With a last minute cancellation this morning, I decided to head out to the river by myself and swing streamers. The fall steelhead strike is very aggressive and the fight is spectacular.

Capt. Don Graham

Some much needed rain fell throughout the region yesterday, hopefully providing some kick to some sections of the Muskegon River. Steelhead have been spread out from top to bottom of the river lately. Swinging flies has continued to produce quality fish. I might actually argue that it has brought some of the river’s larger fish to hand, but I don’t really have any factual data for that.  The months first dose of Artic air is poised to arrive over the holiday along with the possibility of some snow fall.  I’m ready for some chrome in the snow!

Happy Thanksgiving! Have a safe and wonderful time with friends and family!

Capt. Steven Kuieck

Capt. Dave and myself hosted the Greg Winsor group of Chicago, for a cold day of swinging for steelhead. Water temperatures are dropping but remain warm for the calendar date. The river flow dropped about 100cfs today and is back to about where it has been–about 1080cfs. Low clear water is perfect for swinging–even with moderate sink heads the steelhead will see your fly. Leech patterns and natural sculpins patterns are bring pulls most days. Pictured is Drew McNally with a terrific buck that took a swung leech this afternoon.

Capt. Steven Kuieck

Fresh back from a few days in the woods it was time to get back into the “swing” of things. Joining me was Scott of Rockford on this chilly November day. Angling pressure seemed to be back in check with only the normally anticipated boats on the water. Things are still low and really clear, however the river did rise a bit today. Leech patterns continue to get ripped however we have been playing with some other flies. Posing is Scott with a dandy buck from today.

Capt. Steven Kuieck

Fly fishing with Bill and Ralph on the Muskegon River, pictured is Bill with a nice steelhead that gave Bill a great battle.

Capt. Don Graham

Quite a week on the river…. Fishing went from easy to hard over the past week on the Muskegon. Extremely low water along with unusually high temperatures caused the steelhead fishing this week to be quite a chore. High angling pressure has also plagued the watershed too.  Dedication and persistence to every drift has been key to find success. Joining me yesterday was Jim and Jeff–both anglers handily swung flies till their arms hurt, and in the end learned alot about spey fishing, but will need to return for another day to pose some chrome for the camera.

Dr. Scott Burgess and Craig Davis joined me today for their chance to try their hand at spey fishing for steelhead. After such a defeat  yesterday I was “game on” to change the outcome. I am very proud of the guys today–the bite was extremely tough again, and even when it looked like the day would end without a steelhead on the swing, the guys kept at it. With the minutes fading on the game clock, Dr. Scott Burgess came through with his first steelhead on a swung fly–an epic battle was had and the rest is forever recorded in memories!

Capt. Steven Kuieck

The challenges of bright skies and low clear water on the Muskegon was quite evident today, the other steelhead Chet hooked today didn’t give us a chance to take a photo.

Capt. Don Graham

Wow, the ease of late on the river has come to a crashing halt the last two days on astream. High skies and warm temps have made for a beautiful back drop to November steelhead fishing, however the bite has become very tough. Swinging flies yesterday and C&D today has connected the fish and angler, but in the end the steelhead have been wary of the camera lens.  Natural sculpin patterns with copper flash swung with 10+ feet of head has brought several good rips, while buggers, eggs, and natural nymphs have connected on the bottom. Fish slow and fish thoroughly!

“Cheers” to the chrome that got away and haunts us till’ another day!

Capt. Steven Kuieck

Martin joined me on the Muskegon river today  fishing floating line and indicators, caddis and egg flies was key to landing a nice brown and rainbows.

Capt. Don Graham

As the first snow flakes of the season filled the morning skies, Dawn Vanbruggen a first time steelheader was gracing the net with her first fall steelhead. A little tease of what winter has in-store for us in the coming months ahead made for a short day on the river for Dawn and her husband Tim. Cold fingers and toes and the thoughts of a warm lodge just up stream drew Dawn and Tim back to the comforts of the lodge. I certainly wasn’t going to complain, I have logged plenty of hours in the cold chasing chrome and since Dawn’s magical first steelhead was in the books–why not!

Capt. Steven Kuieck