Muskegon River Steelhead – 3/28/13

I have had the privilege for the past two trips of having two young men aboard the boat who have come ready to fish.  It is always refreshing to me when I see a young man like Patrick fish hard all day and listen to instruction…he did just that.  While his father, Doug, managed a fish early in the day, Patrick fished with intensity having just a few strikes to show for it.  Late in the day I asked if they were both up for one more run even though we were at the end of the days trip.  They said “yes”.  Man I really wanted to see Patrick get another shot.  Well, the last run gave him three shots and the last fish he hooked stuck and the battle was on.  Patrick fought the big buck about 200 yards down stream and finally put it in the net.  Way to go!  I’ll raise my fly rod high to toast that kind of determination.

 

Jay Allen, RIverquest guide

this big hog came standard with a big smile, nice Patrick

Doug enjoying the day w/ his son

via Allen Brothers http://www.theallenbrothers.com/site/2013/03/muskegon-river-steelhead-32813/

Muskegon River Steelhead – 3/27/13

Work the runs…and work them slow.  Fishing remains “different” for late March but Steve and Tom kept their heads in the game today and made it happen.  After getting off to a slow start, the afternoon proved to be a bit more generous.  Considering it was Tom’s first day Steelheading, he did great.  Thanks for the great trip guys.

 

Jay Allen, Riverquest guide

Tom performed some amazing rod maneuvers to land this nice buck!

this one woke Steve up

via Allen Brothers http://www.theallenbrothers.com/site/2013/03/muskegon-river-steelhead-32713/

Muskegon River Steelhead – 3/24/13

Fishing has been tough but a slow methodical presentation has been catching fish.  Fishing the runs that you are confident hold fish is key.  Patterns of note have been small clowns, fry, and small rabbit leeches.

Jay Allen, Riverquest guide

Joe w/ a nice early morning steelie

 

via Allen Brothers http://www.theallenbrothers.com/site/2013/03/muskegon-river-steelhead-32413/

Muskegon River Steelhead - 3/20/13

a good drift coupled with patience produced this beauty

Browns are ALWAYS welcome

Ed caught this fish on 4x and a 5wt fishing for trout!

When the memo went out that is was too cold to fish, Sean and Ed missed it.  Water temps were far from favorable but we made the most of it working runs slow and methodically.  For not having done this type of steelheading before these guys did great.   Spring, you can come anytime now...

Jay Allen, Riverquest guide

Muskegon River trout - 3/2/13

It may be old out but the fish have not been notified that it is too cold to eat.  Fishing has been excellent in regards to numbers as well as hold-overs.  Early brown stoneflies have become a pattern to fish.  MO scuds continue to take a good number  of fish as well.  Midges have taken some fish but mostly on days when there are good number of flies emerging.  Water temps remain in the low 30's so fishing flies low and slow is essential. Get out for some fun winter nymphing while it lasts.  The steelhead are on the way.

Jay Allen, Riverquest guide

Jay wasted no time hooking this nice brown about 5 fish into the day

big bow from a soft pocket in the middle of fast water

not big...but beatiful