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~Rivers We Fish~
Muskegon River
The Muskegon river is
the second longest river in the state of Michigan, extending over 200 miles
from just outside Grayling, MI, flowing into the historic port town of Muskegon
on the West Michigan shoreline. A big river that gains its
tailwater status at the Croton hydroelectric dam, the Muskegon river near
Newaygo, Michigan is home to trout, bass and walleye year round. Seasonal
migration of salmon and steelhead can produce world class fly fishing action. As
an insect rich tailwater, the Muskegon has some great hatches from April –
October, providing the dry fly angler with a number of top water options. A true
“big river”, it is one of the more popular in West
Michigan.
Pere Marquette River
Known around the country and world for both “catch
and release” trout fishing in the famous “flies only” section and its migratory
salmon and steelhead runs, this quaint little switchback river is unlike most
anywhere. A National Wild and Scenic River, the Pere Marquette
begins east of Baldwin, Michigan and flows west towards lake Michigan. It
empties into Pere Marquette lake in Ludington, Michigan which is located on
lake Michigan, about 100 miles up the shoreline from Grand Rapids. From the
famous “hex” hatch of June, to mousin’ on a July night, to chasing migratory
fish mid-fall through late spring, the choices are many for the fly fisher.
Manistee River
Trout, salmon and steelhead are available to the fly
fisher on the Manistee river. Each has their own respective “prime time”, with
fall comes spawning salmon in September &
October. Spring finds migratory steelhead coming in to spawn during
March and April. The summer months of May and June are the most
popular for dry fly fishing below Tippy dam. Being
a tailwater fishery, it changes considerably around the town of
Brethron, MI, home to Tippy Dam. Above Tippy are many beautiful stretches
of river known for both night time “hex” fishing as well as early spring
streamer fishing for trophy brown trout. Below Tippy is still very good trout
fishing because of excellent habitat, water flows and highly oxygenated
water coming from the Tippy hydro dam.
White River
A small trickle of a “brook” evolves into a quaint
little cold water river just outside of Hesperia, Michigan. Nestled amongst farm
fields, forest and a small, deeply wooded valley, the White comes out of
Newaygo County and flows SW, into the town of Whitehall where it empties into
White Lake and lake Michigan. Migratory salmon & steelhead bring big numbers
of anglers out looking to wade fish each spring and fall. Good trout fishing can
be had in early to mid summer, in the fall post-salmon run, during spring
when steelhead are in spawning, as well as fall steelheading up to and through
the holiday season.
Grand River
Starting south of Lansing, MI and
flowing first north, then west through agricultural land in Portland &
Ionia, as well as the city of Grand Rapids, it reaches lake Michigan through the
port town of Grand Haven. The Grand River is the longest in the state, offering
both warm and cold water species angling opportunities. Seasonal migration of
salmon and steelhead are prime draws, although this is a very good bass fishery
as well.
Flat River
A warm water fishery that empties into the Grand
River just outside of Lowell, Michigan, it’s a short 15 minute drive from Grand
Rapids to reach this quality Smallmouth bass and Carp fishery. Warmer months
fish best due to the nature of such warm water fish. Streamers and dry fly
fishing are possible, streamers dominate for “smallies”, while Carp sight
fishing opportunities can challenge even the most accomplished fly caster.
Rogue River
Located just north of Grand Rapids
in the town of Rockford, Michigan, the Rogue has changed dramatically over the
years, but continues to produce both migratory fish of spring and fall, as well
as resident Brown and Rainbow trout. Due to size and accessibility, wade fishing
most common, although floating in a drift boat an option as
well.
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