Introducing the Muskegon River

Introducing the Muskegon River–Wide and Beautiful, the Muskegon is a great resource!

Introducing the Muskegon River :  Our home river is big and beautiful.   It flows for over two hundred miles through north-central Michigan.  This takes it from Houghton Lake all the way to the port of Muskegon.   Along the way, it collects several tributaries and then finds its way to three hydroelectric dams.   Below the final dam, Croton Dam,  the river is often over 150 feet wide.  It is in this tailwater stretch that the cool water fishing is at its best due to good food sources.   These include brown and rainbow trout in the mainstream.    This area also provides access to spawning gravel for migratory fish.

These lake run fish come in several forms.   Migratory fish like steelhead, salmon, and lake run brown trout enter the river in September and provide sport during the fall, winter, and spring months. It is not uncommon to have good steelhead fishing from early October well into the month of May.   These fish are the backbone of our fishery, and are a favorite of guides and clients alike.   We focus on fly fishing, but they can be taken on many different methods in this great river.

Warmwater fish such as smallmouth bass and northern pike abound through the slower stretches and impoundments.    As if this weren’t enough, the smaller tributaries also hold good opportunities for the adventurous wading angler.    In short, the Muskegon is a river system that provides good fishing opportunities every day of the year, provided you are willing to fish for what is available.

In addition to the great fishing, fall colors on the deciduous trees make the fishing even more spectacular.    Encounters with wildlife also make the river that much more enjoyable.     A great organization that helps preserve this river system is the Muskegon River Watershed Assembly.

Come visit us on the Muskegon!   Book your trip today!