| September 09 2007, Newaygo Michigan- This sleepy | | | | A typical 8 hour float trip on the Muskegon River |
| rural, mostly farming community lies in Western | | | | includes the boat and guide, all rods and equipment |
| Michigan, just 30 minutes north of Grand Rapids. | | | | and a shore lunch for around $325.00 (prices vary) |
| Newaygo County has over 230 natural lakes and 350 | | | | Partial trips are also available for around $200.00. A |
| miles of rivers and streams, 2 huge dams, Croton and | | | | State of Michigan fishing license and trout stamp (all |
| Hardy. Hardy Dam is the largest earthen dam east of | | | | species) is required, but not included in any package. |
| the Mississippi River. The Muskegon River continues | | | | You can obtain a license from Parsley's Sport and Fly |
| to be the main attraction for summer cottage | | | | Shop (231-652-6986) located on the banks of the |
| residents and fishermen, who find it nearly the best | | | | Muskegon River in downtown Newaygo. |
| source for spring and winter steelhead and its fall | | | | We now know a little bit about Newaygo County, |
| salmon run anywhere! | | | | the Muskegon River and its fall salmon run, how to |
| The fall salmon run on the Muskegon River and | | | | fish em or at least who to call to help you fish em, |
| nearby White River occurs every fall. This fall salmon | | | | but you will also need a place to stay. Yea, you will |
| run usually runs from the middle of September to the | | | | be tired after a day on the river battling 15-30 pound |
| end of October or later. Water temperature | | | | salmon. |
| determines run time and length. | | | | There was a reason behind this article, you see, I |
| You do not have to worry about missing the fall | | | | own and manage several waterfront cottages rentals |
| salmon run, because as the salmon run tails off, the | | | | in Newaygo, which caters to fishermen, hunters, ice |
| fall/winter steelhead enter the rivers from October | | | | fishing, and snowmobiles and for family vacations. |
| to early spring, usually the end of May. | | | | We are open year round and our modern fishing |
| During the fall salmon run, most baits will work such | | | | cabins/cottages are on Hess Lake, an all-sports lake, |
| as, Husky Jerks, Hot-n-Tots, Rattle Traps, | | | | and the Muskegon River. |
| Thundersticks, Lil Cleo to name a few. You should | | | | On Hess Lake, you can enjoy 1 and 2 bedroom |
| also be prepared to fish with chunks of fresh roe or | | | | cottages that sleep up to 6 people each, with |
| spawn sacs tied with a 3 way swivel with a large split | | | | modern kitchens and appliances, all kitchen utensils, |
| shot about a foot below the swivel and a leader tied | | | | linens and bedding. All cottages also feature fire pits, |
| to the other eyelet about 18" behind this. | | | | private patios/ decks, gas grills, docks for your water |
| Not sure how to fish for these fall dandies? No need | | | | toys, and one cottage even has a hot tub. |
| to fret here, Newaygo is home to more than a | | | | We also have a fantastic Muskegon River front |
| dozen local river guides. Many of these guides have | | | | cottage on over 3 acres with 350 feet of water |
| been featured in nation fly fishing articles and as | | | | frontage. Low cost cottages are our approach to |
| authors. | | | | staying open year round. You can rent these |
| I would recommend these five top notch guides as | | | | spacious cottages from just $75.00-150.00 per day or |
| your starting point. | | | | $300.00-$450 per week from September to the end |
| 1. Riverside Outfitters LLC/ or call 231-834-9155 | | | | of May. |
| 2. Betts Guide Service/ or call 231-652-3189 | | | | Now that you have all the information you need to |
| 3. Feenstra Guide Service/ or call 231-652-3528 | | | | plan your Muskegon River-Fall Salmon Run fishing trip |
| 4. River's Bend Guide/ or call 231-250-9745 | | | | to all seasons Newaygo Michigan, don't hesitate, and |
| 5. River Rat Dog/ or call 517-651-2616 | | | | make your reservation today. |