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Fishing Reports
Muskegon River- Winter Steelhead
November 16, 2008
Posted by Muskegon River Outfitters
Contact: Chad Betts
Newaygo, MI 49337 USA
Phone 1: 231-652-3189
Email: chadbetts@hotmail.com
URL: http://bettsguideservice.com/report.html
Current Report
Big News! After the
unseasonably warm
temperatures last week,
increased snow melt, and
warmer water temperature,
the Muskegon River received
a nice push of chrome
steelhead from the lake.
After several months of
ultra low-clear water, it
was refreshing to actually
have some higher water
levels. Our catch rate
immediately improved after
water levels increased with
a slight stain in the water
clarity. 
January and February offer
two of the best months to
target winter Steelhead in
Western Michigan rivers.
During the late winter
months, steelhead ascend the
Muskegon River to get a head
start into the spring run.
There are several migrations
during the winter with
February having the biggest
push of fish. With higher
water levels, steelhead feed
well on a variety of insects
and eggs.
Without question, the stone
emergence is the most
primary hatch at this time.
Tiny size 14 black stone
flies are in great abundance
this time of year. It is
common during the late
winter to catch steelhead
with many live stone flies
still in their throat! ~ Fly
Fish Winter Steelhead ~
Down-sizing patterns have
been the key. Longer
leaders, smaller flies,
longer drifts, and covering
miles of river has been the
secret to our success! We
have been fishing quickly
through drifts looking for
the biters, then moving to
the next location. Fly
fishing from jet boats has
paid off big time with good
numbers of Steelhead on the
lower Muskegon River! 
Water levels and temps are
perfect for Winter Steelhead
fishing at this time.
The Muskegon river
is a tailwater fishery with
over 40 miles of river and
15 miles of spawning gravel.
Because of the large amounts
of water retained by the
reservoirs, (Croton and
Hardy) the Muskegon is
fishable all winter and
never freezes. The mighty Mo
maintains an constant water
temp of 36 degrees
throughout the winter
months.
Dave with another nice
winter's buck steelies taken
on an orange halo-nuke
egg.
Catch of the Week
For an honest daily fishing
reports, please
check out our home site, we
update our fishing reports
as soon we get off the
river!
Thanks, Chad
Special Report
One-Week Fishing Forecast
During the past seval days
we have recieved a fair
amount of rain and snow.
This weather should improve
on the already great fly
fishing! Come join
us for Muskegon River Fall &
Winter Steelhead!!
Hot Fly Patterns
Eggs, Eggs, Eggs ~ The
incredible, edible egg!
Smaller single egg patterns
in natural tones. Golden
color glo-bug with a
steelhead orange center has
been the best. After we have
drifted and area, I may
drift it once more with
either a skulpin pattern or
small dark pheasant tail
nymphs. Small brown or black
stone flies have also
produce fair numbers of
spring steelhead.
River Flows
Flows and water levels are
perfect for Spring Steelhead
fly fishing. Clarity is
great, 5 to 7 feet, mostly
clear and running about 2200
cfs. Wading is difficult at
this time. Long drifts with
a proper presentation has
brought good numbers of
steelhead to hand. Fishing
should only improve over the
next few weeks!
Meet our Guides
We have guide dates
available from Myself,
Nathan, and Jim.
We guide Fly Fishermen on
the Muskegon, Pere
Marquette, And Manistee
River!
Muskegon, Manistee, and St.
Joe. Large
Groups or Corporate trips
are welcome! 
Water Temperature
Water temps are in the mid
to high 40's. Prime time for
Winter steelhead and trout
fishing!
Sale Information
We have heated jet boat fly
fishing
trips
available for December
Steelhead or Trout.
Quality
Orvis fly fishing gear,
tackle, and flies provided
at no extra
charge. Guided trips also
include a grilled shore
lunch, hot
coffee and snacks.
Special Events
 This fishing report brought to you by Muskegon River Outfitters .
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