Trout

September

As fall approaches, fly fishing for trout returns to center stage on the Muskegon River. Shorter days and easing water temperatures promp trout to feed heavily in preparation for the chilling days and nights of winter. The crowds of summer are gone, days are sunny and pleasant, and the trout await.

Nymph fishing classic riffles and runs is especially productive in September. Indicator, European, and freestyle nymphing techniques produce throughout the day with trout in the teens coming to hand more commonly than not. Scuds, sow bugs, baetis, and caddis patterns are the flies of choice, enabling fly fishermen to hone their nymphing skills with consistent takes and hookups.

Dry fly fishing during September can also be excellent as late afternoon caddis and baetis hatches stir the trout to rise. Flying ants as small as #20-22 lure trout to sip a morsel here, a morsel there. The Muskegon, now low and clear, calls for longer leaders and finer tippets coupled with stealthy approaches, and maybe a deep breath or two – all of which stand to make a September day astream deeply satisfying and long remembered. Give us a call at 616.293.0501 to learn how you can enjoy this special fly fishing opportunity.