I can’t remember a nicer Groundhog Day in many years (Okay, I can’t remember what I had for breakfast this morning either) and I couldn’t think of a better way to spend this unseasonably warm day than to spend it doing a little “Guides Day” with friend and fellow guide Capt. Don. The water level and color were near perfect and the fish were cooperative as well with each of us having a few chances to bring fish to hand. There was more traffic than you would expect for winter fishing, but who is to blame folks for wanting to get out for a little steelhead fix to shake the cabin fever.

There are a good number of fish in the system with some of them being fresher fish possibly brought in by the higher water from our recent run off, sounds strange to talk about run off in February, and can be found in their typical winter haunts.

We have plenty of open dates and it looks like we are going to continue to have some great weather to get out and get some of these winter beauties so give us a call to book your day on the water.

Capt. Dave DeVries

Today was Milan’s first day of winter nymph/trout fishing and what a day it was.  After getting the basics down he was fast into fish.  Working on the nuances of nymph fishing throughout the day paid off as he continued to get better.  He even thought it might be a good idea to throw in a nice steelhead to complete a Muskegon River sampler!

Jay Allen, guide

Fishing today was great despite high water levels.  After the water shot up to 3,000 cfs yesterday I had my worries but John and Josh, undaunted, managed to work the slow seams and present some flies that the trout could not, or should I say would not, refuse.  Fished some attractor nymphs but once again the Muskegon River scud(gammarus scud) #16-#18 put the majority of the hurt on the boys.  That along with John’s “hair-trigger” that begged to be tripped.  Woe unto the unsuspecting trout that grabs his loaded scud!   John maybe the only person I know who can give a trout whirlings disease by mechanical means.  Actually , if you’ve seen John on my blog before it’s because he often ends up with some nice fish.  What a great day to be out; saw some nice trout caught, had reasonable winter weather, made a new friend.  My apologies to those of you who missed it.

Jay Allen, guide

Another great day on the Muskegon river with Gary, great weather, fishing and wildlife along the river banks. This is winter steelheading at it’s best.

Capt. Don Graham

Trout fishing with guide, Jay Allen in the winter is a real treat. Jay’s technique and flies produced trout all day. Here is a sampling of the trout we boated today.

Capt. Don Graham

Had an itch to scratch before the weather heads south tonight….I wasn’t disappointed! Jay Allen, guide

Do big browns still have an appetite when it’s cold?

This stomach pump answers that question

Steelhead love scuds

Winter has arrived, and with it some of the most beautiful scenery of the year! Never thought about winter trout fishing before? Well, you just never know what you’ve been missing! -Jay Allen, guide.

Snow can’t stop this girl

Open your eyes, breathe in deep, take it all in

Heather had three fish in the net before I could get a fly wet!

just like a guy; trying to catch up

perfection! tell me there is no Creator…

what’s that…scuds got your tongue

Winter trout, just before our world of winter white returned.

Gary with a nice brown; what a nice day

another fine brown in the winter!

well worth the “work”

Spent a wonderful day on the river with Gary.  Taking time to get out and soak it all in was just what he needed.  It was fun to be with an angler with his passion to get out and enjoy the day doing what he loves to do.  Water was up but not too bad; clarity was good.  Fished a scud/sow combo rig most of the day and caught equal numbers of fish on the flies.  Fish were pushed into slightly deeper water most likely due to the water fluctuation.  Caught a good number of browns to go along with the rainbows.  What a perfect day to be on the water & catch some nice trout.

Jay Allen, guide

Another great day of fishing and fun on the Muskegon river with Gary.

Capt. Don Graham

What a fantastic day of fishing on the Muskegon river with Capt. Tom Kuieck.

Capt Don Graham