Muskegon Area Best Fishing Times Michigan

MUSKEGON, Mich. — Muskegon Lake hugs the Lake Michigan coastline. At 4,150 acres, Muskegon Lake is decent sized and at its deepest point, it is approximately 79 feet.However, much of the lake is shallower than that.There are a wide variety of conditions you will find on the lake, including sandy bottoms that offer good bedding opportunities, muck-filled holes that seem to have no end and everything in between. Muskegon Lake offers the visiting angler opportunities to catch a wide variety of fish species in the early spring.The lake boasts variety of launches and lodging available for anglers.There are about 12 launches on Muskegon Lake as well as a state park on the north end of the lake. As the ice begins to give way and the water temperature begins to rise, there are numerous places that offer good pan fishing. Snug Harbor, along the state park shoreline, offers anglers a wonderful opportunity for bluegills and sunfish in 3 to 6 feet of water.For anglers who do not have access to a boat, there is plenty of shoreline and parking available at Snug Harbors.Seven to 8-inch fish are common here, with the occasional 9 to 10-inch 'gill every once in a while.As far as a fishing rig goes, almost anything will do. Typically, a nightcrawler with a bobber is all that is required.
Bluegill
Anglers have a great opportunity for bluegills in front of the Conservation Club.
All through the winter months and well into the spring using leaf worms and bits of nightcrawlers will keep you in the action.
Other bluegill hot spots are typically along the southeast corner of the lake along the drop-off in 6 to 10 feet of water.
This end of the lake has a large number of marinas, and you will find 'gills on the drop-off located on the outskirts of the marinas.
Many of the areas that offer great panfishing at ice-out will offer lots of action as the water warms up.
Toward the end of April and into early May, the vegetation starts to grow in the shallows and panfish start looking for good bedding areas.
The lake also offers good fishing for perch. Although perch are fished heavily here, the number of perch in the lake is quite high.
Find perch between the black buoy and Bear Lake Channel along the weed edge in roughly 10 feet of water. Anglers have good luck using minnows and wigglers.You can also find perch at the mouth of the channel in 30 to 50 feet of water and at the other end of the Muskegon Lake Channel at the mouth of Lake Michigan on the edge of the shipping channel in 18 to 20 feet of water.If you don't have a boat, cast from the north and south breakwall using spreader rigs with live bait.
Walleye

As well as offering wonderful opportunities for panfish, Muskegon is also known for its high concentration of walleye.
As the ice melts and the warm river water from the Muskegon River drains into Muskegon Lake, the walleye usually will congregate at the mouth of the channel, throughout the channel, and at the mouth of Lake Michigan.
Anglers looking to get in on this action should plan on fishing in the middle of the night until daybreak.
Troll shallow crankbaits that imitate the forage tight to the breakwall.
Due to a large amount of submerged wood, you'll find walleye in the southeast corner of the lake as well.
Jigging spoons such as Rocker Minnows and Hopkins Spoons are often the favorite rigs of the locals.
Keep in mind that the walleye season does not open until the end of April.
The good walleye numbers in and around Muskegon Lake can partially be credited to the stocking efforts in recent years by the DNR.
Although Muskegon Lake is heavily fished, it continues to produce each and every year.
It offers a wide variety of fish species and numerous hot spots around the lake.
A big reason Muskegon Lake offers such great fishing is due to the leftover lumber pilings scattered throughout the lake from the lumbering boom in the 1800s.Make sure you bring a good fishfinder and find these pilings and concentrate along their edges.
Many of the areas highlighted above hold fish because of the reefs that are created by the lumber.
Muskegon Lake has built up over the years and because of this it is not uncommon to see anglers spending their time in the shallow waters in 3 to 8 feet of water by boat stations and docks toward the end of spring.

Bass

Bass and northern pike can be found in many of these same shallow areas when the water warms up.
Muskegon Lake has also gained national attention from time to time because of the large numbers of largemouth bass.
Although that season doesn't open until later in the spring, it is worth noting.
Although Muskegon Lake has a large number of boat launches, few of them are free.
You will either need a state park sticker to use the state park launch at the north end of the lake or you will have to pay a daily fee.
The same goes for the south side of the lake as well; a season pass or daily fee is required. However, the Weber Road Launch is still free.
If you are going to stay for a few days and need to grab some bait or tackle, there are two bait shops on Muskegon Lake.
Adam's Angler Archer is on the north side, not far from the State Park.
Angler Archer is within walking distance of the Conservation Club, which is one of the hot spots I highlighted for 'gills.
The only other bait shop on Muskegon Lake is located on the south side of the lake.
Shoreline Service Bait and Tackle is conveniently located next to a city-owned boat launch.
Bill Funk, the owner, has a wealth of knowledge and if fish are biting on Muskegon Lake, he knows about it.
Make sure you stop in when you are in the area and Bill will point you in the right direction.
If you are coming to the area for the first time, keep in mind there are many other lakes within 10 to 15 minutes of Muskegon Lake that offer good fishing. On the other hand, I doubt you will have a problem finding good fishing on Muskegon Lake.
With many bays, shallow cuts, deep holes and reefs, Muskegon Lake has something to offer every angler in the spring.
Make sure you have a wide variety of bait and tackle because you never know what species are going to be biting from one minute to the next.

Don't forget Muskegon River, the Big Lake, the pier. It all adds up to an awesome fishing destination.

Muskegon Best Fishing Times