(Massive Muskegon River Steelhead)
Winter steelhead fishing is now in session and we’re off to a great start! Today was exceptional with several strong hook-ups all day including this massive 30 plus inch buck sporting the start of his double stripe winter coat.
(Another look at this monster steelhead)
After years without incident taking photos of steelhead, this monster finally got me. After snapping a few pics of this guy in the boat, I headed to the bank to get some personal grip and grins with the snow covered river bank in the background. After camera set up, I go to gently lift the fish out of the net and get ready to pose in front of the camera as I’ve done a thousand times before. But this time was different, this steelhead wasn’t having it. With one quick twist in my hand and a blink of my eye I drop the steelhead at my feat into the river…….bam, he’s gone! No photo op.
(Here’s a really hard fighting Dec chrome steelhead from the Muskegon River)
I’ve had fish drop out of my hands before the photo and fall into the water. Usually the fish sits stunned when they hit the water allowing time to pick them back up. Not this one. This steelhead (pictured top of the post) was gone in seconds. He hit the water and was off like a rocket back into the deep hole from which he came. I literally couldn’t get my hand around the massive muscle / girth of his back tail! I underestimated the size of the fish; couldn’t hold it!! Awesome fish!! Fantastic fight!!
(Another nice winter steelhead from the Muskegon)
A lot of anglers don’t realize just how good the winter steelhead fishing is on the Muskegon River. For those of you who have not yet tried it please understand, some of the largest steelhead of the year are caught during the winter months on the Muskegon. The steelhead pictured the top of this post is a perfect example. The fish was in excess of 33″ and 18 pounds caught December 10th, 2017. Looking back over the years at the size of the steelhead we’ve caught during the winter months has proven to be some of the largest fish we’ve landed throughout the season. So, make some time to give it a try. Winter steelhead fishing is a great way to relax and get your kids, your wife, or your friends outside to experience just how good the winter fishing is on the Muskegon River. Most days average double-digit hook-ups within 4 hours of fishing.
post by: jon fortuna