Big kings and one of the finest steelhead rivers in the Midwest.
The big water below Croton Dam grows big fish. Chinook run it every fall, but the Muskegon's real fame is its steelhead: cold, consistent tailwater flows support one of the strongest steelhead fisheries in the Great Lakes.
Chinook run from mid-September into October. The Muskegon is large, so fish spread out and a boat helps you cover water.
Steelhead are the headline act. Fall fish show in October and November, winter fishing holds up in the tailwater, and the spring run is exceptional.
This is drift-boat country: Croton to Thornapple, Thornapple to Newaygo, and Newaygo to Bridgeton are the classic floats. Bobber-and-jig, spawn, beads, and swung flies all produce. The tailwater stays fishable through cold snaps that lock up other rivers.
Croton Dam access, Pine Street, Thornapple, Newaygo, and Bridgeton are the main launches. Bank access is more limited than boat access on a river this size.