Michigan Spring Steelhead for the Muskegon River - 2012
Looks like Ole Man Winter finally has lost his grip
on the Muskegon River! There are plenty of fish around, crowds have
left and now is the time to book a Winter or Spring float fishing trip
with Betts Guide Service and be one of the “Chosen Frozen.”
Check out some recent Steelhead at the Muskegon
River Fishing Report to see some great fish being caught!
My largest steelhead taken on the Muskegon River during the 2012 season!
(17 lbs, 3 oz)
After a great Fall/Winter run for both Salmon and Steelhead,
we are now fully into the Winter/Spring mode. We enjoyed a very mild
November, December, and January, the mildest on record. Warmer than
average temperature forecasted for the rest of January, February. We
also don't have the huge amounts of snow we had last year, creating
some great opportunities for both Steelhead and resident Trout. Water
levels are lower this winter making things a little easier.
Most of the Steelhead we are catching are Fall and Winter holdovers.
There are a few bright chromers in the system. February offers the beginning
of the Spring run. This Fall and Winter season, we have seen an increase
in size, there have been plenty of fish in the 10-12 pound range! Water
levels are normal and clarity is perfect! Float fishing has been great,
flies are working well also. Late February and early March offers the
Muskegon River Stone fly emergence is a must for Steelhead fly fishing
anglers!
The fishing has been good to great depending on the day. Changing weather
patterns can and do influence the fishing sometimes hourly it seems,
we have been catching fish early in the morning and throughout the day,
averaging over a fish per hour on floats and spawn. Fly Fishing has
also been very good.
I am running a winter 1/2 day special for 1-2 anglers for only $250
for 5 hours on the river.
Full day-trips 8 plus hours on the river for $350 for 1-2 anglers. I
do have plenty of handwarmers to keep your hands toasty warm after you
pose for the "Grip and Grin" photos of your Winter - Spring
Steelhead.
We are booking our spring trips as well dates for March and April are
filling up quickly for myself and Jimmy Bertheume
are limited. Please contact me if you are interested in Spring Steelhead
dates as well.
Call, email, or text us with the dates you may be interested in. I do have other dates available for secondary guides and multi boat guide trips. These dates listed here are first come, first serve, and require a $100 Paypal Deposit to reserve the date...
Step on board for one of the best Winter/Spring Steelhead runs in over a decade! If you ever wanted to learn to steelhead fish, now is the time! We are truly looking forward to guiding you in the upcoming 2012 season!
Regards,
Chad Betts
(231) 519-7348
Spring Steelhead selections, templates, and Steelhead fly sales available: MojoFlies.com
~ Peak Seasons ~Spring Steelhead - Febuary 15- May 20th
Spring Trophy Trout With Streamers - May 20th - June 20th
Best Dry Fly Fishing - May 20th - July 5
Upper Muskegon River Smallmouth Bass Fishing - May 15 - July 1
Fall Salmon Season - September - October 15
Fall Steelhead - October 20 - Dec 15th
Center pin Float Fishing Steelhead in Michigan
Centerpin Steelhead Guides Great Lakes | Michigan Center Pin Float Fishing for Great Lakes Steelhead | Muskegon River Steelhead, Grand River Steelhead, Rogue River Steelhead, Manistee River Centerpin Guides
Wanted to get in touch with you about dates for the 2012 season. Thank you again for your business in the past. Let's talk soon about dates for the 2012 season.
I am starting to run through the notes and messages from 2011 for interest in the 2012 season. I like to try and give all current customers an opportunity to book the best dates before opening up the calendar after the first of the year. The fishing season for 2012 should be a good season with hopes of good water levels and hatches on the Muskegon, Pere Marquette, and Manistee Rivers. Excellent lake levels and bait fish in the great lakes.
The weather here in Northern Michigan is finally cold and snowy, after a mild awesome fall and early winter! Most rivers are still seeing good - great fishing. The Steelhead fishing has been great on the Manistee River and should continue all winter. Off the river today and tying a few flies to fill in the gaps in the Steelhead box. I still have a few dates for peak season spring Steelhead if your interested, as well as other great fishing opportunities in the 2012season.
The Spring Fishing Season for Steelhead and trout will pick up pace with warmer temps in March. The fish that are in the system at the moment will spawn during March and early April, and will be replaced with fresh Steelhead from Lake Michigan. The best fishing will take place from Late March through early May. Weather plays a major roll in how the season takes place. Steelhead and Brown trout will feed on egg patterns, small early black stones, and salmon fry for most of the season.
Winter can be long and not allow many Fishing opportunities, and this leads to "Cabin Fever" I offer a Winter Special until March 20 for steelhead and trout. A good warming trend can lead to some great fishing! Less anglers, more water to fish, and the bite can be great if you look for a warming trend.
Late May and June provide great opportunities for trophy small mouth bass on Grand Traverse Bay (last years big fish was 8lbs 2 oz,) I also offer guided "Carp on a Fly" on the flats of Grand Traverse Bay. June is a great time to fish the local rivers as well. Multiple hatches and big fish taking dry flies at dust and after dark is what this fishing is about. June also offers great opportunity for trophy trout up to 25" inch range, while fishing the Hex hatch and waking mice after dark.
Thank you for the time, and thank you for interest in the past! If you have any questions on the fishing in West Michigan feel free to contact me. If you are going to be in the area and would like to book a future trip, feel free to give me a call or email, and I will do everything I can to make it a great day on the water!
Thank you
Chad
~
Winter- Spring Tailwater fishery for Steelhead in West Michigan. ~
We
are also now offering Center pin instructionals to learn Centerpin float
fishing for Steelhead!
Unlike
the Grand River, White River, and Pere Marquette Rivers, the Muskegon
is a tailwater fishery, this means the Muskegon River never freezes!
This allows us to guide anglers throughout the winter months for Steelhead
and Trout. Float fishing during the Winter is a beautiful time to be
on the water with good numbers of Steelhead and lots of wildlife along
the rivers banks. Grand River Steelhead in Grand Rapids near sixth Street.
(49505)
We are offering 5 hr half-day trips ($250 for one or two anglers)
during December, January, and February. Some of these trips are
morning, while other maybe from noon until 5pm depending on the weather,
sometimes afternoons are best to warm the water temperatures. If you
have ever wanted to learn to fish Winter Steelhead Float Fishing -
Now is a great time to go fish Muskegon River & Grand River Steelhead
with floats and spawn!!
Water
levels are medium
Muskegon River Streamflow Data
Water
level is 1000 cfs - and stable... Wading is good at this time.
Water temp is 45 degrees - Perfect forWinter Steelhead and Trout.
Spring Steelhead on Michigan's Muskegon River | Center pin float Fishing Guides for Steelhead in Michigan | Guided Fly Fishing for Trout Muskegon River (231) 519-7348
Centerpin fishing for Steelhead - Floats
and spawn is the perfect "stealth" technique for low-clear
water. Float fishing has been our technique of choice for covering water.
Floats enable anglers to hook-up at long distances away from wary fish.Most
of the deep waters areas have all been holding Steelhead around the
Thornapple launch, High rollaway area has also been good in the deep
gravel areas and in the riffle. Trout have also been active in these
areas. Small spawn sacks, natural mesh, and light tippets help with
pressured fish.
A
note about Trout Beads:
I love the smaller sizes in the washed out colors. I've been using them
under a float for about ten years. Chinook Salmon, Kings have a yellow,
or soft orange color about them so the washed out orange ( Mottled colors
are awesome!) seem to work best. Coho colors are good. "Egg yolk"
is great here in Michigan. You seem to need King Salmon, and Brown Trout
colors. Try to use a red rubber band and pull loop through the leader
and bead. works great! Peg about 1" to 1.5" above a hook.
Also, try blued or black hooks. Bright hooks spook fish.
I
spent the afternoon centerpin fishing with Jim and found the weather
to be great and the Steelhead whiling to bite! We fished the upper sections
of the Muskegon River and found a decent number of fish in each area
that we floated. Most of the Steelhead from today were located in the
deeper portions of the runs and deep tailouts. They seemed to fight
hard and several of them even managed to jump. Water temps are still
in the high 30's - low 40's keeping Steelhead aggressive to the correct
offerings.
Our technique today was one of our favorites, Centerpin float fishing with floats and spawn. We also landed several fish on tiny Little Nipper jigs and waxworms. Long, extended drifts, light tippets, and different offerings paid off big time as the water levels remain low and clear. I feel there is a great number of Steelhead throughout the river system. These fish are wise and may have been caught and released before. A quiet approach and a clean drifts certainly helped to bring fish to hand.
We also offer Winter Steelhead float fishing center pin instruction on how to achieve the proper drifts, presentation, float selection, and winter holding waters for steelhead on the Muskegon, Rogue, and Grand Rivers in West Michigan.
Center
pin fishing for Steelhead -
Floats and spawn has been our technique of
choice for covering water. Fly fishing has also been great, keeping
up with bait fishing numbers. Citris clown eggs and golden/egg nuke
eggs have been fishing well. TroutBeads
have also been excellent while fishing behind the salmon. Centerpin
Steelhead fishing has been outstanding with the low-clear water levels
on the Muskegon and Manistee Rivers. Centerpin float fishing is the
best method for a stealty presentation.
Techniques for
Steelhead:
Floats
and Spawn
Another prefered method
for Fall and Winter Steelhead is fishing floats and spawn. Fishing
floats and spawn is a fast-paced style of steelhead fishing. We fish
quickly and cover miles of river in a day, usually producing lots of
hook-ups and many steelhead landed. We prefer to fish specialized G.
Loomis 11' 3" float rods. Loomis rods are available for your use
on guided trips. These longer rods allow the angler a longer drift and
a stronger hook set. We also use Cabela Prodigy spinning reels or center-pins
reels spooled with 10 lb hi-vis monofilment. These smooth reels allow
for long casts and a smooth drag system to fight big fish.. Floats for
steelhead vary greatly depending on water levels and conditions. We
generally use the orange/black Thill steelhead floats. They seem to
work best for the Muskegon and Big Manistee Rivers. Smaller floats styles
are available for the White and Pere Marquette rivers. All gear is provided
for you. We have the spawn tied, cured, and ready to fish!
A selection of floats and spawn.
~ Winter & Spring Steelhead News Letter 2011 ~
Looks like Ole Man Winter finally has lost his grip
on the Muskegon River! There are plenty of fish around, crowds have
left and now is the time to book a Winter or Spring float fishing trip
with Betts Guide Service and be one of the “Chosen Frozen.”
Check out some recent Steelhead at the Muskegon
River Fishing Report to see some great fish being caught!
Mike with the largest steelhead taken on the Muskegon River during
the 2010 season!
After a great Fall run for both Salmon and Steelhead,
we are now fully into the Winter season. We enjoyed a very mild November,
but Winter showed up with a vengeance in early January but the forecast
looks promising. Warmer than average temperature forecasted for the
rest of January. We also don't have the huge amounts of snow we had
last year, creating some great opportunities for both Steelhead and
resident Trout. Water levels are lower this winter making things a little
easier.
Most of the Steelhead we are catching are Fall - Winter holdovers. There
are a few bright chromers in the system. February offers the beginning
of the Spring run. This Fall -Winter season, we have seen an increase
in size, there have been plenty of fish in the 10-12 pound range! Water
levels are normal and clarity is perfect! Float fishing has been great,
flies are working well also. Late February and early March offers the
Muskegon River Stone fly emergence - a must for Steelhead fly fishing
anglers!
The fishing has been good to great depending on the day. Changing weather
patterns can and do influence the fishing sometimes hourly it seems,
we have been catching fish early in the morning and throughout the day,
averaging over a fish per hour on floats and spawn. Fly Fishing has
also been very good.
I am running a winter 1/2 day special for 1-2 anglers for only $250
for 5 hours on the river.
Full day-trips 8 plus hours on the river for $350 for 1-2 anglers. I
do have plenty of handwarmers to keep your hands toasty warm after you
pose for the "Grip and Grin" photos of your Winter - Spring
Steelhead.
We are booking our spring trips as well Dates for March and April are
filling up quickly for myself and Jimmy Bertheume
are limited. Please contact me if you are interested in Spring Steelhead
dates as well.
Here are the open dates that Jim and I have available.
I do have other dates available for secondary guides and multi boat
guide trips. These dates listed here are first come, first serve, and
require a $100 Paypal Deposit to reserve the date...
(Chad
B.) January: 24,
25, 26, 27, 30, 31.
Feb. 1,
4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28,
(Jim B.) January: 24,
27, 28, 29, 30, 31.
Feb. 1,
4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28,
March Dates: 1,
2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 23, 24, 29, 30.
April Dates: 11,
12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 27, 28.
May
Dates Also Available.
Please contact me if you have any questions:
(231) 519-7348
Check it out! Fall
Steelhead Video
Michigan Spring
Steelhead for the Muskegon River - 2012
Finally! I looks like spring is here! The sun is shining, birds are
singing, and Steelhead are showing up in big numbers. With old man winter’s
prolonged grip on the weather this year, the main spring run has yet
to show. The water temps are still hanging in the low 40’s which
means many Steelies are still lingering in the holes and have yet to
hit the gravel. This means that the Muskegon river will be fishing great
for the entire month of May and even possibly into the first week of
June.
Enjoy the warmer weather and sight fly fishing visable steelhead on
gravel shoals. Wading may also be possible.
Other
side bar to the excellent Steelhead fishing, is the coveted, Sucker
spawn nymphing, which offers the best in larger Trout fishing on the
Muskegon River. During late May, Lake Michigan Suckers, make a spawning
run, digging redds, depositing eggs, and dislodging nymphs. Trophy Browns
and Rainbow sit behind spawning Suckers waiting for the smorgasbord
to begin. Sucker spawn is generally between May 15th - June 1st. (Also
Gray Drake Season - Dry Files)
Don’t pass up a chance of a lifetime. The crowds will be gone and
the fishing will be great. Leave the wool hats and gloves at home and
pull out the shorts. Mid May is going to be the time to be on the water,
with Betts Guide Service. Bring the kids, wife, or long time fishing
buddy and come make some memories with us!
Muskegon River Spring Steelhead Report
Let us know what dates work the best for your fishing adventure for Steelhead and Trout! We look forward to fishing with you during the warmer months!
Regards, Chad
(231) 519-7348
Fall Salmon Safari for the Pere Marquette and Manistee Rivers - 2011
I just wanted to send out a reminder to everyone about this year’s
Salmon safari.
We are planning on starting SALMON trips on or around August 15th on
the lower Pere Marquette River & Big Manistee River. In the past
ten years we have had excellent days in the lower river with relatively
little angling pressure from other guides. This year, we are planning
to guide for salmon from August 15th through late October. Techniques
will include casting thundersticks in the morning and fishing floats
and skein ( Salmon eggs) during the day.
Fly Fishing with be available on the Manistee River from late September
(25th) through late October (25th).
Half-days will also be offered at this time from 3:30 pm - near dark
for a special $250 for 2 anglers.
Salmon fishing on the Pere Marquette River should be outstanding in
late August for fresh run king salmon. The lower sections of these rivers
have new fish entering the rivers on a daily basis. Lots of rain and
cooler temperatures help migrations immensely. East winds on Lake Michigan
have are the biggest key to bringing lots of salmon and fall steelhead
into the rivers mouth. Water levels have been perfect this season with
good flows and good migrations.
Fishing should only become better over the next two month. September,
October, and November are with out a doubt the best time to fish Western
Michigan Rivers. The average Michigan Chinook Salmon is between 18 and
25 pounds, fish over 30 are common. The average Steelhead in Michigan
is 8 to 12 pounds but we hook several fish each season close to 20 pounds!
These fish are great sport on an 8 weight fly rod!!
After November 1st we will be guiding the lower Muskegon for Chrome bullet STEELHEAD. Steelhead dates are from October 25th until sometime after Christmas. These are by far the most powerful and vigorous steelhead of the year!!
Due to the large amounts of rain and exciting fishing reports from the big lake Captains, we are in-store for one heck of a great salmon and steelhead season. It looks like the water levels and river conditions will be in great shape for this fall season.
We have Salmon dates available from August 20th through October 25th
and Fall
Steelhead dates from November 1st to late December. Spring Steelhead
dates start in February of 2012.
I also encourage everyone to check out our new fishing reports on
the website,
(www.BettsGuideService.com)
I now have updated daily fishing reports, stream flow data, lots of
fish pictures, weather reports are all up and running. We also keep
fishing reports up dated. Please "Like" Betts Guide
Service!
We enjoyed fishing with everyone this summer and had a great time in
Alaska guiding for Salmon. (Pics of Facebook)
We look forward to getting you into some great fish this fall season!
We’ll hook you up!
Regards, Chad Betts & Jimmy B.
(231) 519-7348
~ Chicago Fly Fishing Guides ~
We are located only 3.5 hours from great Chicago Fly Fishing. With just a short drive North, Chicago anglers can be into some of the best fly fishing Michigan has to offer! Chicago Fly Fishing anglers will enjoy Steelhead fishing on the Muskegon River. We are located 3.5 hours from Bass Pro Fly Shops Chicago, IL 60610. Only a short drive North from Chicago on US-31. Chicago Fly Fishing for Steelhead, Salmon and Trout is available year around on the Muskegon River and St. Joseph Rivers.
~ Grand Rapids Fly Fishing ~
We are located 45 minutes North of Grand Rapids, Mi 49505. Grand Rapids Fly Fishing on the Grand River can be fantastic during March for Spring Steelhead. The Rogue River also receives a good push of Salmon and Steelhead near Rockford in October and November.
Welcome to Western Michigan's premiere guide service for Spring Steelhead, Trout and Smallmouth Bass on the Muskegon River, Manistee River, and Pere Marquette rivers. We pride ourselves in offering anglers the unique opportunities and knowledge to fish
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•More Featured Articles
Keys to float fishing for Winter Steelhead in Michigan:
The explosive growth in winter-steelhead fly fishing over the last ten years has resulted in dramatically increased pressure on productive, accessible water. Unfortunately, fish that see a lot of fly patterns every day don't remain responsive very long. Many anglers have responded to the decline in quality at popular waters by setting off in drift boats and jet sleds. Other steelheaders simply hike to cover more water. The goal of these anglers is the same: Fish as much of the river as possible in the course of a day.
Jet Boats
play an important role of covering water for Winter and Spring Steelhead.
This gives the guide and client an important edge- Being able to cover
water! In Michigan, inovative techniques basically "change it up"
for Steelhead that have seen it all. Our guides strive in inovative
techniques!
Muskegon River
Outfitters are located 3.5 hours from Chicago, IL 60610. Only a short
drive North from Chicago on US-31. Chicago anglers can be fishing for
Steelhead, Trout , and Steelhead in Western Michigan. We guide year
around on the Muskegon River and St. Joseph Rivers.
Summer-run Steelhead (Skamania) are available on the St. Joe during
July and August. The Mansitee River also offers tremendous Skamania
and Chinook Salmon near Tippy Dam area in the Manistee National Forest.
Michigan's
Hottest Tailwater Fishery - Muskegon River Trout!
The Muskegon River offers anglers the finest fly fishing anywhere for
Steelhead and Trout. This tailwater is loaded with prolific hatches
of Stone flies and Caddis. The nutrient rich waters of the Muskegon
River provide cover and food for thousands of Michigan Trout during
June amd July!
Michigan Fly Fishing charters on
the Muskegon
River, Pere
Marquette River, White
River, and
Manistee Rivers for Steelhead,
Salmon, Trout
and Smallmouth
Bass. Michigan Fly Fishing guides on the Muskegon River for Fall
& Winter Steelhead!
West Michigan's best kept secret fishing destination... Muskegon
River Steelhead guides!! Pere
Marquette Fly Fishing for Trout with the Hopper & Dropper fly
patterns. Hot, windy days have been the best
fly fishing for Trout Salmon charters & guided trips available.
There have also been some Chinook
Salmon in the upper
"Flies Only" Section of the PM River. Michigan
Fly Fishing in Southwest Michigan for
Skamania Steelhead ( Summer Run Steelhead) on the St.
Joseph River and Dowagiac River. Casting Thundersticks and small
spinners fishing well.
|
Daily
Muskegon River Fishing Report
|
Located just 3 hours from Chicago, anglers are offered great Muskegon River lodging, hotels, and accommodations. Fly Fish in comfort in clean, comfortable custom jet boats or Hyde Drift boats. Guided Fly Fishing adventures are available throughout the year. Steelhead and Trout are best during the Winter and Spring months. Salmon fishing peaks during Fall.
Driftboat trips are available for Smallmouth and Trout fishing during the Summer and Winter months offering a calm and relaxing atmosphere for customers to enjoy a peaceful day of fly fishing.
Good Numbers of both Chinook Salmon and Manistee River Skamania Steelhead in the Mid to Lower Sections of the Big Manistee River. Tippy Dam is also fishing well for Summer Steelhead, Trout, and Smallmouth Bass.
Muskegon River has also been fishing well for Summer Brown Trout, and
Fly Fishing Smallmouth Bass. Poppers and Streamers have been fishing the best for Trout. Skamania Steelhead and also available on floats and spawn. Muskegon River Charters, canoe trips, kayaking.
We are located less than 3.5 hours from Chicago Fly Fishing 60610.
Fly Fishing near Chicago is offered daily on the St. Joe River.
Center pin
Float Fishing Steelhead in Michigan
Centerpin Steelhead Guides Great Lakes | Michigan Center Pin Float
Fishing for Great Lakes Steelhead | Muskegon River Steelhead, Grand
River Steelhead, Rogue River Steelhead, Manistee River Centerpin Guides
~ Winter- Spring Tailwater fishery for Steelhead in West Michigan. ~
We
are also now offering Center pin instructionals to learn Centerpin float
fishing for Steelhead!
Unlike
the Grand River, White River, and Pere Marquette Rivers, the Muskegon
is a tailwater fishery, this means the Muskegon River never freezes!
This allows us to guide anglers throughout the winter months for Steelhead
and Trout. Float fishing during the Winter is a beautiful time to be
on the water with good numbers of Steelhead and lots of wildlife along
the rivers banks. Grand River Steelhead in Grand Rapids near sixth Street.
(49505)
We are offering 5 hr half-day trips ($250 for one or two anglers)
during December, January, and February. Some of these trips are
morning, while other maybe from noon until 5pm depending on the weather,
sometimes afternoons are best to warm the water temperatures. If you
have ever wanted to learn to fish Winter Steelhead Float Fishing -
Now is a great time to go fish Muskegon River & Grand River Steelhead
with floats and spawn!!
Water
levels are medium
Muskegon River Streamflow Data
Water
level is 1000 cfs - and stable... Wading is good at this time.
Water temp is 45 degrees - Perfect forWinter Steelhead and Trout.
Spring Steelhead on Michigan's Muskegon River | Center pin float Fishing Guides for Steelhead in Michigan | Guided Fly Fishing for Trout Muskegon River (231) 519-7348
Centerpin fishing for Steelhead - Floats
and spawn is the perfect "stealth" technique for low-clear
water. Float fishing has been our technique of choice for covering water.
Floats enable anglers to hook-up at long distances away from wary fish.Most
of the deep waters areas have all been holding Steelhead around the
Thornapple launch, High rollaway area has also been good in the deep
gravel areas and in the riffle. Trout have also been active in these
areas. Small spawn sacks, natural mesh, and light tippets help with
pressured fish.
A
note about Trout Beads:
I love the smaller sizes in the washed out colors. I've been using them
under a float for about ten years. Chinook Salmon, Kings have a yellow,
or soft orange color about them so the washed out orange ( Mottled colors
are awesome!) seem to work best. Coho colors are good. "Egg yolk"
is great here in Michigan. You seem to need King Salmon, and Brown Trout
colors. Try to use a red rubber band and pull loop through the leader
and bead. works great! Peg about 1" to 1.5" above a hook.
Also, try blued or black hooks. Bright hooks spook fish.
I
spent the afternoon centerpin fishing with Jim and found the weather
to be great and the Steelhead whiling to bite! We fished the upper sections
of the Muskegon River and found a decent number of fish in each area
that we floated. Most of the Steelhead from today were located in the
deeper portions of the runs and deep tailouts. They seemed to fight
hard and several of them even managed to jump. Water temps are still
in the high 30's - low 40's keeping Steelhead aggressive to the correct
offerings.
Our technique today was one of our favorites, Centerpin float fishing with floats and spawn. We also landed several fish on tiny Little Nipper jigs and waxworms. Long, extended drifts, light tippets, and different offerings paid off big time as the water levels remain low and clear. I feel there is a great number of Steelhead throughout the river system. These fish are wise and may have been caught and released before. A quiet approach and a clean drifts certainly helped to bring fish to hand.
We also offer Winter Steelhead float fishing center pin instruction on how to achieve the proper drifts, presentation, float selection, and winter holding waters for steelhead on the Muskegon, Rogue, and Grand Rivers in West Michigan.
Center
pin fishing for Steelhead -
Floats and spawn has been our technique of
choice for covering water. Fly fishing has also been great, keeping
up with bait fishing numbers. Citris clown eggs and golden/egg nuke
eggs have been fishing well. TroutBeads
have also been excellent while fishing behind the salmon. Centerpin
Steelhead fishing has been outstanding with the low-clear water levels
on the Muskegon and Manistee Rivers. Centerpin float fishing is the
best method for a stealty presentation.
Techniques for
Steelhead:
Floats
and Spawn
Another prefered method
for Fall and Winter Steelhead is fishing floats and spawn. Fishing
floats and spawn is a fast-paced style of steelhead fishing. We fish
quickly and cover miles of river in a day, usually producing lots of
hook-ups and many steelhead landed. We prefer to fish specialized G.
Loomis 11' 3" float rods. Loomis rods are available for your use
on guided trips. These longer rods allow the angler a longer drift and
a stronger hook set. We also use Cabela Prodigy spinning reels or center-pins
reels spooled with 10 lb hi-vis monofilment. These smooth reels allow
for long casts and a smooth drag system to fight big fish.. Floats for
steelhead vary greatly depending on water levels and conditions. We
generally use the orange/black Thill steelhead floats. They seem to
work best for the Muskegon and Big Manistee Rivers. Smaller floats styles
are available for the White and Pere Marquette rivers. All gear is provided
for you. We have the spawn tied, cured, and ready to fish!
A selection of floats and spawn.
~ Winter & Spring Steelhead News Letter 2011 ~
Looks like Ole Man Winter finally has lost his grip
on the Muskegon River! There are plenty of fish around, crowds have
left and now is the time to book a Winter or Spring float fishing trip
with Betts Guide Service and be one of the “Chosen Frozen.”
Check out some recent Steelhead at the Muskegon
River Fishing Report to see some great fish being caught!
Mike with the largest steelhead taken on the Muskegon River during
the 2010 season!
After a great Fall run for both Salmon and Steelhead,
we are now fully into the Winter season. We enjoyed a very mild November,
but Winter showed up with a vengeance in early January but the forecast
looks promising. Warmer than average temperature forecasted for the
rest of January. We also don't have the huge amounts of snow we had
last year, creating some great opportunities for both Steelhead and
resident Trout. Water levels are lower this winter making things a little
easier.
Most of the Steelhead we are catching are Fall - Winter holdovers. There
are a few bright chromers in the system. February offers the beginning
of the Spring run. This Fall -Winter season, we have seen an increase
in size, there have been plenty of fish in the 10-12 pound range! Water
levels are normal and clarity is perfect! Float fishing has been great,
flies are working well also. Late February and early March offers the
Muskegon River Stone fly emergence - a must for Steelhead fly fishing
anglers!
The fishing has been good to great depending on the day. Changing weather
patterns can and do influence the fishing sometimes hourly it seems,
we have been catching fish early in the morning and throughout the day,
averaging over a fish per hour on floats and spawn. Fly Fishing has
also been very good.
I am running a winter 1/2 day special for 1-2 anglers for only $250
for 5 hours on the river.
Full day-trips 8 plus hours on the river for $350 for 1-2 anglers. I
do have plenty of handwarmers to keep your hands toasty warm after you
pose for the "Grip and Grin" photos of your Winter - Spring
Steelhead.
We are booking our spring trips as well Dates for March and April are
filling up quickly for myself and Jimmy Bertheume
are limited. Please contact me if you are interested in Spring Steelhead
dates as well.
Here are the open dates that Jim and I have available.
I do have other dates available for secondary guides and multi boat
guide trips. These dates listed here are first come, first serve, and
require a $100 Paypal Deposit to reserve the date...
(Chad
B.) January: 24,
25, 26, 27, 30, 31.
Feb. 1,
4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28,
(Jim B.) January: 24,
27, 28, 29, 30, 31.
Feb. 1,
4, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 23, 25, 26, 27, 28,
March Dates: 1,
2, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 11, 14, 15, 23, 24, 29, 30.
April Dates: 11,
12, 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, 27, 28.
May
Dates Also Available.
Please contact me if you have any questions:
(231) 519-7348
Check it out! Fall
Steelhead Video
www.BettsGuideService.com
chadbetts@hotmail.com (231) 519-7348
~ Muskegon River Summertime Trout 2010 ~
Time for Trout! As most of you will remember, the summer of 2009 left us wondering if it would ever warm up. While this certainly meant we would wearing be jackets most of the time, the trout of the Muskegon River were on an extended party! Cool water and higher than normal flows produced growth rates that rivaled Western streams at 1.5 inches or better a month! As we head into the height of trout season, the Muskegon River holds some of the best trout we have seen in years!
Currently, both rainbow and brown trout are gorging on Chinook Salmon fry and copious amounts of Black Stoneflies. Caddis hatches are just getting started and will be quickly followed by Gray Drakes over the next few weeks.
Good News about the Croton Dam "Bubbler"
System.
The big news last summer was the installation of the cold water
Bubbler at the Croton Reservoir in July. This cold water bottom-up cycling
compressor was tested during the summer to keep water temperatures down
through the hot summer months on the main tailwater and increase dissolved
oxygen. From Consumers Power's testing studies it was a success and
they committed to a permanent unit to be installed July 2010 and it
will run indefinitely. With this, the Muskegon's Trout and Wild Steelhead
Parr will be more comfortable and feed heavily all summer like they
did in 2009. This should make for some excellent trout fishing during
the summer months!!
Muskegon River - "Hatch fishing at it's finest"
With the new bubbler system installed and in full swing, the Muskegon
comes into it's finest hour... Hatch fishing for trout in the upper
river. Large, expansive riffles with plenty of room to wade on fire
long casts on a dry line to rising Trout. Best hatches on the Mighty
Mo during June and July are the Gray Drakes, Isonychias, and lots, and
lots of Caddis!
Streamers for Trophy Trout & Smallmouth Bass
Trout season brings about our first real opportunity to bring our "game"
to the fish. By this, I mean we are able to present fly patterns, or
more specifically, streamers to the waiting trout. So much of the year,
whether it be for steelhead or resident trout, we rely on well-drifted
small flies swung through likely holds to entice soft takes from holding
fish.
Streamer tactics, on the other-hand, afford the fly fisherman an opportunity to take advantage of aggressive, predatory behavior of larger trout. Armed with a sink-tip line and stout fly rod the fly fisherman "strip retrieves" large streamers through likely holds, hoping to trigger the smashing strikes of large trout. Stripping streamers is my preferred method to pose large trout consistently for the camera.
Streamers for Trophy Trout & Smallmouth Bass
Nate, Jim and I plan on guiding this year's bountiful Rainbow and Brown
Trout run through June/ July/ August - right into Salmon Season! If
your looking into fly fishing for Skamania Steelhead on a day that is
70 degrees and sunny, now is your chance, as June weather in Michigan
is beautiful. We are also booking trips for the Gray Drake spinner fall
and Trout fishing behind the spawning suckers. It's an absolute hoot
to catch lots of Trout with a chance at a trophy Brown on the fly.
Alaska Fly Fishing during the Summer of 2010.
I just found a really great fishing experience in Alaska! It's a
very personalized Lodge with huge Rainbows (Large as Steelhead, Chinook
salmon, Grayling, and Silver salmon, Sockeye salmon) I plan on going
there to guide from June 15th through Early September.. I would be your
personal guide with fly outs each day to different rivers for the best
fishing!
Normal price is $5900 per week, the owner said if I take care of my
own clients and guide, I can charge $3995 for the week. It's an awesome
experience and wanted you to come up there for a week with me. Alaska
Lodge
Now is also the time to book Salmon on the Manistee, Pere Marquette,
and Muskegon River.
We will be guiding the Pere Marquette, Manistee, and the Muskegon for
Salmon starting on August 20th through
October 20th. Steelhead begin their Migration anytime after mid October.
I hope this e-mail finds everyone is good spirits for the upcoming summer, we're looking forward to a later run of Steelhead, Great Trout fishing and Smallmouth Bass fishing in July and August. I hope that you all have a great Spring-Summer Season that includes lots of fishing and time with your families. We look forward to fishing with you!
Thanks, Chad Betts
Check out our Fishing Reports: BettsGuideService.com/Report
My Cell Number: (231) 519-7348
~ Mid-Spring Steelhead 2010 ~
Spring Steelhead season is in full swing, after a long and
very cold winter. The Muskegon River is in prime condition for fly fishing
for Steelhead at this time. Water temperatures have warmed up and water
levels have receded to a normal and manageable range. For the past two
weeks, Steelhead fishing in the upper river between Thornapple and Pine
St. has been fantastic! For those who fly fished with me in late March
and earlier April, you know what I'm talking about! We enjoyed double
digit hookups before noon. This Spring's fly fishing has been some of
the best if ever seen in the past 10 years.
The Spring of 2009 was also much later and colder than usual, water
temperatures have not yet reached the mid 40 degree mark. During the
past week and a half, we have just landed nearly 100 chrome mint silver
hens that are not even close to spawning, which is the reason for me
sending out this e-mail. May is going to be the month for fly fishing
Steelhead on the Muskegon with lots of fish and hopefully less anglers.
Water levels are perfect and there are good numbers of Steelhead in
the river at this time. Usually the Muskegon River peaks around the
last week in April, but it looks like this year, Steelhead fishing will
peak nearly 2 -3 weeks later than usual. I believe the optimum time
for Spring Steelhead Season with be May 15th, with numerous fish still
in the system through early June.
Are you tired of chuck and duck fly fishing?
This is the perfect time to try fly fishing for Steelhead with floating
lines and strike indicators and/or Spey with floating lines. This is
the first year in a very long time with perfect conditions for sight
fishing with floating lines to fish on or near gravel. It's very exciting
to watch a big double striped buck hammer the fly as it swings past
the redd.
Nate, Jim and I plan on guiding this year's bountiful Steelhead run
well into late May - right into Trout Season! If your looking into fly
fishing for Steelhead on a day that is 70 degrees and sunny, now is
your chance, as May weather in Michigan is beautiful. We are also booking
trips for the Gray Drake spinner fall and Trout fishing behind the spawning
suckers. It's an absolute hoot to catch lots of Trout with a chance
at a trophy Brown on the fly.
I hope this e-mail finds everyone is good spirits for the upcoming
summer, we're looking forward to a later run of Steelhead, Great Trout
fishing and Smallmouth Bass fishing in July and August.
I hope that you all have a great Spring-Summer Season that includes lots of fishing and time with your families!
We look forward to fishing with you!
Thanks, Chad Betts
Check out our Fishing Reports: BettsGuideService.com/Report
My Cell Number: (231) 519-7348
Chad Betts Po Box 608 Newaygo, MI 49337 www.BettsGuideService.com
Chad-
The trip my wife and I took with you on September 16 and 17 was phenomenal.
To catch quality and numbers during a stale run is simply awesome. Seeing
the other guides with one or two and knowing that we had just boated
6 on the same stretch of river is amazing! I used a bit of my new found
expertise to land an 18 plus on 8lb fluorocarbon, Friday the 18th. Wading
the small public stretch above the Walhalla Ramp we watched two drift
boats stop and cast to some fish hanging just below gravel. After the
second boat left, we moved in and on my third cast one took it deep.
The hook was 2 inches back in the roof of her mouth. Unbelievable! Tracie
hooked up twice but couldn’t hang on. Not bad for the two hours
we spent there. Thanks again for the experience. We’d like to re-book
with you next September so I’ll keep in touch. Thanks again, Matt
Steen
Chad: Thanks for a very memorable day -- again -- on the Muskegon. Wally
and I really appreciate your extra efforts. It was a thrill landing
many Steelies. I'll tell you, we always have a taste for Michigan fishing.
It's truly magical. I'll also admit I am still haunted by the two that
got away. I'll keep learning and trying. Thanks again. I can't imagine
another guide on the planet who knows as much, and does as much for
his clients.
Steeling is legal in Michigan. Thanks. Walt Riker
Dear Chad Betts,
I wanted to forward a note of thanks and a testimonial to what a superb
job you did for my party and myself today. Bringing customers in from
Chicago to fish these waters is always a highlight for us. However,
when I saw the weather and the water levels I thought it might be a
difficult day. At breakfast my guest mentioned to me that this might
be the highlight of our day.
Fortunately, I knew better. I knew we would catch something but
I was awed by the success we had in such conditions. Within ten minutes
of leaving the dock we had boated a nice chrome bullet. The pressure
for me was off and I could settle into a great day of nature. Your knowledge
of conditions, locations and patterns turned a potentially long day
into a successful business fishing trip! It was hard to keep the smile
off my partner's face when we saw the other trips out there not enjoying
our level of success.
Your equipment, knowledge, attitude,and ability to observe and instruct
will keep you in quality customers for as long as you guide.When it
goes down.. Set !!!
........................................................................................Thanks
Again, Don Hodgman
Hey Chad, I just wanted to drop you a line to say that I had a GREAT time Sunday. With sunny conditions, I really didn't have high hopes of a great day on the water. I have to hand it to you, you put us on fish and did evrything you could to ensure me and my dad a wonderful day on the Muskegon. As you probablly know we have been coming to Newaygo for about the last 5 years and have used many different guides.
You have been the most knowledgeable and fun Fly Fishing Guide! I knew some of the basics of "Chuck and Duck" for steelhead and salmon prior to fishing with you, but I've learned a lot from you these last few trips. Thanks for taking your time with us to explain the finer details. That being said, I CANNOT stop thinking about these fish and all I want to do is to learn and fish for them even more. I guess you could say I have "Steelhead Dreams" ha-ha just kidding!!!!! . I'm glad my dad found you. Anyway, thanks again for a great day fishing and I'm looking forward to next year. Who knows you might see me on the water wading in those spots you've shown me.
...........................................................Good Fishing,.....Bob Hummer
| And now for somesomething OUT OF THE ORDINARY... | |
|
This is by far the largest creature we have ever seen swim the currents of the Muskegon River. It took an hour and a half to land this 65 # sturgeon on an 8 weight fly rod!.. |
|
|
What are Pike doing in the in the Pere Marquette River? We were trying to catch early salmon! Great fight though!! |
|
These rivers are loaded with Salmon, Trout and Steelhead but you
never know what you'll catch when on the water!! 14 lb walleye
taken while casting Rapala's for trout!!
Denny and I with a giant Muskegon River Bone fish! Although
we don't try for "bone fish" You just never know....
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Betts
Guide Service
(231) 519-7348
Guide
Chad Betts
PO Box 608
Newaygo, MI 49337
ChadBetts@hotmail.com