March – Early May
The quality of Muskegon River steelhead fly fishing is of the highest caliber. Truly, this is national quality fishery. Not only does one cast in beautiful, natural surroundings, but with miles of river to run in our jet boats, we RiverQuest guides are able to put our clients on steelhead consistently. Running to 18 pounds, Muskegon River steelhead readily take the fly. With the typically higher water levels of spring, we fish from the boats, only to spot-wade the river when the lower water levels of May allow.
Most early spring Muskegon River steelhead float trips find us deep nymphing with two fly combinations, typically with small, dark nymphs and egg flies. Swinging Spey flies has grown increasingly popular with our clients, whether in the spring or fall. We fish single-handed and two-handed fly rods with shooting, sink tip, floating, and Skagit lines-the choice of tackle is determined by conditions of the river, the stage of the steelhead run, and the client’s preference. RiverQuest guides take pride in the fact that our clients’ success rates run high. Fishermen for whom steelhead have been an elusive quarry find success with us-much to our mutual delight.