What the Muskegon River offers anglers

The Muskegon River is a 212-mile system that flows north from the Higgins Lake area down through Newaygo County and into Muskegon Lake, which opens to Lake Michigan. It's a mixed fishery—you'll find walleye, smallmouth bass, northern pike, and panfish in different sections, with seasonal runs of salmon and steelhead in the lower river. The character changes as you move downstream: the upper reaches near Newaygo are slower, more marshy, and hold walleye and pike; the middle sections around Croton Dam offer better current and structure for smallmouth; the lower river below Newaygo is tidal and brackish, where steelhead and salmon move through in fall and spring.

What makes the Muskegon distinct from other Michigan rivers is how much of it is accessible by boat and how the dam system has shaped the fishery. Croton Dam, built in 1906, created a 2,400-acre impoundment that changed the river's personality entirely—it's now part lake, part river, and that transition zone holds fish year-round. The lower river, from Newaygo downstream to the lake, is tidal and influenced by Lake Michigan's water level, which means fishing conditions shift with the seasons and the weather.

Key Takeaways

  • Walleye fishing is best in spring and fall in the slower, deeper sections above Croton Dam, with live shiners and jigs the most reliable methods.
  • Smallmouth bass thrive in the current below Croton Dam and around rocky structure, especially in summer and early fall.
  • Steelhead and salmon runs occur in fall (September through November) and spring (March through May) in the lower river below Newaygo.
  • The Muskegon is a dam-controlled river, so water levels and current can change quickly; check dam release schedules before you fish the lower sections.
  • Most of the river is accessible by public boat launch, but some sections require wading or kayaking, and private land borders much of the upper river.

Walleye fishing in the upper and middle river

Walleye are the bread-and-butter fish on the Muskegon, especially in the slower sections above Croton Dam. Spring (April through May) and fall (September through October) are the prime seasons—in spring, walleye move shallow to spawn and feed heavily before the water warms; in fall, they feed aggressively as they prepare for winter. Summer walleye are deeper and harder to find, but they're there if you fish the deepest holes and fish at dawn or dusk.

Live shiners work better than anything else on the Muskegon. Fish them on a simple slip-sinker rig in 8 to 15 feet of water, or cast them near structure—fallen trees, rock piles, the edges of weed beds. Jigs tipped with minnows or soft plastics are your second choice, especially in spring when you can work shallower water. The marshy sections near Newaygo hold walleye, but they're also snaggy; use heavier jigs (3/8 to 1/2 ounce) so you can feel the bottom and work through the weeds without hanging up constantly.

Croton Pond—the impoundment behind the dam—is a different animal. It's deeper, clearer, and more like a lake than a river. Walleye here respond to typical lake tactics: drop-shot rigs, live bait on slip-sinker rigs, and vertical jigging in 20 to 35 feet of water. The dam itself creates a current break on the downstream side, and that's a natural gathering spot for walleye, especially in spring and fall.

Smallmouth bass and pike in current and structure

Smallmouth bass are the secondary target on the Muskegon, and they're concentrated in the sections with current and rock. The area immediately below Croton Dam is the best smallmouth water on the river—the current is steady, the bottom is rocky, and the water is oxygenated. Fish here from June through September, throwing crankbaits, topwater, and soft plastics along the current seams and around the rocks.

Northern pike are scattered throughout the river, but they're most common in the marshy upper sections and around weed beds in Croton Pond. Spring and fall are best for pike, when they're aggressive and feeding. Large shiners and pike minnows (6 to 8 inches) work well, as do large soft plastics and spinnerbaits. Pike fishing on the Muskegon is not a primary draw, but if you're targeting walleye with live bait, you'll catch pike as a bonus.

Steelhead and salmon in the lower river

The lower Muskegon, from Newaygo downstream to the lake, is where steelhead and salmon enter the system. Fall runs (September through November) bring Chinook and coho salmon, along with some early steelhead. Spring runs (March through May) bring the bulk of the steelhead, and some fish hold over through the summer. The lower river is tidal and brackish, and fishing here requires different tactics than the upper river.

Steelhead respond to spawn sacs, small spoons, and soft plastics in the lower river. Fish the deeper holes and current breaks, especially where small tributaries enter the main river—these are natural holding spots. Salmon are more aggressive and will chase larger spoons and plugs. The key to lower-river fishing is timing: fish the incoming tide in fall and spring, when steelhead and salmon are moving upriver. Water temperature matters too—steelhead bite best when the water is between 45 and 55 degrees Fahrenheit, which usually means early morning or late evening in summer, and most of the day in spring and fall.

Boat access and public launches

The Muskegon has several public boat launches, but they're spread out and not all are equally good. Near Newaygo, the Newaygo State Park boat launch (on the south side of town) gives you access to the upper river and Croton Pond. It's a small launch with limited parking, but it's reliable. The Croton Dam area has a launch on the downstream side (Croton Pond Park), which is good for accessing the impoundment and the current below the dam.

The lower river has launches at Muskegon Lake State Park and at various points along the lower Muskegon, but access is more limited and some launches are seasonal. Check with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources or local tackle shops before you go—water levels and dam releases can affect which launches are usable. The river is generally navigable by small motorboat from Newaygo downstream, but the upper sections are shallow and snaggy; many anglers use kayaks or canoes in the marshy areas above Newaygo.

Seasons and water conditions

Spring (April through May) is the most productive season on the Muskegon. Walleye are shallow and feeding, steelhead are running in the lower river, and the water is cool and clear. Summer (June through August) is slower for walleye but good for smallmouth and pike; the upper river warms and walleye go deep. Fall (September through November) brings salmon and steelhead runs and renewed walleye activity as the water cools. Winter (December through March) is slow, but some anglers fish for walleye in the deeper holes and for steelhead in the lower river.

Water level and current are critical on the Muskegon because of the dam system. Croton Dam releases water on a schedule that varies by season and weather; high releases can make the lower river unfishable for a day or two, while low releases can strand boats. Check the dam release schedule before you fish, especially if you're planning to fish the lower river or the current below the dam. Local tackle shops and the Newaygo area chamber of commerce can tell you what the current conditions are.

Regulations and what you need to know

Michigan fishing regulations apply on the Muskegon. You need a valid Michigan fishing license, which you can purchase online or at any tackle shop. Walleye have a daily limit of 5 fish with a 15-inch minimum size; smallmouth bass have a 12-inch minimum and a 5-fish limit; northern pike have a 24-inch minimum and a 1-fish limit. Steelhead and salmon have their own regulations that vary by season and section of river—check the current Michigan fishing guide before you fish.

Some sections of the river are catch-and-release only, and some tributaries have special regulations. The lower river below Newaygo is part of a Lake Michigan tributary system, and steelhead and salmon regulations there are different from the upper river. Read the current regulations carefully, or ask at a local tackle shop—they'll know the rules for the specific section you're planning to fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the best time of year to fish the Muskegon?

Spring (April through May) and fall (September through November) are most productive. Spring brings walleye spawning runs and early steelhead; fall brings salmon and steelhead runs and renewed walleye feeding. Summer is slower for walleye but good for smallmouth bass.

Do I need a boat to fish the Muskegon?

A boat helps, but it's not required. You can wade or kayak many sections, especially the upper river near Newaygo. The lower river is best accessed by boat because of the tidal influence and the distance between good fishing spots.

What's the difference between fishing above and below Croton Dam?

Above the dam, the river is slower and more marshy, with walleye and pike in deeper holes and weed beds. Below the dam, there's steady current and rocky structure, which holds smallmouth bass and creates a natural gathering spot for walleye during spawning runs.

Can I fish for steelhead in summer on the Muskegon?

Yes, but it's slow. Some steelhead hold over in the lower river through summer, especially in the deepest holes. Fish early morning or late evening when the water is coolest, and focus on the current breaks and deeper pools.

How do dam releases affect fishing?

High releases can make the lower river unsafe and unfishable for a day or two. Low releases can strand boats. Check the dam release schedule before you fish, especially if you're planning to fish below the dam or in the lower river.