Muskegon River

The Muskegon River is one of Michigan's premier tailwater fisheries, flowing 230 miles from Houghton Lake to Lake Michigan near the city of Muskegon. The stretch most prized by fly anglers runs roughly 30 miles below Croton Dam, where consistent cold releases from Croton and Rogers Dams maintain year-round water temperatures ideal for trout survival. Located just 45 minutes north of Grand Rapids, the Muskegon punches well above its weight as an accessible destination with big-water feel.

Resident brown and rainbow trout inhabit the river throughout the year, with fish averaging 12 to 16 inches and trophy browns exceeding 24 inches not uncommon in the deeper pools below the dams. The real stars of the show, however, are the migratory runs: Chinook salmon surge through in September and October in impressive numbers, followed closely by steelhead that begin arriving in October and fish through April. Coho salmon rounds out the fall calendar, making the Muskegon a legitimate four-season destination.

The river below Croton Dam has a distinctly western feel for the Midwest — wide, powerful, and best accessed by drift boat or raft. Wading is productive in many stretches but requires caution, as the river can run deep and currents are strong. The gravel-bottomed riffles and long sweeping pools between Croton Dam and the town of Newaygo provide classic nymphing and streamer water, while the flatter flats closer to Newaygo surrender to dry fly fishing during the celebrated hex hatch in late June.

The Michigan hex hatch is an event unlike any other in American fly fishing. Hexagenia limbata, the giant Michigan mayfly, emerges in massive numbers from late June into early July, typically after dark, triggering surface feeding frenzies from the largest brown trout in the river. Anglers who time their visit to coincide with the hex hatch will find fish rising that would never touch a dry fly at any other time of year. The Muskegon's hex hatch rivals the famous Au Sable hex events downstream.

Early season (April through May) brings Hendrickson hatches and upstream steelhead action, making spring an exceptional time to visit. The tailwater character keeps the fishery productive even through summer when most Michigan freestones warm beyond trout tolerance. Fall steelhead and salmon fishing from September through November rounds out the year with spectacular sport. Guided drift boat trips are available from multiple outfitters based in Newaygo and Big Rapids. Local favorites include Pere Marquette Lodge and AuSable River Outfitters who also cover the Muskegon corridor.