River Conditions

Fishing Report - April 4 2011

Water ,and plenty of it!..... recent rains have dumped up to 3 inches across the muskegon watershed. The river rose today about 24" and will most likely bump up a few more in the coming days. This should get another nice push of fish up river by the weekend and if water temps stay cool, keep the best fishing in the deeper water and the fish off the gravels. Big egg patterns and larger nymphs are working on the fly front...with spawn under floats still leading the way to numbers of fish contacted. Overall the weather,water levels both rising and dropping have affected this springs fishing like no other. The bite remains very inconsistent, but we are managing to get into good numbers of fish everyday. if you look at the USGS water data you will see that almost daily there has been some sort of drastic change in levels.

Fishing Report - March 30 2011

Wow....March is almost over. Although it has been rather cool the last week or so, this has helped the run in my opinion, it will spread the fish out over a much longer period and keep them off the gravels. The fishing has picked up a few notches, but has not been "easy" by any means. If you put in your time and cover the water the Steelies are there. The fluctuating water levels over the last several days have really impacted the bite. It seems that almost every day they decide to drop the water and then boost it back up...whats up with this ??

Floats and spawn are still my fav for covering water and looking for numbers, but the flyfishing is holding its own as well. Eggs,fry,stoneflies and small streamers are all great choices.

Fishing Report - March 23 2011

ditto...ditto..ditto...The fishing hasn't changed a whole lot, there have been some great days and a few really tough days the last week or so. Water temps,levels and weather patterns are playing with the steelhead's mood right now. We are seeing a decent number of fresh chrome fish. This weeks cooler temps are a great thing, this will help prolong the run a bit by keeping water temps down and the fish off the gravels. The fly bite has picked up a bit, with eggs,fry and small dark buggers getting noticed...as are tiny stoneflies.  Bobbers and spawn are still the way to go to cover water quickly and find the biters.

Fishing Report - March 14 2011

Things on the river havn't changed much....although the fishing traffic has picked up. The bite has been slightly inconsistent, one day it fishes very good, the next can be a struggle to boat a few fish. Even the colors and types of spawn have been different from day to day. New fish are trickiling in slowly and are the best biters. River levels are still low and the clairity is from gin to light tea color. We are still covering a ton of spots and fishing fast, looking for the hungry and the dumb.

Spring dates are very limited right now, if you are looking at getting some spring steelheading in now is a good time to call or email. 

Fishing Report - March 6 2011

The fishing the last few days has been good...to great...right place at the right time has been the key...It still seems like a game of cover a bunch of spots, and pick your fish here and there. Some spots have no biters, others have several. And it has been different every day for sure. Fish hard and cover water has been the ticket! Floats and spawn are still producing the most consistent bite, though the stoneflies are increasing daily. I am sure the fly bite will fire up big time soon. I am seeing some brand new chrome bullets and some dark winter fish. Hopefully this cool weather will stick around and prolong the great spring fishing.

Spring dates are very limited right now, if you are looking at getting some spring steelheading in now is a good time to call or email.  Still a few prime days available.

Fishing Report - March 2 2011

1/2 day winter special is no longer valid, Full day trips only during peak seasons.

The fishing over the weekend was decent but not on fire, my clients were willing to work hard to get a few fish on flies. The boats I spoke with that were fishing spawn were doing better as expected. We took fish on small fry patterns,eggs and small egg sucking leaches. It seamed that fly movement was the key to spark their interest. There are a few new fish moving in and mixing with the holdovers. With the higher flows the fish are really holding in slower water until it warms up.

Fishing Report - Feb 23 2011

As expected the recent thaw and bump in water has improved the bite! Although the water is still very cold, the fish are reacting much better, mostly due to the increased flow and color in the river. There is a good mix of both winter holdovers as well as new spring fish starting up the river. The fishing the last few days was much improved. Floats and spawn still the number one choice, although I have been mixing it up a bit with a few other options.

Spring dates are very limited right now, if you are looking at getting some spring steelheading in now is a good time to call or email. Openings next week, these are probably the last chance to beat the crowds.

Fishing Report - Feb 16 2011

Well...the fish gods smiled a little bit on me today after the whoopin I took over the weekend, we boated a few fish today and long line released a couple more..not bad for a winter 1/2 day trip. The water hasn't moved much, just a bit, with a bit of color. But it still remains cold. FYI.... this warm up and big melt won't warm water temps much...remember all the runoff entering the rivers is cold as ice. The fly bite is still tough, with bait and floats getting it done. For a better fly bite, the PM might be a better option.

I have openings this weekend and some next week if you are interested in some winter steelhead. March and April dates are booking up, call soon if you are loking to get on the water.

Fishing Report - Feb 13 2011

Well....spring has arrived ? or has it ?

I am pretty sure we will see more snow and cold weather, but it sure felt good on the river the last two days. This warm up should get a few new fish up the river as well as shuffle the deck for the fish that are in the system already. The fishing for me the last two days was very tough...others also struggled, but a few fish were caught. It was hard to pinpoint but the fish just didnt seem like they were in the mood to feed. I guess thats why its called fishing...You cant hammer them everytime, thats for sure. I do have a few openings this week and next weekend if you want to take advantage of the warm up.

Spring dates are filling up....book a day in Feb. and miss the crowds!!!

Fishing Report - Feb 7 2011

Not much new going on....the fish are here and so is winter. Pretty typical fishing right now, although frustrating at times, if you stick it out and fish hard you can still have some pretty good fishing. On several of the last trips we were rewarded only because we stuck it out and covered a ton of pools.

Spring is coming as well as all the traffic and crowds looking for the easy fish....why not fish now and have all the fish to yourself? Now is the time of year where you can pretty much fish every pool and run. These days are numbered....call soon for a late winter guided fishing trip , or call soon to grab a spring date.

Be carefull on the ramps and please drain your trailer before pulling up the ramp, dragging gallons of water up the ramp only does one thing...makes it very dangerous for the next guy to launch and walk on the boat ramp. Please be considerate of others.

Fishing Report - Feb 1 2011

Finally a break in the Arctic air and a chance to get back on the river for several days.

The fishing has'nt changed much...its pretty musch typical of winter fishing to have good-great fishing one day, then tough fishing the next. The key is to just fish hard, cover a ton of spots and look for the biters. Thats where the experience of a 20 yr verteran come into play. The fish are still favoring slower water, current seams,structure and bottom rubble. Most of the fish have been nice and clean,with a few darker males mixed in.

The float spawn bite has been much better than the fly bite, which is pretty typical.

Be carefull on the ramps and please drain your trailer before pulling up the ramp, dragging gallons of water up the ramp only does one thing...makes it very dangerous for the next guy to launch and walk on the boat ramp. Please be considerate of others.

Fishing Report - Jan 24 2011

Burrrrrr....Old man winter put an icy grip on the river these last 4-6 days, this has kept my sled locked up in tha garage. Single to below zero temps are very hard on gear. Everything gets stiff and very tight on these extreme days. Usually leading to costly repairs.

This weeks slight warm up will get me back on the river chasing our great winter fish. Temps are forecasted to hit the high20's to even 30 degrees. The fish have had a few days off and should respond well to this by letting their guard down a bit. If your interested in catching a few steelhead,while most people are afraid to leave the house give me a call. Half day trip are available through Feb.

Typical winter fishing with smaller flies, both eggs and tiny #12-#16 nymphs as well as smaller spawn sacks with light 4-6lb flourocarbon tippets will get it done on these icy days.

Spring dates are starting to fill, Call or email soon for current openings.

I will be entering my 20th. year as a river guide on the Muskegon and PM river.Give us a call and see why over 95 percent of my business is repeat customers.

Fishing Report - Jan 16 2010

Things on the river have pretty much remained the same... Its winter ...and its winter fishing ! Some days have fished very well and other have made you work for the reward a bit harder. The nice high water we had a couple weeks ago has dropped a bit...but the big thing with the flows has been its very inconsistent at best. The levels have been going up and down an inch or four almost daily.

Look for most of the fish to be resting in typical winter pools..with current speed the most important,structure next and depth usually seems to be the last requirement. both flies and bait have been working well, egg patterns,small nymphs and beads from www.troutbeads.com have been great in the clear flows.

Plenty on time to get you on the water, please feel free to call or email for more info.

Spring dates are filling up,if your thinking about booking something its never too early to get your date reserved.

Fishing Report - Jan 2 2011

Happy New Year !

Things on the river have improved a bit the last few trips out with the rise in water levels. Last week in the gin clear waters I took some time and did some looking around.....what did I see? A TON of fish! there were between 4-12 steelhead in almost every run we looked in....problem is they are a bit smart this time of year...making stealth the number on thing!

Well the snow melted,it rained for 2 days...the water came up and the fishing got much easier the last few trips!

Dig out your long john's,boots, and warm clothes and give me a call while the water is still up and the fish are happy!

Fishing Report - Dec 24 2010

Merry Christmas!

Just a quick update ....I was on the water most of this past week and found the fish to be well spread out. It was important to downsize your presentation and lighten your leader in order to get bit. The fish were a mix of good size 8-10 pound fish as well as a few smaller males. It look like winter is here to stay...break out your warm clothes and boots and give us a call....your steelhead are waiting. Overall the fishing has been pretty typical for early winter.

Look for the fish to be in slower,deeper winter spots as well as in the structure.

Happy Holidays!

Fishing Report - Dec 10 2010

Winters grip looks like it is here to stay ! This is great news for myself and the hardcore steelheaders. Less traffic = less pressure on the fish. Therefore fish are more likely to respond to yuor presentation. This is the time of the year where good fishermen truly shine. Due to the fact the fish can be a bit smarter now. The next few months with offer some great winter steelhead fishing.

Water temps have dropped to the low 30's and the fish are moving to deeper and slower water. Look for structure to play a big part of their dwellings also. Eggs are still fishing well,but nymphs and small streamers dead drifted are getting noticed as well.

Holiday gift certificates are available. Guided fishing trips make great gifts!

Fishing Report - Nov 29 2010

Wow...November is almost gone! This last week saw some very cool temps roll through west Michigan. This frigid cool down has changed a few things on the river,the fish are transitioning into winter lies...slower,deeper,woody type of runs and pools were the ticket.The recent rains did pull a few new fish into the lower river and moved fish around a bit. The key is still to cover water and look for the aggressive biters.

There is still some great fishing ahead of us now. This time of year is my absolute favorite as the crowds are gone,the fish are much less pressured and more likely to respond to your presentation. Floats and spawn as well as smaller egg patterns,nymphs and streamers are all good choices now.

Holiday Gift Certificates are available!

Fishing Report - Nov 26 2010

It seems as if the spigot has been closed off a bit....The river has dropped the last week plus and the numbers of fresh run steelies has also slowed. There are a good number of fish in the system, but they are getting smarter by the day. Combine that with crystal clear low water ....and plenty of sun for November you get tough fishing conditions. Be prepared to work hard for your fish until we get some inclement weather and a good amount precipitation. The fishing the last week or so has kinda been hit or miss...land on a fresh trickle the fishing seems pretty decent...but these small pods are moving fast and can be hard to locate day after day. Best bet is just to cover a ton of water, and fish hard!

Fishing Report - Nov 13 2010

The silver rush continues.....even though the river is just about as low as I have ever seen it, the sun is high in the sky and the temps have been un-real the last several days....everything that make up the worst possible weather conditions....We are still finding that silver lining ! Honestly there have been a few tough days thrown in here and there..but all things considered the river is fishing well. Having a good game plan and sticking to it has paid off, and not being afraid to cover water. Move fast and look for the biters! Lighter lines,smaller flies-baits have helped. Floats and spawn are still the hottest, hands down on my boat.

I have had a couple prime dates open up as of late, please give us a call if you are interested in some fall steelheading!

Fishing Report - Nov 2 2010

November is here !! Finally the month I wait for more than any other ! The month where 30 days just inst enough....If your a steelhead junkie like me , you will understand this. Although this is only the begining of our fall - winter run...fish just don't get hotter than the ones in the river now !!!!!

No two battles are the same...huge ....huge jumps,line burning runs...(better have a good drag and new line) fiesty in close battles only to burn off 50 yards of line and do a tripple summersault as your reel is smokin !

The fishing has been good for the last week plus...although the weekend traffic took its toll on the fish, there are still good numbers of fish in the system, with many more on the way!

 I still have a couple days available this month and many open in December.

Fishing Report - Oct 28 2010

Its official....Salmon season is over in my boat! Steelhead will be the target from here on out! :-)

This past week I have spent totally focused on Steelhead,the numbers arent the greatest, but they are there. For the river conditions...super low,clear, I feel that the numbers are above what they could be. It has been a good mix of skippers and adults to about 9 pounds. These fish are serious A$$ kickers! Hands down the best fish Michigan can offer. I still have a few dates available for these great fish, if you are interested please contact me. I hear there are still a few Kings in the upper river.

Water levels have been fluctuating between very low ..and super scary low. Use caution!

Fishing Report - Oct 17 2010

Finally had a chance to hit the river in pursuit of CHROME ! Look at the shine on those fish !! Woohooo fall steelie season is here! Fished with a good friend today and we were able to find a decent amount of silver in the river. With low clear water, bright sunny skies we knew we had a better chance at first light...to our suprise we found silver eager to bite even in bright sunny runs. Thank god for dumb fish this time of the year. Bobbers and bags were the ticket today....

Warning... the river is very very low, please use extreme caution.

Fishing Report - Oct 10 2010

I have been splitting time this week between the PM,Muskegon and Big Manistee. The Big Manistee has the most fish for sure....the PM is still fishing well, although the holes are thinning out....and the Muskegon ....well, lets just say...there are fish here,but very little water. High sun has made the fish very spooky after the late morning....fishing pressure was lower than the leaf watchers this weekend. Both the Big Manistee and the Muskegon have some fresh fall chrome....although the fish are mostly skippers. We need rain very bad!

Fishing Report - Oct 4 2010

The fishing on the PM is still challenging for most....there are a decent number of fish in the system, however there are huge gaps. The flies water has the most spawning fish hands down for those looking to sight fish salmon. Most stretches have a few pools that are fishing well. Steelhead sightings are on the rise, but hookups in my boat have been non existent for fall chrome thus far.

A huge thanks goes out the Mike and his crew at Stealthcraft boats ! I picked up my new 15' Aftermath this week...and it is Awesome! Hands down the nicest,best rowing boat in my 21 years of driftboat fishing. If you are looking for a new driftboat, please dont hesitate to contact them.

www.stealthcraftboats.com

Fishing Report - Sept 25 2010

Things on the river have improved a bit this week with the recent rains and winds, pushing a few more salmon into the PM. Things are still a LOOONNGGG way from where they should be. Most sections have a few "honey" holes but still many prime spots that are holding few to no fish. The Flies water has the most spawners, but the fewest fresh fish holding in pools. The fishing should remain good on the PM long into October with all the late running fish.

Sept 25, Day off.....took a trip to the Muskegon with a good friend...We did well on thundersticks,boating several and loosing a few in a 1/2 day of fishing!