River Conditions

Fishing Report - June 12 2010

Wow....has time been flying by !!!

I have not been on the Muskegon much the last month,mostly due to slower fishing than expected. And a good number of trips on the big lake.....soo many places...so little time, throw in a few open houses,holidays and weddings and the days just fly by. The PM has been fishing better,with bigger trout and more consistent hatches. The Smallmouth Bass fishing is begining to take off on the Muskegon, look for a good mix of trout and bass for the next few weeks,when things will turn to mosly bass for the duration on the summer.

Please give us a call for an on the water adventure.....salmon,trout,bass....we do it all !!

Fishing Report - May 4 2010

Well....for me Spring Steelhead of 2010 is just about in the books, with only one trip still remaining for the pursuit of the great fish we know as the Steelhead. I would rate this years run about average....with no real huge numers at any one time,just a slow but steady spring run. Although the warmer than average temps pushed the run along a bit quick ,this caused much higher guide pressure than normal due to the fact that so many other local rivers peaked early and finished up. Look for the steelhead to taper of from here on out.

Trout fishing season is upon us as we have already seen some pretty good dry fly action and streamer action on days with the right conditions. We have also caught a few really nice smallies,this is the earliest I have seen smallmouth of this size in the river.

See you on the water !

Fishing Report - April 21 2010

Recent increase in guide traffic has slowed the fishing once again....due to the fact that the muskegon is still holing on to the last grip of spring steelhead in the area many guides from other rivers have migrated to the Mighty Mo ! Things are progressing quickly,fish you find one day are usually gone the next. So everyday starts a new search. The river levels are droping faster than the stock market a few years ago!! Fish hard and please be patient especially if your fishing with a guide...fishing just isnt typical or easy right now.

Fishing Report - April16 2010

Things on the Muskegon have leveled off...the fishing has been decent this week for those willing to put the work in and keep the hunt going. I feel that we have peaked, but I know we will have fish for several more weeks.The faster runs are still holding some freshies and dropbacks,but the fish are quickly moving to gravel to spawn. Water levels are close to normal and the clairity is good.

Best flies this week have been small orange eggs,caddis and small basic nymphs.

Fishing Report - April 10 2010

As stated in the previous report....The run is now on my opinion way ahead of schedule. The fishing the last few days has not been typical of early April by any means....it looks as if the Mighty Mo has peaked and we might be in for some slower than usual or expected fishing from here on out. Although you can find steelies in just about any and all types of water, the numbers just arent there...Working hard and being ready when the bite happens is the name of the game for now. With the recent rise in water I had expected to see many more fresh fish, although they are available,there is a good mix of dropbacks also. The traffic the last few days has been INSANE !!! This is not helping the bite as fish are seeing a ton of pressure from sun up to sun down......fish HARD and be READY !!

Afternoon 1/2 day trips $250 are available.

Fishing Report - April 5 2010

Things on the river look to be a week or more ahead of schedule. The woods are greening up and the numbers of spawning fish are on the rise. There still seems to be a good trickle of fresh fish in the runs as well as a few drop backs. The morning action has been decent but sunny conditions has made the afternoon bite much harder. Look for the highest concetrations of bedding activity to be in the upper river. Water temps are in the high 40's to lower 50's in the afternoons. A little cool weather will go a long way in prolonging the run for those May steelies.

Fishing Report - April 1 2009

The spring steelhead fishing is going strong ! Although the Muskegon dosent seem to be jam packed with fish, there are decent numbers of fish spread out this year due to current water conditions. There are fresh fish still coming in and a good mix of fish staging in different places in the river. Throw in a few bonus walleye and trout and things are fishing well. The traffic on the river this weekend was very high and the fishing was much better in the mornings than after lunch.

Egg flies,stoneflies,and fry have been good fly choices.

Remember you now need a 2010 license

Fishing Report - March 24 2010

The fishing the last several days has been decent, Not really going gang busters but good steady action. This of course is probably due to the BRIGHT SUNNY weather. We are seeing a mix of both fresh fish,late winter fish and even drop backs....... I am sure most of the spawning is taking place in the upper river. Both flies and spawn have been getting their attention. Tiny stoneflies,eggs,and fry patterns have been great!

Afternoon 1/2 day trips are also available and start around 4 and last  4+ hours, a great time to be on the river as most of the guide traffic has left for the day

Fishing Report - March 17 2010

Most of the rivers are just about back into prime shape, and the fishing has been good this week. Took a couple days to visit the PM while the Muskegon was running a bit high and found the pressure to be very light, but the fishing was great! Still not a ton of fresh spring fish up there but a good mix of late winter and early spring fish. The muskegon fished well for me today with fish coming from typical spring holding water. The water is still up a bit and holding color.

Afternoon 1/2 day trips are also available and start around 4 and last  4+ hours, a great time to be on the river as most of the guide traffic has left for the day

Fishing Report - March 12 2010

Finally some clouds and rain....and it has helped the fishing for sure. Although when we did finally get the much needed rain, it might prove top be a bit more than we would have liked, but I dont think the river will get too out of control. The water is up this morning and the new fish should be on the move through the weekend, look for the best fishing in slower runs and as the water begins to drop and clear.

Still a few days left this spring, call soon before they are gone. Afternoon half day trips are available most days.

Fishing Report - March 5 2010

Based by the recent weather the last few days it looks like spring has arrived. Some may think this is the kicker to get the steelies fired up.... if your going to the river with visions of hammering on them this weekend , things might be a bit slower than you might expect. Although we are melting alot of snow, NONE of it is going into the river, with the bright sun and light breezes it is simply evaporating. The Muskegon is at its lowest lever since last summer, the water is GIN clear and the fish are spooky to say the least. Look for the best fishing to be at low light,in deep runs and around cover. Fish hard and be ready when you get bit, the fish are spooked easily and usually wont bite again if you miss them. Look for a big rain to get things back on track, until then smaller presentations and lighter lines will help.

Fishing Report - March 2 2010

PLEASE TAKE A MINUTE TO STOP AT THE FOLLOWING WEB SITE AND SIGN THE PETITION TO HELP KEEP ASAIN CARP OUT OF THE GREAT LAKES

 www.stopasiancarp.com

Things stared to swing into spring like patterns the last few days on the rivers,the slight warm up and longer days has begun the spring return on silver fish. Although there are not great numbers of fresh fish , we are seeing some aggressive new fish that are willing to take either flies or bait. The older stale fish are still here but are a little more weary to the presentation and size of the offerings. Although water temps are still cold, and most of the fish are still in the winter lies, working the water hard and hitting the sweet spots will pay off. Look for bright sunny days to be much tougher than the cloudy days. Small natural egg patterns,salmon fry,caddis and small black stoneflies are the flies of choice.

We still have some PRIME dates available and will be offering select 1/2 day rates, call or email for more info.

Fishing Report - Feb 22 2010

The fishing on the Muskegon continues to be challenging on the bright sunny days like we had last week. Water levels are at their lowest they have been all winter. Combine this with very smart fish and you have your work cut out for you. Big number days just arent happening most days. There are plenty of fish here,we could use some run off to shuffle the deck so to speak....the fish are just a little stale. Look for fish numbers to rise the next week or so, as days get longer and warmer things will break loose. One thing for sure...... If you dont go you will not catch them. 

We still have some prime open dates for the spring run, call soon

Fishing Report - Feb 13 2010

PLEASE TAKE A MINUTE TO STOP AT THE FOLLOWING WEB SITE AND SIGN THE PETITION TO HELP KEEP ASAIN CARP OUT OF THE GREAT LAKES

 www.stopasiancarp.com

The fishing the last several times out proved to be a bit challenging. THe water levers are very low and super clear, this has made me switch to a more stealthy approach. We are still getting bit and catching fish.......but it seems that covering water and working hard for them has bee a major key. Downsizing everything has helped, super light leaders,smaller hooks,smaller floats and tiny baits and trout sized nymphs have been fooling most of the steel. The truth is that most of the fish in the system have seen a good amount of fishing pressure and they are just a bit shy with the water conditions.

Small eggs,hares ears,caddis,pheasant tails,small black stoneflies,scuds and hexes all in size 12-16 have been the ticket.

Look for the fishing to take off with the next little thaw, as I feel a little runoff will cloud the water just a bit and make these winter fish easier to catch.

Spring dates are booking up, so please call if you are interested.

Fishing Report - Feb 1 2010

PLEASE TAKE A MINUTE TO STOP AT THE FOLLOWING WEB SITE AND SIGN THE PETITION TO HELP KEEP ASAIN CARP OUT OF THE GREAT LAKES

 www.stopasiancarp.com

Had a chance to spend some time on the rivers this week, altohugh the super cold weather kept us off the water a few days this past week. There seem to be a few new fish around from the week priors warmer temps and rainfall,creating a small surge in water levels. Look for fresh fish numbers to increase the overall fish numbers from here on out, until the fish start spawning and dropping out. This weeks weather looks great to get some Feb. steelhead fishing in, we have open days.... give us a call to reserve your winter or spring steelheading date.

Had a chance to take out the long time outdoor writer Bob Gwizdz a week or so ago..click below for the full story.

 http://www.lansingstatejournal.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=20101310503

Great news !!!!  The lamprey weir will no longer be in operation.Click below for the story.

http://www.mlive.com/outdoors/index.ssf/2010/01/electric_barrier_on_pere_marqu.html

Fishing Report - Jan 24 2010

Sorry for the lapse in a recent report....as from the pics you can see I have been on the water quite often and we are catching fish. Most days have been pretty decent, but there has been a day or two where we really had to work hard for our fish. But then again...since when is only catching a couple 6-10 pound trout a bad day ! The fish are always a bit more "moody" in the winter making it necessary to keep a "PMA" (posative mental attitude) while in pursuit of these great fish. This week current speed played the biggest role in sucess. Depth at times didnt seem to matter as much as the current speed.

Spring dates are booking up! Please call or email if you are interested in getting on the water.

Fishing Report - Jan 15 2010

The last few days on the river were great! Although the number of fish boated per hour may not be what it "should / could" have been we did enjoy some pretty good winter steelheading all things considered. The warmer weather sure made the fishing itself more comfortable. Please keep in mind just because the air temps are warming.... water temps usually cool or hold steady in these conditions due to the icy cold run off entering the river. Floats and spawn are still my main weapon, but I am sure fishing small flies close to the bottom would also get some intertest. Slower and deeper have been the keys....look for the fish to be sitting in some pretty froggy water.

The phone has been ringing quite a bit with the recent warming trend.... call us if you have any questions or would like to get on the water for either a full or 1/2 day.

Fishing Report - Jan 11 2010

Had a chance to get back on the river this weekend and found several nice steelies willing to get their pictures taken. The fish are here and willing to bite, but........covering the water,being patient and working hard have been the keys recently. Sunday morning we launched once again with the temp right at 1 degree ! slush and ice was coming down the river.....but we boated our first fish only minutes after we started ! The best thing is that the fish are seeing very little pressure and when you find them its "Bobber Down" !!!

Plenty of days open,now is a great time to book a 1/2 day on the river.

We are also seeing an increase in spring bookings, prime days are going quickly,call or email soon for the best availability.

Fishing Report - Jan 4 2010

Pictured is Jeremy with a well earned fish to start the new year off! The first day on the river this new year proved to be challenging with the 9 am starting temp hovering right at 1 degree F.....yes 1 degree. Even though temps were chilly in the am we managed to keep spirits high and worked hard for the few hookups we did have, the bite just wasnt on Sunday, period! I have had hundreds of days fishing in the exact conditions and hammered em! Sunday just wasnt to be....super clear skies,dropping water didnt help for sure.

One thing for sure......you cant catch these wonderful fish from the warmth of your home, there are plenty of fish in the river and I am sure we will be seeing some really good days on the river in the near future.

Floats and spawn,flies and plugs are all great options this time of year!

Fishing Report - Dec 26 2009

Back to the river after a few days off for the holidays !

I hope everyone had a great holiday and got a chance to spend it with friends and family. Things on the river have set into full winter mode, great white backgrounds and very colorfull steelhead. The fishing has been good to very good for the early winter. There are good numbers of fish in the system. Look for the fish to be in the true winter mode....deeper ,slower and structure ! Lately I have been fishing closer to the wood and closer to the bottom.

The fly bite has'nt been the greatest, but floats and spawn have been fishing well.

We have heaters in our boats ,but nothing will warm you up faster than feeling the thrashing of a heavy winter colored steelhead!

Please call us to get a great day on the river!

Fishing Report - Dec 14 2009

Winter has arrived in force this year ! After a very nice mild November we are now experiencing the wonderful winters Michigan is famous for.

The good thing is that the fish are seeing much less pressure and they are more willing to bite. The best presentions have been floats and spawn or small nymphs and natural eggs fished as drag free as possible,as some of the fish are still a little weary and educated.

The fishing has been good to great the last week of so....dig out your thermals,get you warm boots and insulated coats and bibs out and give us a call to get on the water to experience our wonderful winter fishery.

We have heaters in our boats to warm up those chilly fingers after you experience the grip and grin winter photo!

We do have plenty of openings from here on out, the winter fishing looks as if it will once again be GREAT !!!

Call or email us to take advantage of this great fishery ! Guided fishing trips make great holiday gifts! Gift certificates are always available.

$200 1/2 days 4-5 hours ,1-2 anglers.

Full day trips are also available!

Fishing Report - Dec 5 2009

Winter steelheading is upon us !! THe fishing has been a bit more consistent each day, but the bite has been very different....some days the fish seem very active all day, other days the fish seem to prefer the morning or the afternoon to be active. I guess thats why its called fishing. Water temps are still slightly above 40, but the fish are starting to move toward their winter haunts.

Flies in natural colors and very small nymphs have been the best as far as flyfishing goes, but spawn and floats is still a great way to cover water quickly to get the aggressive biters.

We do have plenty of openings from here on out, the winter fishing looks as if it will once again be GREAT !!!

Call or email us to take advantage of this great fishery ! Guided fishing trips make great holiday gifts! Gift certificates are always available.

$200 1/2 days 4-5 hours ,1-2 anglers.

Full day trips are also available!

Fishing Report - Nov 24 2009

The last week or so the fishing has been a bit of a rollercoaster ! It has varried from easy to extremely hard .... with no real reason that I can figure out. There are good numbers of fish in the system,but I feel that the clear water,combined with a decent amount of fishing pressure and constantly changing weather patterns. This  all combined with our total lack of rain in November and water levels that have been dropping the entire month has contributed to making the fishing a little slower than it should be.

Look for the fishing to improve when we get a decent amount of rain,cooler temps. and a little less pressure on the fish.

Fishing Report - Nov 13 2009

The Muskegon is still producing good steelhead fishing. The river has dropped a bunch and the water has cleared ....but the fish are here and willing to bite. The morning  low light periods have been the best and then once again in the afternoon when the shade begins to cover the river once again...bright sun and clear water periods have the fish a bit "off"

We still have a few dates available so please contact us to get your "fish-on" !!

Fishing Report - Nov 6 2009

As expected the steelhead fishing has picked up a bit after last weekends high water. The fishing in the upper river has been the most consistent due to the cleaner water and the fact that the fish that were in the system before the high water all crashed the upper river during the high water. There are large gaps in the rest of the river as things need a little time to fill in after the high water.

The fish this week have been very fiesty! Several fish over 10lbs have seen the boat this week, this is a great sign as to the health of our fishery.

Please give us a call if you would like to experience the best fishing of the fall !