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Muskegon River Fishing Reports 2
Michigan Fishing Reports – Stay Updated on the Bite!
At Dan Nealy’s Fishing Buddies Guide Service, we provide up-to-date Michigan fishing reports to help anglers stay informed about current conditions on the Muskegon River, Pine River, Tittabawassee River, and Chippewa River. Our detailed reports cover water temperatures, fish activity, seasonal migrations, and the best techniques for targeting Steelhead, Salmon, Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Brown Trout, and Rainbow Trout. Whether you're planning a trip or just want to follow the latest fishing action, our expert fishing updates ensure you have the knowledge needed for a productive day on the water.
Latest River Fishing Conditions and Forecasts
Our Michigan river fishing reports provide valuable insights into what’s biting and where. We cover fly fishing, spin fishing, and float trips, giving you the latest updates on the best baits, lures, and fishing patterns. Seasonal changes greatly impact Steelhead runs, Salmon migrations, and peak Bass fishing, so checking our Muskegon River fishing reports can help you plan your next successful trip. As water levels shift and weather patterns change, we keep you informed on how these factors affect fish movement and feeding behavior.
Expert Tips and Proven Techniques
Captain Dan Nealy shares proven fishing strategies based on years of experience guiding on Michigan’s rivers. Our reports include advice on drift fishing, wading tactics, lure selection, and fly patterns to help you hook more fish. Whether you’re chasing trophy Steelhead in the fall or targeting aggressive Smallmouth Bass in the summer, our professional fishing tips will give you an edge. Stay ahead of the game with up-to-date insights from one of Michigan’s most knowledgeable fishing guides.
Check Back for Regular Fishing Updates
We update our Michigan fishing reports regularly, ensuring you always have access to the latest conditions before heading out on the water. Whether you’re looking for the best fishing spots on the Muskegon River or want to know which bait is working best for Pike and Trout, we’ve got you covered. Follow our reports and book your next guided fishing trip with Dan Nealy’s Fishing Buddies for a day of excitement on Michigan’s top fishing rivers!
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September 17, 2025
Muskegon River - Muskegon, MI Fishing Report on 17th Sep, 2025 - 6
SMALLMOUTH FISHING IS AWESOME RIGHT NOW ON THE MUSKEGON RIVER - DO NOT HESITATE ON GETTING ON THE RIVER WITH ME!
#muskegonriver #fishingmichigan #fishingaddict #smallies #smallmouth #smallmouthfishing #GuidedTrips
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September 5, 2024
Muskegon River - Muskegon, MI Fishing Report on 5th Sep, 2024
I'm sad to summer go, but for me, we enter my favorite time of year! With most people going North to pack rivers to chase King Salmon, I'm loving how quickly the rivers I enjoy become quiet!!! I do river fishing Salmon, but I'm over the crowds and prefer to have miles and miles of river to myself.
With the cooler nights, I'm starting to find Pike more spread out throughout the Pine River and on the hunt to prepare for their winter. Classic Mepps #5's have been working the best for me with the majority of fish still caught near structure but have found some out in the open cruising for a meal. As it continues to get cooler, I'm anticipating someone getting a true Michigan Giant this FALL!
Smallies and Whopper Ploppers aren't as fire as it was a few weeks ago, but it's still producing. But Smallies remain aggressive as they're starting to prepare for colder days and want to take advantage of an easy meal.
October is prime Salmon time for the Muskegon - book with me before I fill up and I anticipate I will soon!
Captain Dan
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August 5, 2024
Muskegon River - Muskegon, MI Fishing Report on 5th Aug, 2024
BLOOP...BLOOP...BLOOP...BLOOP...SMASH!
If you love that sound or if you haven't ever experienced it, NOW IS THE TIME! The rivers are running really hot, and the Smallies are fired up and very willing to leave cover for a big top water meal. 30 plus fish days are very possible right now. My favorite about August is it seems the river becomes very quiet as kids start to gear up for school and fall sports and other fisherman are starting to think about Salmon fishing. It's very possible to only see a few if any fisherman on the river.
I've had a few chances to get out on the Pine River to "SCOUT" for big angry Pike. The Pike bite has been good, but no GIANTS to report. I look forward to finding some as we begin getting into some cooler nights and mornings here in a few weeks. If you don't like the busy Salmon rivers, getting out for fall Pike fishing can be very relaxing and rewarding!
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July 22, 2024
Muskegon River - Muskegon, MI Fishing Report on 22nd Jul, 2024
I've had more interest in Pike fishing this summer than ever before. Pike can be finicky fish and totally shut down if it's "TOO NICE" out. However, if you can fish for them during the correct conditions, cool and cloudy, you'll have a really good chance for a special day! I hope I continue to get more interest in Pike fishing. I love pike fishing in the fall; cool weather, colors changing, quiet on the river and BIG Pike roaming around the entire river, looking to feast before winter.
Smallmouth fishing on the Muskegon has rebounded after a week slow spell. During a recent trip I had a single client put over 15 Smallies in the boat while using the same Whopper Plopper. While mixing in some Ned'ing and tossing big spin blade's we were finding a mix of medium to large smallmouth. I anticipate the smallmouth fishing to continue to be strong through September. Don't wait to get out, get a hold of me today!
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June 21, 2024
Muskegon River - Muskegon, MI Fishing Report on 21st Jun, 2024
The last 4 weeks have seen some up and downs. There were some extremely cold nights that lead to some extremely slow mornings, while bundled up in our winter gear. However, the extreme heat and lack of rain warmed the rivers up to mid-summer temps fast. The trout fishing on the Muskegon has been absolutely incredible and trout biting almost anything we tie to our lines. A few clients were fortunate enough to land some special Muskegon River fish. One a beautiful 20-inch brown trout landed on a flashy wollybugger while fly casting for his first time ever! The 30-inch Summer Skam while bass fishing was as an epic battle that I've ever seen and that won't soon be forgotten.
While top water hasn't consistency been as productive for me this season, the Ned rig in the river is hard to beat. For a few weeks we were finding some fish in slow water and then maybe some in deep and some right off the bank. They were hard to nail down day to but trudging spots and moving while changing Ned colors paid off most days. But with the river temps rising fast, big deep bends is the ticket. Finding the right weight, for the depth and current is important. But working a deep bend can really pay off with multiple fish.
I'm looking forward to more early summer Smallie fishing, while all 3 rivers I'm running right now are producing awesome numbers of Smallmouth and a lot of large fish. This is my favorite time of year, SUMMER SMALLMOUTH!
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May 26, 2024
Muskegon River - Muskegon, MI Fishing Report on 26th May, 2024
SMALLIE FISHING IS FIRE right now. The time is now. TOP WATER action is out of this world. If you know me, river Smallmouth fishing is my favorite Michigan has to offer and right now is my favorite time to fish them. Finding soft water with top water can reward fisherman with monster Smallies trying to blow up your offering. I'm still seeing a few fish on beds, and I think the next 3 weeks will be amazing fishing. Already this season, there have been 6 Smallies over 20 inches to the net and a few lost that I think were in that ballpark. I have fished the Muskegon, the Pine, the Chippewa and the Tittabawassee all in the past week and have great action on all four rivers.
You just can't beat slowly floating down the river, enjoying a beautiful Michigan Summer day while casting for these hard fighting river fish. It beats flying up and down the river to sit in one spot for an hour before flying to the next spot. BOOK your trip ASAP before it's too late.
Captain Dan
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September 27, 2023
Muskegon River - Muskegon, MI Fishing Report on 27th Sep, 2023
Starting to find some Salmon on the Muskegon River but we're about a week behind from where we were last year. Starting to see more Coho each trip as well.
I've done several scout trips on the Muskegon River in the past week, and I've seen a handful of Kings each day. The water temperature below Croton continues to stay in the upper 60's, which is slowing the Salmon migration down. We did get a shot of cold rain Tuesday night which will help, but with more warm temperatures coming, who knows when the bigger pods will move in.
All I know is that I'll continue to grind it out and work my tail off to get into the Kings that are around and any day now, the salmon will fill in!
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August 5, 2023
Muskegon River - Muskegon, MI Fishing Report on 5th Aug, 2023
Smallmouth fishing on the Muskegon River continues to stay strong. If you like top-water bass fishing action, now is the time. These bass seem to be locking in on top-water action again like post spawn.
Ned Rigs continue to produce, but this week it's been hard for my clients to put down the Whopper Plopper rod, and I can't blame them. Blow up after blow create heart stopping action, heartbreak and intense anticipation!
We continue to pick up about one bonus Pike every trip, some on Ned Rigs and some on Whoppers.
Trout fishing has been a little slower, but I'm expecting that to change with some rain and slightly cooler weather in the forecast.
There is still plenty of time to get out and fish these awesome river fish on the Muskegon River!
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July 11, 2023
Muskegon River - Muskegon, MI Fishing Report on 11th Jul, 2023
Smallie fishing on the Muskegon has been FIRE!
Smallie fishing on the Muskegon River continues to be great! I've had client's boat multiple fish over 16 inches. Recently a client landed a Smallie that measured at exactly 20 inches and 4 pounds! In the same trip, his BUDDY landed a 17.5 inch largemouth, which is the largest one I've ever seen up that close to Croton Dam.
Whopper Plopper is the popular choice of my clients and for great reasons. It's easy to use, it makes a cool sound going through the water, and leads to great anticipation on every cast. The Plopper has been giving us great results, why change it? We've been finding fish a few feet off the banks where it starts to drop and continue to have fish chase the lure down near the boat. It's so much fun to watch!
Trout fishing has remained strong in the upper 1.5 miles. Panther Martins in heavier currents and drops is our go to. I haven't had a chance to fish Skams yet but looking forward to trying over the next few weeks.
Get a hold of me and let's get after them!
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June 24, 2023
Muskegon River - Muskegon, MI Fishing Report on 24th Jun, 2023
The number of smallmouth bass in the Muskegon River is impressive.
The Ned rig in deeper holes or slow slack water and Whopper Plopper in shallows continues to produce. The river is low, so fishing cover and shade is key. Go light with your leader!
The traffic on the river is in full summer swing. Get out early to beat the crowd and the heat!
Get a hold of me to get out fish-float-fun!
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November 4, 2022
Muskegon River - Muskegon, MI Fishing Report on 4th Nov, 2022
Awesome day on the waters. King Salmon keeps showing up. There are still a ton of kings in the Muskegon River. Plus, here's a Pike and a Smallie we caught during our trip.
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October 10, 2022
Muskegon River - Muskegon, MI Fishing Report on Invalid Date
Over the past 10 days I have seen a strong number of King Salmon in the Muskegon River. There are still fish in every stage of their cycle. I wouldn't be shocked if there is still another solid push of fish yet to come.
I also had a client hook into a bright Steelhead that was a little too hot to handle. They are starting to show up.
I really look forward to the end of October and early November on the Muskegon River. Most people transition to hunting, and I'm left with a fair number of Kings, Coho and some Steelies!
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September 29, 2022
Muskegon River Fishing Report on Invalid Date
KINGS are starting to show up on the Muskegon River. Not in big numbers yet, but if you cover water and try different techniques, your efforts will be rewarded.
There are a good number of Coho in the river. The trick is getting those fish to bite right now. We had success with Brite Thundersticks.
With the cold nights this week and some bump in water, I expect Kings to start showing up in numbers.
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September 13, 2022
Pere Marquette Lake - Mason, MI Fishing Report on Invalid Date
It was incredible to see the number of staging Kings in PM lake this weekend. With continued cooler nights and some shot of rain, the upper river should be loaded now!
I took a friend of mine to the Fly Water Sunday to enjoy some peach and quite on the river. It didn't disappoint. With very few people on the river and enough fish to keep us busy it was a successful day of hooking fish and not coming close to landing any!
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September 5, 2022
Muskegon River - Muskegon, MI Fishing Report on Invalid Date
We went out this morning and got this 27-pounder Salmon! This could be you!
