River Conditions

Fishing Report - October 9th

Well it was kinda nice having a few days off, it was time to recharge the batteries. I was able to get out and do some fishing on the lower Muskegon river. I fished three mornings and had pretty good fishing throwing hardware for kings, tried a few runs for steelhead but no luck on them. Did see a few though. The Pere Marquette has a good number of salmon still and looks to be fishing almost normal for the calendar date. Pretty full from here till December,although I do have a day or two if you are interested or I can sure steer you in the direction of a great guide. The weather is starting to cool finally and it looks as if we are going to get some rain ......See you on the river.

Fishing Report - October 4th

Ok....is the fishing has gotten a little better....or am I just finally realizing we wont see a big push this fall on the PM ???? We did see a few small groups of fish move through the last several days, these groups moved very fast and ended up in the flies only water in just a day or two. The river remains very low even though we did get a couple showers this week. Steelhead numbers continue to increase, we hooked a couple this week and saw a few landed. Look for the Pm to have good numbers well into October this year.

Fishing Report - September 26th

Well................nothing really new to report, the fishing is still fairly slow. There are way more pools that are empty than those with fish. The fish are spread thru the entire river at about the same consistency. We did get two steelies last week ,that was a welcome treat. I am guessing at this point we will not see a huge push, only a constant trickle into the system. There are plenty of fish spawning and those fish are starting to look pretty rough as they finish their life cycle. Hopefully this weeks rain will get things fired up a bit.

Muskegon is starting to see a few fish. I fished it this past weekend way downstream from newaygo and we managed a few on cranks. I was however suprised that we did not see many fish in the pools, mostly singles in the pools. New pics soon.

Fishing Report - September 18th

Still nothing has changed, I am sure that all of you are reading all the reports all over the internet and wondering ......is it really that tough ???? YES !! The fishing is very tough and unless you are on the right spot alot of water has to be covered in order to make a day out of it....We are catching fish everyday ...but.. like I said you need to cover alot of water. There are fish in pools.runs and many spawning for those into the sight fishing. The lake finally rolled last weekend and this should help. But as of today it looks as if there are just enough fish coming in to replace those that are spawning out. Pray for rain to send the main push up the river.

The Muskegon has a few fish already but no big numbers there either. Another 2 weeks until this river fires up.

Fishing Report - September 14th

S L O W ......S L O W ..... Thats the current status of the PM. The fish are coming in at a snails pace and many are spawning under the cover of darkness. So far no big number days. But if you are willing to loose some tackle you can hook a few each day. Hopefully by next weeken the lake will roll over and send them to the rivers. The Big M has a few more than the PM down low. The Muskegon is also a little behind. Pray for wind and rain.....

Fishing Report - September 7rd

Not much to report this week, the fishing has been very tough. Unlike what other reports may "say" the salmon run is way behind as far as numbers. There are fish spread out thru the system but a "good " hole is only holding about 4-8 fish. We need some rain as everyone says but a good strong north or east wind will help immensely, as this will finally push the near shore waters (which are very warm) off and allow the cooler water to help the fish up the river. Not many fish landed this week but we have managed to hook about a dozen each day, some fair others not. Things should improve by next weekend. See you out there.

Fishing Report - September 3rd

The Salmon Circus kicks off full gear for me on Sept 4. Tis the season for the return of the King. My forecast is a great run again on all rivers with really good numbers but unfortunately I feel that the size will be down, judging by the size of the fish we caught on the lake fish over 20 lbs will be rare.....but who knows for sure. The steelies will however be large like last falls wonder full run. Photos and reports will be updated daily or as needed....please keep in mind that I am on the water everyday and that there is not always time to update EVERYDAY like some may like. I will keep the info current and update as needed.

Fishing Report - August 28th

Sorry for the delay, most of you know by now I spend alot of time on the Big Lake in the summer months chartering out of Ludington, however i do sneak away to the rivers here and there. The fishing has been kinda slow mostly due to the low water levels and hot summer weather......true dog days of summer. Although recent rains and cooler nights have began to bring a few kings in the rivers. Mostly still fishing best in the lower ends. Look for hardware to be your best option for biters in the next week or two.

Fishing Report - July 3rd

Sorry for the lapse, I have been on the big lake alot recently but had the opportunity to take a great couple guys on the Mo for smallies.WOW !! Quite possibly one of the best summer trips I have ever had, we lost count of all the smallies our best guess was well over 4 dozen ! 2 pike, and couple nice trout rounded out the day.Our biggest was 16 1/2" but alot of fish between 12 - 15 " About half of the fish were taken on clouser minnows and the other half on ultra light rods with floating rapalas. The water is very low due to the lack of rain over the last few weeks.

The PM has been fishing great round the clock, morning and afternoons have produced some nice trout on hoppers and attractor patterns. Evenings are still seeing a few hexes and various spinners. Also the mouse bite has been on! Great fishing is to be had on most of the rivers.

Fishing Report - June 10th

Well....its been awile since my last report, Recently on the muskegon river the trout fising has been GREAT! good evening dry fly fishing and great morning streamer fishing for those willing to slap the banks with minnowy imitations. Ultra light spinfishing with rapalas has also been very good.. Smallmouth are now showing in better number and there have been some dandies. Even saw several steelies last week.

The PM is also fishing well, very similar results.

As for the lake, we are now catching very good numbers of salmon and lake trout. The fish are ranging from 3-15 lbs and fight very hard this time of year.We still have pleanty of openings and would love the chance to get you and your family on the water this summer... As always Kids are very welcome.

"Take a kid fishing,they will be grown up before long,help pass on the sport"

www.hattrickfishing.com for more big lake info

Fishing Report - May 19th

I was on the river a few days this last week and found the fishing to be a little on the slow side for the bigger trout but the smaller fish were more than happy to play. The recent weather has slowed the hatches down, we need a few warm days strung together in order to get the bugs going. This should help the bite. There are a ferw steelies in both the PM and the Muskegon Rivers for those looking for some May steel.

The fishing out on the big lake has been SLOW ! We need a good warm up and some south winds to bring our fish to ludington. This just means we will have some great fishing once the fish show up. There is alot of bait in the area and the kings that are being caught are very nice !

www.hattrickfishing.com
400.00 4 person charter special still going on,book your date now for the special price.

Fishing Report - May 8th

Late season steelies are still going strong, although we have not been out my good contacts say that there are still decent numbers in the MO. This should be the last good sprurt with only stragglers coming from here on out.

This week was spent getting the "Hattrick" a 28 ' Baha cruisers ready for the season. The boat goes in this week. Contact me for a SWEET !!!! deal on a summer charter.

River reports will be updated as needed.

Tight lines !!

Capt. Jon
www.hattrickfishing.com

Fishing Report - April 29th

What a weekend, we finally got a great weekend for the opener. There are still a decent number of steelies on the Big Mo. The crowds over the weekend are now gone and the fish will get a little break. The best days have still been cloudy and rainy. The sun has made the fishing slower with the exception of the early morning hours. We have openings this week for late season steelies if you wish to get out.

Trout ..... STREAMERS !!!! small fry patterns,sculpins and buggers.....Still good numbers of black stones on the Mo bringing up nice fish in the afternoon. Book a day now before the fish get educated on the fake stuff.

PM........... still a few steelies,but the trout fishing has been the feature on this river. Streamers and dries both getting looked at. This weekends high water improved the trout fishing on all rivers.

We will be getting the HATTRICK ready for the season this summer, this week. contact us for a SPECIAL RATE !! Call or email us. www.hattrickfishing.com

Fishing Report - April 23th

The fishing over the weekend was a little slow, bright clear skies and heavy heavy traffic were to blame.Monday fished much better due to the rainy overcast weather. There are a decent number of fish left in the MO , look in the faster water for drop backs and fresh fish. Still many fish spawning durring the low light conditions. Eggs and stones doing the best. As for trout fishing .....try stones and fry streamers.

Come to Newaygo this weeked for "Trout Fest" a spring gathering to kick off the trout season here in Newaygo.

The PM still has a few fish for those that choose that river. Fishing is slow at best. Fish early and late.The Hendricksons are starting.

April 30 is now open, as with early May contact us for some late season steelies.

Fishing Report - April 20th

Spring is here....... The PM looks to be beyond peek...there are a few fish there but there is still quite a bit of traffic.....fish early and late or on cloudy days...Will it rain ?? This could bring in one last push. Cross your fingers.....eggs,nymphs and small fry patterns.

The Mo also looks to have peaked, the morning fishing has been the best, afternoons have been tough. Look for dropbacks in the faster runs looking for an easy meal. Still should be several more weeks of fishing here but the numbers arent there. make the best out of every chance and work hard for the next has been the rule this week. Eggs and nymphs producing as well as a few fry patterns.

Big Man has peaked also...a few steelies along with good numbers of suckers?? These fish usually show after the peak, this river is very well known for its late run fish, look here for early may action !

Summer Charters? www.hattrickfishing.com Book now 400.00 for 6 hour trip up to 6 people ! Contact us for more info.

Early may openings.... also 1/2 day afternoon specials !

Fishing Report - April 16th

Well for the last several days I have been bouncing between the PM and Muskegon. The run on the PM looks to have peeked, with very few fish around durring the bright sunny parts of the day. The Muskegon still keeps going and going.....just like the energizer bunny. The numbers arent what they were last week but our guides are still getting into a really good numbers of fish. A few clouds would help along with some rain to bring a fresh shot of fish in the river. Eggs,stones and small caddis are the hot flies of the last week or so. Try lighter line durring the sunny days for a few more hookups.

Lots of trout in the river looking for an easy meal, stoneflies in the afternoon are bringing up a few very nice browns and bows. It is also streamer time !!! Now booking May for combo trips ! Sreamers and Dies.

We are now offering afternoon 1/2 days to get those still looking to get out on the river this spring. Great time to fish after the crowds and all the guides have left the river. Starting around 4 pm.

Now is the time to book your summer trout trips and Summer charters on the "Hattrick" please check our websitesfor more info. www.hattrickfishing.com for more info.

Fishing Report - April 11th

Things are pretty much back to normal on the Mo. The water has dropped, but is still holding a good stain,sight fishing isn't really happening yet. There are fish throughout the system and a good mix of chrome fish and some older also. Eggs, nymphs and green caddis all having their times on the water. Still a few nice walleye getting caught......only a few more weeks till the season opens again.

Fishing Report - April 7th

BBBBbbbrrrrrrr.....Well we are several weeks into "spring" and it looks and feels more like January. I was booked with a couple of older gentleman this past Thursday and Friday. We floated the PM on thursday and after only a few spots we had decided it was just way to darn cold to be out there, thus canceling Friday. Sorry no pics from the pm. The fishing on that river has slowed a bit due to the cold weather dropping the water temps into the mid 30's again. Back on the Mo water temps have held up a bit, hovering around the 40 degree mark. Water is dropping slowly but still holds a good stain. Eggs still working the best for most. Hope you have a great Easter Weekend.... Take care.

Fishing Report - April 3rd

Holy Cow! More rain???? now SNOW! Truth is that all the rivers have a decent number of steelies in them...It looks as if the peak will be on time and should take place around the 3rd. week of April... lots of nice fresh fish in all the rivers. Several fish weighing into the teens within the last week or so...The high water will help the fish spawn without being constantly fished and give them a little protection.

Fishing Report - March 28th

Back on the Mo for a few days now, the river is still very high but the water is clearing. We had a couple more great days on the Pere Marquette, mostly on eggs and some nymphs. I have also heard that the White River has a ton of fresh fish in it, plenty of spawning fish on the smaller rivers. Most rivers should be in great shape by early next week. We should have great fishing well into may this year. Tight lines!

Now is a great time to book your summer charters, please contact us for openings.

Fishing Report - March 24th

High Water once again !! Heavy rains fell in the watershed this week. The already saturated soils were unable to saok it up fast enough forcing the rivers to rise again. The Mo is up almost 6000cfs and visibility is under 2' but we manages to land 2 today and lost a couple more. VERY BIG EGGS !!! nickle to quarter size egg flies. Look for our spring run to be in the river withing the next couple days.

Fishing Report - March 20th

Spring on the PM...I was on the PM the last two days and the fishing was great! plenty of fish in the pools and runs near the gravel, there were fish spawning in the early morning hours but they quickly moved to the deeper runs and pockets! A few fish have made it over the weir, but looks for a big push withing the next week. Eggs and black stones were the ticket! Back on the Muskegon for a few days now. See you out there..... Still a few days open, dont wait they are almost gone !!

Fishing Report - March 15th

HIGH WATER !!! It looks as if the spring run off has finally hit,our recent warm temps have added much needed water to the system but at a rate that even the big Mo cant handle. Floodgates opened on Wed. making the river rise over a foot in a few hours. Look for plenty of new fish to be in the sysyem when the water recedes. Trips will resume on Monday the 19 th. Due to some recent cancelations we have a few prime dates left, see our open dates.

Fishing Report - March 8th

Finally, the warm up is on the way...will it get too warm too fast? I hope not. A nice slow melt will bring the water up and add some tint, a huge melt off will raise it too fast and possibly blow out the river. We have lots of snow pack as well as north of here. The fishing the last week has picked up a bit with a good mix of winter fish and some more new spring fish. Small stoneflies were very active today and the steelies took notice. Small pt nymphs and small eggs on light tippets were the ticket this week.

Fishing Report - Feburuary 28th

Wow...March is here...did anyone see where winter went? The fishing has picked up a bit, but still will keep you wondering until you find them. We have been covering a lot of water recently and have found it best to keep moving. The biters have come very quickly in the runs. The fish are still in the slower pools for the most part but we are starting to catch fish from traveling spots to...It looks as if there are a few new fish in the river as well as plenty of holdovers. It look as if the next week or so will get the spring run charged up.

We still have a days open for the spring run and can add as many boats as we need to get you and your group on the water for same great spring steelheading.

Call or email for dates for spring river trips and summer charters.