are in the river into
November.
Aquatic insects are plentiful in the Muskegon River
thanks to its good pH level, aquatic vegetation and
consistent water levels. Mayflies, caddisflies and a few
stoneflies provide plenty of food for the trout. Steelhead
are taken on a wide variety of flies including nymphs,
streamers and egg patterns. Spey fishing is popular and
irregardless of the type of rod used, swinging the wet fly
is effective most of the time.
There are a few areas of the river that are accessible
from the bank that can be waded. There are access
areas on both side of the river just below the dam. A drift
boat provides better opportunities, especially if your
steelhead fishing, because it allows you to cover much
more water. The Muskegon River is definitely one of
Michigan's top fly fishing destinations.
Seasons:
The season varies with the species and location.
Spring:
Springtime is the best time fly fishing the Muskegon
River for trout because of the numerous hatches.
Steelhead can be caught as late as the first of May
depending on the weather.
Summer:
Summertime continues to be a good time for trout
thanks to the cold water discharge.
Fall:
Salmon first enter the river and the steelhead follow.
Steelhead begin entering the Muskegon River as early
as the first of October. The fishing is good throughout
the Fall. Trout fishing remains good during the Fall.
Winter:
All but the coldest days of Winter can be good for
steelhead and trout. The extremely cold water of
January and February can make the fish sluggish but
otherwise, fishing remains good throughout the Winter. .
Fly Fishing Gear, Trout, Steelhead and Salmon
Flies
| Type of Stream Tailwater Species Steelhead Salmon Brown Trout Rainbow Trout Size Large Location Northwest Michigan Nearest Towns Muskegon Croton Season Varies with species Special Regulations Yes, be sure you check them prior to fishing. Access: Fair Non-Resident License State of Michigan Weather National Weather Service Link Hatch Chart: Coming Soon USGS Real Time Stream Flow: Fly Fishing Gear, Trout, Steelhead and Salmon Flies |
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| Options For Selecting Flies: 1. Email us with the dates you will be fishing this stream and we will send you a list of our fly suggestions. Please allow up to 24 hours for a response. 2. Call us 800-594-4726 and we will help you decide which flies you need. 3. Call or email us with a budget for flies and we will select them and get them to you in time for your trip. Shipping is free in the U. S. Orders over $50 are shipped Priority Mail. |