Muskegon Salmon Fishing
September 3, 2009
Want to catch some of the best tasting salmon you’ll ever have? We have it right here in Muskegon! People from all over come to get in on the action and are catching their limit of great lakes salmon!
Picture of Coho Salmon – what you can expect!
When is the best time to fish for Salmon? It shouldn’t be for a few weeks yet, but the latest cold spell has them moving and as you can see from the pictures below, fishing has picked up. These pictures were taken only a few days ago.
Too crowded for you? Fishing with lead core? Then head out of the pier heads and to the left like this fisherman in the picture below did – I think he has the right idea :)
You don’t have to go to Alaska to fish quality Salmon, you can get them right here in West Michigan. You can camp out and launch your boat at Fisherman’s Landing located at 501 E Western Ave, Muskegon MI, 49443 (231) 726-6100.
Once you’re in the water, head out to the channel and stop at the entrance to Jig for Salmon, or, use a dipsy diver or down rigger and troll through and just outside the channel arms entering Lake Michigan.
Lead core works great as well (fishing line with a lead core, the more you let out, the deeper it goes while trolling) as long as you’re not trolling near other boats – the last thing you want on your hands is your lead line tangled with others!
Don’t have a boat but still want to get in on the action? No problem, drive out to the Pere Marquette area and fish off the channel walls!
We have some great video that we’ll get up as soon as it’s converted.
Enjoy the fishing!
PS. Have some pictures of your big catch? Drop me an email (it@shorelinecity.com) with your story and pictures and I’ll do my best to get them posted! [remember to remove the spaces in the email address...]
This eco friendly fisherman has the right idea! Zero maintenance for the boat (kayak), all the equipment for fishing including the ability to troll, no boat storage fees and fits in your truck!
Picture taken on Sept 7 at the mouth of the channel. You don’t see them, but there were a ton of boats all jigging for Salmon. As we passed through, it was reported that 10 Salmon were caught in a two hour time period (combined).
This local fisherman caught this 17 pound salmon just outside and to the left of the Muskegon channel in Lake Michigan (out in front of Pere Marquette park).
Down riggers were used trolling at 2.6 with the waves, 40 feet down and 100 feet out. Glow spoons, which cost about $7 each and glow in the dark when charged under a powerful light, were used to catch this salmon. “Both Agent Orange and the Flounder Pounder produced great results”. The image shows what the spoon looks like in the day and below it, what it looks like to the fish in dark water.
I can only imagine what fighting a 20 pound salmon would be like in a kayak! What happens when the fish starts pulling you away? How do you keep your balance, especially if the fish goes under your kayak? What is the longest he has ever been pulled?
What a great idea; gives a whole new meaning to ‘fighting the fish’ :)
Do you have a forecast of what the waves will be like tonight and tomorrow? I know Muskegon Lake stays relatively calm, but I have a small 15′ fishing boat and want to try the spot you mentioned on Lake Michigan. Also, what is the closest boat launch?
Hello Robbin, Ron,
If I see the Kayak pirate again, I’ll ask him those questions or have him leave a comment and let us know.
As for the wave forecast, check out our Muskegon Weather page which has everything you need to plan the perfect fishing trip!
The Grand Trunk Boat Launch / Ramp is free, but not the closest. The closest ramp is Muskegon Jaycees Boat Launch Ramp.
Good Luck!
Jim
Interested in handicap accessible fishing? Check out the channel wall and join the rest in jigging for salmon.
This fishing spot is located on NOAA property. Anglers drive along Lake Shore drive and park in a separate lot east of the NOAA Station, then walk about 1,800 feet along a barrier-free paved walkway. Able-bodied anglers wanting to access the fishing platform should consider parallel parking along the entrance to Margaret Drake Elliott Park, also located off Lake Shore drive.
Hi, we’re amateurs, but I want to take my 12 year boy salmon fishing. We don’t have a boat, so what is the best location to go without a boat? Also, are there charters to choose from? If anyone knows this information, please let me know. We are in the S.E. Michigan area, and are planning to be up on the weekend of the 19th of September. Is this a good time?
Best,
Carleen
Hello Carleen,
I think your best bet will be to fish along the channel wall on the NOAA property I mentioned above.
As for the the 19th being the right time, it’s unknown. The weather is everything and if it’s cold that week, it will be good fishing. There is also the Muskegon River from which you can catch some massive salmon!
The City’s Business Directory will contain any approved charters along with a summary of their services, see the Muskegon Fishing charters section.
You can track the weather by visiting our Muskegon Weather page which has wave information and more.
Do all of us a favor will you? Let us know how it turns out and where you decided to fish.
Good Luck!
This is great, well written informative and fantastic photos, keep up the good work!
Take care and have a good weekend.
Hi Jim,
Here is another question for you regarding salmon fishing in Muskegon.
We wondered, is it better to go out to the pier late at night (like midnight) for the best catches? My son seems to think so.
Thanks.
Carleen
Hi Carleen,
I’ve been told that when it gets dark, the Salmon come closer to the surface. I think that if you are out on the pier an hour before sunset and shortly after, you’ll do well.
I have found however, that morning is always better than night (get out there an hour before sunrise and fish a hour after and you should do well.
Morning or night, I think you’ll get good results right now :)
For sunrise and sunset times, check out our Muskegon Weather page.
Note: I’m not a pro by any means and just got into fishing a few years ago. I have also never fished off the pier and am going on what I hear from those that do fish the pier.
Let us know how you do, and good luck!
Jim
Thanks for the tips. I took my son out and ended up with this. It is something he will not forget.
Jim,
What is the best bait/lure to use for salmon off the channel wall? I also have a canoe, would it beneficial to bring it, if so where would be the best place to fish?
Thank you,
Mark
Hey Mark,
The Salmon are up the river and you’re not likely to do well on the wall right now.
The next week will begin the Steelhead Fishing season (Giant Rainbow Trout) – actually, steelhead migration begins the end of October and run up to early March, but many locals will be getting in on the action early to beat the crowd [steelhead and salmon].
I’ve not done this yet (never seemed to be enough time) but I hear the steelhead put up the best fight and are absolutely fantastic eating! I’m not missing out this year!
I’m just learning, so your best bet is to ask one of the pros listed in our business directory – right now, we have only one Muskegon Fishing Guide listed. His name is Earnest Miller and you can call him at (231) 557-9582; he’ll tell you exactly where to launch on the Muskegon River and what to use free of charge.
Please, let me know how you did and send me some pictures if you can – I’ll be sure to get them up on the site!
Good luck!
Jim