Dan Holtrop joined me today on the Muskegon. Fishing was was very enjoyable as temperatures made the mid-fifties; it did not hurt that the steelhead were very cooperative as well. That being said, today was the first day in many that I didn’t spend the whole day pondering my next plan. Light lines and soft water were key today. The down side of the light line is that you have a pretty good dent in the fly box at the end of the day. Much to my surprise the best bite for us today was from noon to 3pm, under the brightest skies. Look for the coming rain and melt to kick things into high gear. Pictured above is Dan with one of today’s fish and me lower as I joined in the fun!

Capt. Steven Kuieck

Belle & I Spent the day scoping out some water that we have not had the opportunity to fish yet this year. Additionally, I tried out a few techniques that we normally wouldn’t use this time of year. It was a successful endeavor but it ended up being a bit expensive as far as tackle goes. They do say there is a price to success! With the low ulta clear water we are currently experiencing and the bluebird bright skies driving the fish to any cover they can find I spent the day floating STS Buggers & Flash-a-Buggers over and through heavy cover near the dark water areas that are known to hold fish this time of year. 3X tippet and lots of structure along with any miscalculation in running depth and you can kiss your fly goodbye. It was fun spending the day just playing around and still having a few fish come to hand.

There are fish in the system, but sometimes you just have to think outside the box to get them to play.

Capt. Dave DeVries

The great times with Captain Don and the Might Mo continue.  What a day to be on the water! Sure, the bite is tough; sure, the water is nearly invisible; but the sun, the light air, the 50 degree temp!  Can’t beat it!

Stone flies were the tidbits of choice today.  Top dog was the 9 lb. buck I am holding.  Check the cheek on him, as captured by Don’s camera prowess.  Beautiful!  Thanks, Don!  You’re the best!

Captain Tom Kuieck

The sunshine saga continues…..

I really am not complaining, since I really do enjoy being out in the sun, but with the ultra clear water on the Mo’  right now it is making the bite soft. Small is the key- forget the egg patterns and go small and natural, and make every cast count. Pictured is Jason Nurmi with a nice hen from Sunday afternoon under high skies.

Capt. Steven Kuieck

3X maybe 4X? Good grief, if the river gets any clearer the water will look like air! If you are looking for a challenge, look no further than the conditions at present! Steelhead numbers are improving though ultra clear waters have them extremely wary. Small nymphs- caddis, stones, and bait fish flies are top producers. I have tried to mix a few egg patterns into the game but even the most pale, seems bright under the current water conditions. Location is also key lately; steelhead are throughout the system but sneaky, soft water lies, seem to be the only producers for me lately. Pictured is Bill Sidor with one of the most massive walleye I have had in my boat in years; this pig tipped the boga to 13.5 lbs!

Capt. Steven Kuieck

Great day today!  Heck, they’re all great but today was special.  Bright sun, low, gin-clear water—but cooperative steelhead.  And especially happy I was because today I hosted my youngest son Ryan for his first steelhead trip of the year.  Ryan works full-time in the metals fabrication industry and has little time to fish, but he has Fridays off so to the Muskegon we went.  Ryan led off with two quick steelhead, one of which is the eight pound buck he is holding.  Wasn’t too long, and Dad joined in with a couple, one of which was the six pound male I am holding.  Toss in a couple of lost fish, and there you have it—a wonderful day on the water for father and son.

Best flies today were pale peach eggs and caddis pupa.  Long leaders and light tippets are a must with the clear water.  We were just plain fortunate today:  the bite was strong for about two hours.  Otherwise, it was tough, as evidenced by the lack of success we witnessed and reported to us from other fishermen.  But thankfully, fishable steelhead are in the river.  The two other fish we brought to hand were chrome skippers—the early scouts for the grown-ups soon to arrive.  All in all, a great day for Ryan and me.

Captain Tom Kuieck

Another blue bird day on the Muskegon river with Captain Tom Kuieck.

Capt. Don Graham

After what can only be described as an incredibly dreary month of February, the first three days of March have been nothing but sunshine! I actually received a pretty good sunburn today on the water! Fishing  was very enjoyable, as Spring sun was giving us some warmth we haven’t had in a few months. Both the deer and the birds were taking this new weather in stride! While the sunshine certainly made the time on the water enjoyable, the steelhead seemed to shy after the sun was on the water for a few hours. Small nymphs, leeches, and very small pale egg patterns are key as the water conditions are cold and very clear. Though, I despise having to drop down to 3x, I would recommend it for better interest. Pictured is Captain Dave with a seasoned fish from today.

Capt. Steven Kuieck

What a great day on the Muskegon river with Captain Tom Kuieck, fish in the boat, coffee and cranberry walnut muffins and great friendship. Thanks Tom.

Capt. Don Graham

It was a beautiful day on the Muskegon River today, with clear skies, clear water and steelhead in the boat. When you have a day like this, it makes winter a lot more fun.

Capt. Don Graham