Fresh run steelhead await in the Muskegon River, as the hen I pose from today’s float with RiverQuest guide and best bud, Captain Don Graham, attest. Recent rains and snowmelt popped the flow to over 3,000 cfs, but no matter: the fish are there.
Don and I always have a great time on the river, but today was special since I’ve been busy for months with any number of “To Do’s” that prevented our fishing together. Today, though, the stars aligned, and there we were laying lines in our favorite runs and pools. Light fishing pressure—I think we saw four boats all day—and one of those 30’s days with zippo wind made it very comfortable—and rewarding; steelhead to hand and released along with great conversation and plenty of laughs.
Even better, steelhead numbers will continue to build as we progress ever closer to the spring spawn so some wonderful fly fishing for steelhead on the Muskegon is there for the taking. Here’s hoping more days like this one lie ahead for Don and me, to be sure, but especially for all of you who love tight lines, bowed fly rods, and whirling reel handles.
Captain Tom Kuieck
