Man it felt good to get on the the river today. I missed the previous break in the arctic express while I was laid up from Bronchitis. Conditions on the Muskegon are favorable for winter steelhead with slightly higher than normal flows around 2400cfs and a pretty steady water temperature around 38 degrees.
Swinging flies in January certainly can be hit or miss. Thankfully today our steelhead were grabby and I was able to have a few chances. My third swing of the morning was greeted with a heavy pull–fish on! Unfortunately for the steelhead, me, and my wallet I had a knick in my running line from a previous outing and donated a brand new head, tip, and fly to that steelhead–super pissed! It had been a while since I was able to fish for the reasons I’d mentioned earlier. I wanted to fish and I didn’t take the time to inspect my gear–now I get to pay. I almost called it quits right-then and there, I was pretty mad at myself. Glad I didn’t, a short while later I redeemed myself with this exceptional buck steelhead that took a sculpin pattern. Gotta love the Muskegon.
Capt. Steven Kuieck
