◆ Guiding the Muskegon since 1997 · USCG-licensed guides
All year below Croton Dam
Muskegon River
trout fishing
Resident brown and rainbow trout in the 20 miles below Croton Dam, plus meat-eating lake-run browns from late September through March.
A tailwater built for trout
Below Croton Dam, the Muskegon is often over 150 feet wide, and the cool water and great food sources make this tailwater stretch the best trout water on the river. Brown and rainbow trout live here all year.
In winter, trout hold on the soft edges and eat nymphs and small streamers. As spring arrives they feed heavily on fry, and early stoneflies bring great dry fly fishing in March and April.
Hatches
May and June are prime time for dry flies, with great hatches of caddis, sulphurs, gray drakes, Isonychia and more. In the fall, trout congregate behind spawning salmon.
Lake-run browns
Lake-run brown trout are most abundant from late September through March. They’re meat eaters, and the best flies imitate sculpins and other baitfish.
Streamers or wet flies
Stripping streamers all day is hard work. Matt often breaks it up by swinging wet flies on a trout spey rod, an easier and just as exciting way to fish.
Brown & rainbow trout trip info
| Full day | $575, 1–2 anglers |
| Half day | $375, 1–2 anglers |
| Third angler | +$150 |
| Included | Flies & equipment |
| Deposit | $150 per day |
| Season | All year |
or call or text 231.652.3528
From the boat
Brown & rainbow trout on the Muskegon
Questions
Brown & rainbow trout questions
Where is the best trout water?
The 20 miles of river below Croton Dam, where the tailwater keeps the water cool.
When are the best hatches?
Stoneflies in March and April, then caddis, sulphurs, gray drakes and Isonychia in May and June.
When can I catch a lake-run brown?
Late September through March, often on sculpin and baitfish patterns.
Fish the hatch with us.
Pick a full or half day and a date and book it online in a minute. Your guide confirms the start time and meeting spot before the trip.