River Conditions

Fishing Report - March 8 2009

Had a couple of long time clients out yesterday and we chased some Steel with flies. We quickly boated 2 fish and lost another before the rain set in and drove us and many others off the river by noon. I would guess that we got over an inch in just a hour or two. Combine this with an air temp of 36 degrees and it was very wet and cold.

The ground very saturated and I would guess that the river will come way up again if we get much precip today. This will be our fourth big push of water since January.

Fishing Report - March 5 2009

The fishing is better this week !

Had a couple of good days out with a wonderful father - son team !  Young Quinn was excelent on the rod landing most of our fish over the last two days.

Water levels are stable for the time being but with more precip and run off the next few days it may rise again.... Temps are still very icy and the fish still prefer slow structure laiden runs. Take your time and fish every drift like its going to get bit !

We have openings this Sunday and next week

Fishing Report - March 1 2009

Finally a new month ! 

The river continues to flow fairly high this weekend, there was a slight drop yesterday but there are still 2 flood gates open. Visibility is about 3-4 feet, which is very fishable. Hopefully we can get some warmer temps to boost the water temps later this week.

I am sure this big push of water combined with the longer days will get the spring fish moving up the river very quickly. Look for some big number days in the next week or two.

We have plenty of open days for this springs run, please call or email soon for availability.Dates are filling fast dont wait.

Fishing Report - Feb 27 2009

The fishing still continues to be on the tough side ! On top of that they re-opened 2 flood gates today. This is our 3rd big flush of water since January and its getting old.

I have postponed my trip for Sat. in hopes that the water stabilizes and settles down a bit.

Fishing Report - Feb 25 2009

The fishing for me has been very challenging the last two days, the fish seem to be in a very neutral mood and not too willing to feed. It seems if you hit them right on the head its game on....but lots of casts and drifts between hook ups has been the norm the last couple days. Cover water,lots of water and you will be rewarded...but be ready you dont want to miss them when they take the bait. Be ready to work for them this week for sure ....

Water level is steady but is very very cold !

Winter 1/2 day trips are still available, as are full day trips.

We are getting a bunch of calls for the spring run, dont hesitate now is the time to get a day or two on the river. Please call or email us for availability 231.250.9745

Fishing Report - Feb 22 2009

What a difference today....much nicer weather, only a little snow,still plenty of wind though and a VERY tough bite today. Today I had a couple of long time clients out and we threw flies today. It has been a few trips since I threw flies and we pounded the river hard today and found 4 willing participants to take the flies, (only one saw the inside of the boat however) still not the numbers we should be finding considering the number of fish in the river. Water temps are still very cold and I think this is having a major effect on the fly bite right now. All fish were hooked on eggs today... So all in all a great day on the water....when you think about it a day on the river with 4 steelhead hooked..how can you really complain?

Bait trip tomorrow....stay tuned !

Winter 1/2 day trips are still available, as are full day trips.

We are getting a bunch of calls for the spring run, dont hesitate now is the time to get a day or two on the river. Please call or email us for availability 231.250.9745

Fishing Report - Feb 21 2009

HARDCORE !!

What a perfect day to be on the river ! Today is proof that there is no such thing as BAD weather.... only BAD GEAR ! We hit the river just as the wind,and snow rolled into the area. Perfect timing.... The fishing was pretty good today, but the weather was not for those not prepared. We had to work hard for our bites in the afternoon but the morning fish came pretty easy.

Total snow fall in the boat measured about 5-6 inches

The river is now just about the way I like it, good level,good stain...although the water temps could be a bit warmer.

Winter 1/2 day trips are still available, as are full day trips.

We are getting a bunch of calls for the spring run, dont hesitate now is the time to get a day or two on the river. Please call or email us for availability 231.250.9745

Fishing Report - Feb 18 2009

It felt great to get back on the water today ! Although the river conditions have drastically improved the fish still seemed a bit "off" We managed to hook a few but only put one in the net. The fish we did hit bit right away in the pools or runs we were fishing. Slow water was still the key.

Water visibility is around 4 feet and the temp was running about 33.5 degrees. Pattern fished-spawn

Winter 1/2 day trips are still available, as are full day trips.

We are getting a bunch of calls for the spring run, dont hesitate now is the time to get a day or two on the river. Please call or email us for availability 231.250.9745

Fishing Report - Feb 17 2009

Right now the river is on a roller coaster...yesterday they hasd shut all the floodgates, this morning they had opened one back up. Combine this with cold chilly water and confused fish...you get those days where the fish dont know what to do. Be prepared to work a bit for them but they are there and the conditions are getting better with every passing hour.

Book a trip in early March to beat the spring rush...1/2 day trips special is going to be extended.

Winter 1/2 day trips are still available, as are full day trips.

We are getting a bunch of calls for the spring run, dont hesitate now is the time to get a day or two on the river. Please call or email us for availability 231.250.9745

Fishing Report - Feb 12 2009

Today I tried to squeeze my trip in under the conditions with rapidly rising waters...we decided to give it a go this am and found the conditions not in our favor. The fish are a little put off by the rapidly rising water and the decreasing visibility isnt helping. We did manage to hook one steelhead in the time we were out but it was short lived. We decided to try again in a few days and quit around noon.

This am they opened two flood gates and the river came up about a foot in a very short time.

Winter 1/2 day trips are still available, as are full day trips.

We are getting a bunch of calls for the spring run, dont hesitate now is the time to get a day or two on the river. Please call or email us for availability 231.250.9745

Fishing Report - Feb 10,11 2009

Had the pleasure to fish with a long time steelhead veteran the last two days on the Muskegon River. The fish were there but we had to work very hard to get bit. We landed several fish on the 10th,but only a couple on the 11th. A few camera shy fish were hooked each day. The crazy changing weather patterns and rising water has the fish a little off the bite. Sunny warm and very windy one day ....cold VERY wet and rising water the next. Look for fishing to improve leaps and bounds once everything stabilizes.

Please check back often for the most current and honest fishing reports. As we all know fishing just isnt RED HOT, GREAT everyday we go....but we are catching fish !

Beware of the guide services that say that the fishing is always AWESOME,GREAT,on FIRE....The reality of it is that fishing is fishing......no two days are ever the same. Certain guides are afraid to admit how the fishing really is,in fear from not getting a booking or two.

I have been at this game since 1992 and see no need to fabricate fishing repots or raise expectations of my clients or potential clients. Honesty,hard work and the love for what I do has allowed my business to grow even in todays economy. My repeat customers speak for themselves with over 95 percent of my business being return customers.

Winter 1/2 day trips are still available, as are full day trips.

We are getting a bunch of calls for the spring run, dont hesitate now is the time to get a day or two on the river. Please call or email us for availability 231.250.9745

Fishing Report - Feb 9 2009

Did a quick half day with a great father son team, Henry a great 11 yr old did a fine job landing a nice buck steelie after trying his hand on a few others that ended up winning the battle. These first timers picked up the float fishing fairly quickly. Its good to see young kids getting into the outdoors and enduring the chilly day while fishing for winter steelhead.

Winter 1/2 day trips are still available, as are full day trips.

We are getting a bunch of calls for the spring run, dont hesitate now is the time to get a day or two on the river. Please call or email us for availability 231.250.9745

Fishing Report - Feb 8 2009

The fishing this weekend was decent to a little on the slow side for the conditons....the great weather brought a bunch of guys out of the house...and who can blame them...it was nice not having ice in the guides for a few days. The increase in traffic had the fish a little on the spooky side, as well as the bright blue skies. Although I do look forward to a few more cold days just so I can have the river more to myself.

Lost of traffic made it necessary to fish secondary and less popular spots in order to catch fish. Water levels havent bumped much nor has the water temps, still hovering around 33 in the am and then warming only slightly.

Winter 1/2 day trips are still available, as are full day trips.

We are getting a bunch of calls for the spring run, dont hesitate now is the time to get a day or two on the river. Please call or email us for availability 231.250.9745

Fishing Report - Feb 1 2009

Finally January is gone !!!

Went fishing with a couple of good friends today and found the fish very perceptive to our presentations today......no flies were thrown today,we floated bait and had a wonderful "spring like" day with temps in the 30's today it felt rather balmy in areas out of the wind. Plenty of action with a few really nice fish coming to the boat...Here are pics of a few of our fish.

Plenty of openings from here on out, please dont hesitate if you want to get on the river. 231.250.9745 The winter 1/2 day special is now in effect ONLY $200.00 !!

Now is the time to get your spring dates! Call or email for current openings.

231.250.9745

Fishing Report - Jan 31 2009

I was out with clients the last couple days and found the fishing to be a little on the slower side while fishing flies. With the extremely low water temps the fly bite just isn't happening right now. Although we did get fish both days we had to work hard for them. Water temps are hovering right at the 32 degree mark, with temps around 31 degrees in the am...so I figure with the water temps where they are a few fish is great fishing. Even better when they are caught on flies. I am sure the bait bite is much better ! Fish are more willing to move for something that smells and looks right.

Plenty of openings from here on out, please dont hesitate if you want to get on the river. 231.250.9745 The winter 1/2 day special is now in effect ONLY $200.00 !!

Now is the time to get your spring dates! Call or email for current openings.

231.250.9745

Fishing Report - Jan 28 2009

NEWS >>>>>>>

I did attentd the brooks twp. public hearing this week in reguards to the regulations on the Muskegon river. All of those that "spoke their piece" were all for keeping the regulations that the Muskegon river currently in place. More law enforcement was brought up to enforce the current laws on the river. Not one person spoke in a negative way towards the boating public in general..but in all situations there are always a "few bad apples" My opinion is that we will not see a change in the usage regulations aimed towards fisherman. Most of the attendees were either guides, hardcore fisherman that live on the river and business owners that had interest in the river. There didn't seem to be a very big turnout of property owners.

 I am open Sunday ! forcasted highs near the freezing mark....call me if you would like to get on the river  231.250.9745

As for a report I have not been on the water in a few days due to super cold weather and other responsibilities that needed tending too. I will be out the next few days so please check back daily for more steelie pics and current honest fishing reports.

Plenty of openings from here on out, please dont hesitate if you want to get on the river. 231.250.9745 The winter 1/2 day special is now in effect ONLY $200.00 !!

Now is the time to get your spring dates! Call or email for current openings.

231.250.9745

Fishing Report - Jan 24 2009

I was back on the water yesterday with Jim and John..We decided to fish flies and had a few chances but only brought this TRUE double to the net....hooking both fish at the exact same time and putting both in the net at the same time.Knowing that fishing flies would have us working a little harded we stuck with it and had a great day on the water. The traffic was up yesterday, probably due to the arctic air that is returning for the weekend. Look for a new report and pics in the next few days.

Plenty of openings from here on out, please dont hesitate if you want to get on the river. 231.250.9745 The winter 1/2 day special is now in effect ONLY $200.00 !!

Now is the time to get your spring dates! Call or email for current openings.

231.250.9745

Fishing Report - January 19 2009

After almost a week since I was on the water I saw the slight break in the chilly artic air and grabed a buddy and we hit the river. Just for a change of pace we decided to do something that is very effective but much less popular.....we ran plugs...ie. backdropped/hotshotting. It was great to be on the water again and as I had figured the fish were there and ready to bite. We floated the upper section of the Muskegon and had a great day,getting a bite out of almost every run. Included in our catch were two fish that pulled the boga grip well beyond 10 lbs..which can be typical of this type of fishing, larger agressive males usually will not tollerate a rattling,shaking flashy plug for long before they have to kill it.

The middle of this week loos like a slight warm up...please call us if you would like to get on the water and get your fish on ! Remember you can always check back for the most current honest fishing reports.

Give us a call if you would like to get on the water.if there is a specific technique or fly or tactic that you would like to try let us know. We will put you on fish

Plenty of openings from here on out, please dont hesitate if you want to get on the river. 231.250.9745 The winter 1/2 day special is now in effect ONLY $200.00 !!

Fishing Report - Jan 12 2009

The fishing last week and through the weekend was great! This weeks extrememly cold weather will most likely keep me off the water for a day or two, but I hope to be back on the water next weekend or early next week.

The water levels are dropping and are about normal once again with the clairity being just about right.

Typical winter patterns....eggs,small nymphs and of course bait (spawn,wax worms) fished under floats are getting it done on my boat. Fish the slower pools and look for bottoms with humps and or rocks,lumber.

Give us a call if you would like to get on the water.if there is a specific technique or fly or tactic that you would like to try let us know. We will put you on fish

Plenty of openings from here on out, please dont hesitate if you want to get on the river. 231.250.9745 The winter 1/2 day special is now in effect ONLY $200.00 !!

Fishing Report - Jan 6 2009

The Fishing the last few days has been GREAT ! .......ya ya ya ya I know its winter and its way to cold for most of you (what a bunch of wimps) that are reading this....but for those that are not afraid, there are plenty of steelhead out there waiting for those that are BRAVE enough to endure the elements. Although picking the fish up for the typical "grip n grin" isn't recomended.....this leads to chilly hands!That is why that so many pics are taken of just the fish still in the net.

The river is back to normal levels and is holding a bit of color still. Typical winter spots, slow flow with good structure,seams,drops,rocks. Both flies fished on the bottom or spawn under floats has been working !

The fishing is great, give us a call to see for yourself !

Give us a call if you would like to get on the water.if there is a specific technique or fly or tactic that you would like to try let us know. We will put you on fish

Plenty of openings from here on out, please dont hesitate if you want to get on the river. 231.250.9745 The winter 1/2 day special is now in effect ONLY $200.00 !!

Fishing Report - Jan 1 2009

Happy New Year !!

Wow 2009 is here already, it is vey hard to believe we are through yet another year.

I welcome 2009 with high hopes that my business will continue to grow as it has for the past, this March will mark the 17 th year that I have been guiding anglers in Michigan. I would like to thank all the wonderful people that I have had in my boat these many many years. And I hope to see them for many year to come along with a bunch of new faces.

The water levels are back to very fishable after last weekens high temps,rain and melting snow pushing the river to over 7000 cfs..This high water should have pushed in some new fish along with shuffle the winter holdovers around. I will be getting back on the river later this week and weekend. Look for new pics and reports in the next day or so.

Give us a call if you would like to get on the water.if there is a specific technique or fly or tactic that you would like to try let us know. We will put you on fish

Plenty of openings from here on out, please dont hesitate if you want to get on the river. 231.250.9745 The winter 1/2 day special is now in effect ONLY $200.00 !!

Fishing Report - Dec 26 2009

I hope everyone had a wonderful holiday season. I was back on the river today and found it to be very busy ! Lots of guys wanting / needing to get out of the house and on to the river. The fishing today was about average for winter,several in the boat and a few lost, throw in a few trout and it was a great day with a decent day weather wise. Look for this weekends thaw to get the run off going again giving us some color and a few more inches of water in the river.

Give us a call if you would like to get on the water.if there is a specific technique or fly or tactic that you would like to try let us know. We will put you on fish

Plenty of openings from here on out, please dont hesitate if you want to get on the river. 231.250.9745 The winter 1/2 day special is now in effect ONLY $200.00 !!

Fishing Report - Dec 19 2008

Only 5 days till Christmas and one thing for sure it will be very white ! Had the chance to get on the water with a good friend on the 18th and had a really good day of winter steelheading. We fished a section I have not spent much time in yet this year, fishing a few of the less popular / unknown spots and we still put plenty of fish in the boat. There are good numbers of fish in all sections of the Muskegon river.

Give us a call if you would like to get on the water.if there is a specific technique or fly or tactic that you would like to try let us know. We will put you on fish

Plenty of openings from here on out, please dont hesitate if you want to get on the river. 231.250.9745 The winter 1/2 day special is now in effect ONLY $200.00 !!

Guided fishing trips make great holiday gifts !!!

Fishing Report - Dec 14 2008

Things on the river continue to go GREAT ! The fish finally got a break from the crowds and seem alot happier. The water is now cold and clear making it important to fish slower pools and fish with a little stealth. It has been nice haivng a lot more room on the river. The colder days have been just as good as the warmer days. This weekends warm up should color the water a bit and hopefully bring it up a few inches.

Plenty of openings from here on out, please dont hesitate if you want to get on the river. 231.250.9745 The winter 1/2 day special is now in effect ONLY $200.00 !!

Guided fishing trips make great holiday gifts !!!

Fishing Report - Dec 6 2008

Wow...does it look like mid- January or what ?? Recent heavy snows have kept all but the hard core winter steelheaders off the river. The GOOD news is that the fishing has improved a ton the last few trips out. The temps have fallen but the fishing has gotten much better. The fish are moving into their winter pools and the water temps are now in the mid 30's. Look for fish to sit in pools between 4-8 foot deep,structure has been important ...logs,rocks,drops...anything to slow the flow a bit. Current speed seems much more important than depth lately. The deep freeze we are in has shut off the run-off trickle and the water is very very clear.

Plenty of openings from here on out, please dont hesitate if you want to get on the river. 231.250.9745 The winter 1/2 day special is now in effect ONLY $200.00 !!

Guided fishing trips make great holiday gifts !!!