Fishing Season: Year Round

Muskegon River - MI

Fishing Outlook & Conditions

Water Temp:

45

RiverQuest Charters's Tip of the Week

Swinging for steelhead and trout has been fairly consistent, despite low early fall season steelhead numbers. Fish the tailouts and gravel sections right now to find fish

Directions open in app

Map of Muskegon River

Water Flow Data

Orvis-Endorsed guides nearby

Hawkins Outfitters

5-Day Outlook as of 7/15/24

http://www.accuweather.com/en/us/newaygo-mi/49337/weather-forecast/21562_pc And The weather can also be found on our report on the Orvis fishing report page, top right. Watch for changes in report or call the Lodge.

Techniques & Tips as of 7/15/24

Swinging and indicator

Local Species Available Year Round

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    Trout (year-round)

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    steelhead & salmon seasonally

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    smallmouth bass

RiverQuest Charters's Recommended Fly Patterns

"Must-have" fly fishing patterns in descending order of importance:

Name: Colors: Size(s):
Senyo's Egg Raider natural
Senyo's AI Intruder N/A

Senyo's Egg Raider

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Item #5E19

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RiverQuest Charters's Recommended Gear

Description: About Muskegon River

The Muskegon River–a tailwater fishery of western scale and beauty flowing through the small town of Newaygo–is located just 45 minutes north of Grand Rapids, Michigan. Its banks forested and sometimes tall, the Muskegon flows clear and bright over gravel bars only to settle into dark runs and pools full of promise. With miles of expansive river to explore—best, but not exclusively so, by boat—the MO’s fly fishermen can slip away to ply waters less traveled, year-round. Prolific runs of steelhead and Chinook salmon seasonally challenge tackle and skills as only large potamodromous fish can. Two-handed Spey fishing for steelhead is particularly appealing, mid-October through early May. Caddis, mayflies, midges, scuds, and stone flies—along with salmon and steelhead fry—are abundant, providing an array of prey for resident rainbow and brown trout and hatch-matching decisions for fly fishermen. Exceptional trout hold in the river year-round so, truly, one may encounter a trout of a lifetime at any time. Not to be overlooked, too, is the MO’s exceptional smallmouth bass fishery, July through early September. Striking water clarity, bass feeding on top and below, and a lazy summer’s day float, make for a day astream hard to beat. America is blessed with great rivers, to be sure, and surely the Muskegon is one of them. Experience it once and you, like us, may be drawn back, time and time again.

Nearest Airport:

Grand Rapids Airport (GRR)

Hatches:

Baitfish patterns such as sculpins, Egg Raiders and RiverQuest Guide's Matt Kettner's Flash Master.

Best Stretch:

Henning to Croton Dam Croton to Bridgeton (steelhead)

Best Access:

Thornapple | High Rollaway