Muskegon River Fishing Charters

The best out of 22 charter fishing deals in Muskegon River - enter dates to check availability

Top Muskegon River Destinations

Muskegon River: 22 fishing charters available
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(32 reviews)
Newaygo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $245
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(100 reviews)
North Muskegon
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $399
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(6 reviews)
Muskegon
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $550
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(10 reviews)
Newaygo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $325
Excellent
4.8 / 5
(7 reviews)
Newaygo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $300
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(3 reviews)
Muskegon
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $780
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(1 review)
Stanwood
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $300
Excellent
4.9 / 5
(21 reviews)
Newaygo
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $295
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(2 reviews)
Muskegon
 Instant Confirmation
trips from US $500
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(134 reviews)
Muskegon
trips from US $250

Frequently Asked Questions about Fishing Charters in Muskegon River

According to customer reviews, some of the most popular fishing charters in Muskegon River are: Full list of top fishing charters in Muskegon River

The average price for a private 4 hour Muskegon River fishing trip is US $305, while an 8 hour private trip will cost you US $625 based on prices on FishingBooker.com.

Fishing charters in Muskegon River that received great reviews from families are:

The top 3 fish species targeted on guided fishing trips in Muskegon River are:

The top 3 fishing techniques in Muskegon River are:

The top 3 types of fishing in Muskegon River are:

Many fishing charters in Muskegon River provide rods, reels and tackle. Some of the top rated are:

According to customer reviews on FishingBooker.com, some of the best rated charter captains in Muskegon River are:

Who are the top awarded captains in Muskegon River?

Some of the fishing trips offered by fishing charters in Muskegon River are:
  • 2-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $500
  • 3-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $399
  • 4-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $308
  • 5-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $411
  • 6-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $595
  • 7-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $395
  • 8-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $476
  • 10-hour fishing trips โ€“ US $1,200

Fishing in Muskegon River

A Muskegon River fishing adventure means exploring over 200 miles of Michigan’s largest river system. Whether you’re a beginner or a pro, the river’s slow current and depth make for some of the best tailwater fishing in the Midwest!
 
Depending on when you visit, there’s a whole host of cold and warmwater fish to catch. Game fishing anglers will rejoice come September, when Chinook Salmon dominate the waters. From October to June, it’s all about hooking Muskegon’s most famous resident – Steelhead.
 
Fly fishermen won’t want to miss out on the opportunity to hook Brown Trout, Smallmouth Bass, and Pike, either. The River gets a big run of migratory Walleye from Lake Muskegon, too. If you’re extra persistent, a night fishing trip may result in one of these elusive fish at the end of your line.
 
Muskegon River fishing guides offer everything from 4–5 hour trips to full day excursions that run for eight hours. If you’re targeting Steelhead or Salmon, and have the time to spare, opt for a full day to give yourself the true freshwater fishing experience. If it’s leisurely fishing with the family you’re after, a half day trip does the trick.
 
The Muskegon River runs through several counties, so there are a few places to launch from. Explore the stretch from Thornapple to Newaygo for monster Trout and a fantastic Steelhead run. Salmon fishing takes off near the town of Grayling and continues south, eventually ending when the fish empty into the Great Lakes.
 

Rules & Regulations

All anglers over the age of 17 need to purchase a fishing license online or from a licensed DNR agent before heading out. If you’re fishing with an experienced guide, they’ll be able to inform you of local bag and possession limits.

Muskegon River
Excellent
4.8 / 5
Based on 28443 reviews by FishingBooker anglers

Muskegon River Fishing Seasons

January

If you’re going after fall Steelhead, you’ll have the Muskegon River all to yourself during this typically quiet time. There’s still Brown and Rainbow Trout to hook, too, keeping spinning and fly fishing fanatics happy!

February

Enjoy the calm before the storm in the final moments before spring Steelhead season. You’ll catch the last of this popular fish’s fall stock and hook into native Brown and Rainbow Trout too!

March

Temperatures start to rise luring Steelhead out of Lake Michigan and into the Muskegon River to spawn. Strap in, because the fishing only gets hotter as the waters warm up!

April

It’s peak Steelhead fishing season and the waters are jam-packed with anglers fishing for their limits. If you’ve been thinking about that full day trip, this is time to book early and go for it!

May

Put your sight casting skills to the test against delicious Steelhead before they head back into Lake Michigan. This is a great time to hook delicious, fun-to-catch Brown Trout on a fly too!

June

If you’re a fly fisherman, this is the time to be out on the water. June brings the most insect hatches the Muskegon River sees and you’ll fool plenty of Trout into grabbing your line!

July

Fishing for Smallmouth Bass in the Muskegon River is much loved by local anglers. The waters are warm and it’s a great time of year to hook one of these delicious fish on a fly. 

August

The warm waters bring plenty of fish out to play and there are several stretches of river to explore. This is a unique time to hook into the ever-elusive Walleye too!

September

As the trees change color, your targets swap out too. Big Chinook Salmon move up into the rivers to spawn, becoming the dominant resident in Muskegon! 

October

There’s only one focus now, and that’s big Chinook Salmon! It’s peak season and you’re looking at reeling them in with ease. Come the end of the month, fall Steelhead starts to come through, too.

November

As the Chinook Salmon end their spawn, fall Steelhead takes over. Expect to have several fantastic runs as these fun-to-catch fish jump out of the water and keep your rods bending!

December

Things start to slow down, but you can still hook into migratory Steelhead for some winter fun. In addition, the river’s native Brown and Rainbow Trout are still eager for the bite.

Muskegon River Fishing Calendar

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What anglers said about fishing in Muskegon River

Dress appropriately for the weather conditions and expect to have a great time. Anyday on the water is a good day.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Dress appropriately for the weather conditions and expect to have a great time. Anyday on the water is a good day.
Limitless Fishing Charters
Limitless Fishing Charters
Me & my group went in with low expectations not knowing what too expect but overall the whole experience was amazing and definitely worth the money, time & energy!!!
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Me & my group went in with low expectations not knowing what too expect but overall the whole experience was amazing and definitely worth the money, time & energy!!!
Balls Deep Charters
Balls Deep Charters Flint, MI
We had a great time in late August and caught 4 Kings. Was told that May and June might have been a better time. In late Aug fish are moving quite a bit and are less predictable.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
We had a great time in late August and caught 4 Kings. Was told that May and June might have been a better time. In late Aug fish are moving quite a bit and are less predictable.
Lured In Sportfishing LLC
Lured In Sportfishing LLC Ann Arbor, MI
Bring a warm jacket and layer your clothes.itโ€™s Michigan weather you know!
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Bring a warm jacket and layer your clothes.itโ€™s Michigan weather you know!
Limitless Fishing Charters
Limitless Fishing Charters Rockford, Michigan
Enjoyed catching the king salmon Was really looking forward to some lake trout but I'm not familiar with the seasons, being from NJ. The captain and mate were awesome. It's my second trip with them and would certainly recommend to others.
Excellent
4.7 / 5
Enjoyed catching the king salmon Was really looking forward to some lake trout but I'm not familiar with the seasons, being from NJ. The captain and mate were awesome. It's my second trip with them and would certainly recommend to others.
Balls Deep Charters
Balls Deep Charters Middleville, Michigan
Bring a sweatshirt because it really cools off when the sun goes down. Use the restroom before you go and plan to relax and have fun.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
Bring a sweatshirt because it really cools off when the sun goes down. Use the restroom before you go and plan to relax and have fun.
Limitless Fishing Charters
Limitless Fishing Charters Rosemead, California
easy to get there, easy finding the charter, not a long trip out to find the fish
Excellent
5.0 / 5
easy to get there, easy finding the charter, not a long trip out to find the fish
Balls Deep Charters
Balls Deep Charters Howell, MI
book your trip and hotel well in advance because Muskegon is busy during the month of august. also there are some really nice tourist attractions in the area.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
book your trip and hotel well in advance because Muskegon is busy during the month of august. also there are some really nice tourist attractions in the area.
Balls Deep Charters
Balls Deep Charters Grand Rapids, MI
A great place to catch fish and checkout the submarine silverside permanently docked there
Excellent
5.0 / 5
A great place to catch fish and checkout the submarine silverside permanently docked there
Balls Deep Charters
Balls Deep Charters Middleville, MI
It was spawning season, so there were plenty of fish available for the picking.
Excellent
5.0 / 5
It was spawning season, so there were plenty of fish available for the picking.
Mainstream Guides - Newaygo
Mainstream Guides - Newaygo Kalamazoo, Michigan

How did anglers rate fishing charters in Muskegon River?

Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies
Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies
Fishing charter in Newaygo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(32 reviews)
We had a great time fishing with Dan, he made sure to have different set ups and bait available and also showed us different techniques. Will definitely return.
Dani  B.
Dani B.
Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies
Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies
Fishing charter in Newaygo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(32 reviews)
We didnโ€™t have a lot of river fishing experience, Dan was super knowledgeable and helped us really get the hang of everything. We had a great time fishing, chatting, and Dan made us lunch which was great. Definitely recommend working with him, he has a super strong knowledge of the area and the fishing conditions.
Michael  J.
Michael J.
Ripple Effect Guide Service โ€“ Muskegon River
Ripple Effect Guide Service โ€“ Muskegon River
Fishing charter in Newaygo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(3 reviews)
Quinn is an excellent guide! He knows the rivers, the habits of the fish and how they react to changing conditions. He knows the techniques needed for success and explained them well. We nailed em today!!!
Mark  B.
Mark B.
Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies
Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies
Fishing charter in Newaygo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(32 reviews)
Had an amazing time with Dan! Very knowledgeable over the River , many different baits , poles , and lures for us to use. We caught several Brown Trout in just a couple hours . Beautiful fish ! Would highly recommend to anyone.
David  R.
David R.
Limitless Fishing Charters
Limitless Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Muskegon
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(134 reviews)
Cpt Justin is very knowledgeable and patient. You can tell he loves fishing, takes the time to explain everything. My son and I had a blast and we both highly recommend this charter!!
Ramon  D.
Ramon D.
Reel Down Outfitters -River Fishing
Reel Down Outfitters -River Fishing
Fishing charter in Newaygo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(21 reviews)
Captโ€™n Zach was great, first time for my me, my son and grandson River fishing he spent some time showing us what to do, and we caught 5-6 King Salmon, he was great, and knew what he was doing, definitely recommend Reel Down outfitters
Anthony  B.
Anthony B.
Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies
Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies
Fishing charter in Newaygo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(32 reviews)
First time catching salmon. We had a great time with Dan's great assistance. Lots of fun and fight with these big fish.
Jane  W.
Jane W.
Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies
Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies
Fishing charter in Newaygo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(32 reviews)
We had a blast and enjoyed the beautiful day. Brought home two 15+ pounders. Great teaching/coaching throughout the trip and lunch was delicious. Wished it would have been a 10 hour trip!
Brittney  S.
Brittney S.
Reel Down Outfitters -River Fishing
Reel Down Outfitters -River Fishing
Fishing charter in Newaygo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(21 reviews)
Our guide Zach was personable, friendly, professional, and highly experienced. Am planning a trip next fall with him already. My wife and I were very impressed by his knowledge and skills.
Blake  V.
Blake V.
Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies
Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies
Fishing charter in Newaygo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(32 reviews)
This was my sonโ€™s second time with Dan and my first and it was an awesome day. We seen and caught fish. Dan is very nice and knowledgeable, plus a good cook. He grilled us lunch right on the boat! I canโ€™t wait to go again
Jillian  R.
Jillian R.
Ripple Effect Guide Service โ€“ Muskegon River
Ripple Effect Guide Service โ€“ Muskegon River
Fishing charter in Newaygo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(3 reviews)
Quinn K. awesome guy and made extra efforts to find what river the fish were coming in on. Would use him again without hesitation!
Joseph  M.
Joseph M.
Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies
Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies
Fishing charter in Newaygo
Excellent
4.7 / 5
(32 reviews)
Very knowledgeable, patient, and a great cook. After a cold day of fishing, he pulled out a little grill and made bratwursts for lunch
Adis  R.
Adis R.
Rack 'em Up Sportfishing Charter
Rack 'em Up Sportfishing Charter
Fishing charter in Muskegon
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(2 reviews)
Clean and easy to access boat. Knowledgeable and friendly crew. Great way to take your out of town guests out onto a Great Lake to highlight their trip!
Patrick  C.
Patrick C.
Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies
Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies
Fishing charter in Newaygo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(32 reviews)
Our plans were originally set with Captain Dan to fish days before he contacted us and let us know that the fishery was better an hour away so we decided to go with that. He was very knowledgeable on the water he went above and beyond to find us the salmon but no luck the lunch he provided us on the water was amazing he cook (steak and corn) I would definitely do it if in the area
Donnell  P.
Donnell P. Chicago, IL
Limitless Fishing Charters
Limitless Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Muskegon
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(134 reviews)
The baitfish prevented us from catching any Salmon but if youโ€™re looking for a true Pro give Captain Justin a call. We will run it back in the Spring for certain. Highly recommended
Larry  L.
Larry L. Arlington, TX
Balls Deep Charters
Balls Deep Charters
Fishing charter in North Muskegon
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(100 reviews)
Chad was very professional and showed a ton of pride in his craft!! Our whole group thoroughly enjoyed fishing with him and his first mate Tom!! They filet our fish for us and helped us throughout the whole process!! The boat, fishing supplies and energy was awesome!! 10/10 recommend checking them out if you have the chance!!!
Danielle  C.
Danielle C. Flint, MI
Balls Deep Charters
Balls Deep Charters
Fishing charter in North Muskegon
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(100 reviews)
Thoroughly enjoyed our 6 hour charter with Captain Chad and First Mate Sawyer! Weโ€™ll definitely rebook next year! We really appreciated their on site ice machine!
Frank  P.
Frank P. Brighton, Michigan
Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies
Dan Nealy's Fishing Buddies
Fishing charter in Newaygo
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(32 reviews)
Dan was great to deal with when booking this trip as a gift for someone. Super professional and accommodating. I would definitely recommend this trip to others.
Jessica  S.
Jessica S. Rockford, MI
Limitless Fishing Charters
Limitless Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Muskegon
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(134 reviews)
Me and my bf had a lot of fun even though fish weren't biting that day. We plan to come back when recommended. Captain Justin was cool and chill and helped answer alot. We plan to be back when fish are swarming :).
Jen  B.
Jen B. Chicago, IL
Limitless Fishing Charters
Limitless Fishing Charters
Fishing charter in Muskegon
Excellent
5.0 / 5
(134 reviews)
Captain Justin's boat and equipment were pristine. He was on time and we had a great time. The fish weren't really biting much but we took home a nice pike and a good size walleye.
Tony  R.
Tony R. Muskegon Heights, MI

Top Targeted Species in Muskegon River