Trip Overview
Long days and short nights have allowed for great opportunities for pursuing early morning/evening warm water species such as northern pike, smallmouth and largemouth bass. Over the last few weeks, the temperatures in West Michigan have reached the mid 80’s by noon. River temperatures have held in the mid 70’s, allowing for a strong top water bite. Targeting weed lines and drop-offs have helped our participating veterans to pick up some quality fish.
As always, the Muskegon River is ever changing, fluctuating river levels with varying water quality can make all the difference in how the fish are feeding. White swimbaits and spinnerbaits fished very well in the morning. Fishing streamers in a white/cream articulated variation also did the trick. The streamers fished in a sporadic motion, moved some quality northerns as well as smallmouth. A nice variety of pike, smallmouth, and bowfin fish made it to the back of the net! Maintaining a positive attitude and willingness to put in the work always pays off!!! Our team really enjoyed our time introducing the sport of fly and light tackle fishing to our participating veteran.
The program staff is friendly, and very knowledgeable of the river and the species we were targeting. Not only did I catch two new species, the staff made me feel like a pro! Definitely a memory of a lifetime.”
- JOSH
Recent Trips
July 2023
During the month of July, the program switched gears from cold water species to focusing our attention to the backwaters and bayous of the lower Muskegon River. Our main target species included both large and smallmouth bass, northern pike, and muskellunge (musky). Hot and humid afternoons and the ever increase canoe/tubbing “hatch” pressure, kept our focus on the early morning or late evening bite. Thunderstorms rolled through the area helping to keep the system charged with higher than average river levels. Conditions were ideal for our veteran anglers for pursuing fish on a variety of tactics.
Read MoreJune 2023
Our program recently had the privilege of working with a Marine from West Michigan. Our team assembled at the beautiful Muskegon River Inn located in the quaint downtown area of Newaygo, Michigan. The Inn is conveniently located in close proximity to some of the best tailwater trout fishing in the state. June is an excellent time to pursue trout on either a dry fly or a traditionally swung wet fly. Several varieties of mayflies, such as the famous gray drakes, sulfurs and iso’s are common along with caddis and the occasional large stonefly. Needless to say, the Muskegon River is full of aquatic life and provides a substantial food source for trout and other game species that reside in its waters.
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Experience a unique guided float trip down the Pere Marquette, Muskegon, and/or the White River located in West Michigan.