MEEMO’S FISHING

Michigan has been declared by some national writers to be the best fly fishing state in the union. Trout are available all year, steelhead in the spring and fall, salmon in the fall, and a balance of the species above in summer months, so come to Meemo’s for the greatest fishing Michigan has to offer.

Our Partners, Betts Guide Service

We’ve teamed up with Betts Guide Service to offer exclusive guided fishing tours to clients of all abilities—from beginners to experts—and children are always welcome.

Betts Guide Service is a top class fishing company never fails to disappoint, Chad and his team have made a commitment to be one of the most knowledgeable float fishing guides on the Muskegon, Pere Marquette and Manistee Rivers. Offering both spin casting and fly fishing, we target steelhead, trout and salmon, and there is also excellent bass fishing throughout the summer months. With over 300 days a year on the water, Chad and his team will make your fishing experience truly memorable.

For larger groups or those that prefer to keep their feet on land, we offer walk-in fishing trips. Tim, our local fishing expert, specifically targets the Pere Marquette, and his knowledge of the river is first-class. Fishing from the river banks we target well known and lesser known prime fishing holes, whether its for trout, salmon or steelhead—you’re guaranteed a bite and a great time. No experience is required, all equipment is provided. 4-person maximum.

Mid-May – August

Whether you’re a group of friends or looking for a great family activity, head out on one of the beautiful surrounding lakes with a guide on Meemo’s pontoon boat. We offer half-day trips and target pan fish like blue gill and crappie, as well as northern pike and large mouth bass. No experience is required, all equipment is provided.

December – March, conditions permitting

Enjoy a half-day or full-day on the ice—fishing for blue gill, northern pike and crappie. Our staff will drill your ice-fishing hole with our auger and set up your very own shanty for an ice fishing experience on one of our lakes. All equipment is provided.

Summertime Trout & Smallmouth Bass
May, June, July, August

May and June offer the best trout fishing in the Great Lakes region. The Muskegon River, Pere Marquette, and Big Manistee River each boast some phenomenal trout fishing during the summer months. May and June is the best for fly fishing and hatches. July and August can also be good, depending on the weather.

July and August fade into tremendous Smallmouth Bass fishing. Pound for pound, Smallmouth Bass are some of the best fighting fish there is! Smallies hit hard and love to jump! The hotter the summer, the better the bite. Smallmouth Bass love hot weather.

Michigan Spring Steelhead
March, April, May

Later February, March, April, and May are the best times of the year to fish for Great Lakes Steelhead. Michigan’s Pere Marquette River, and the White River near Hesperia are the first to go in March and Early April. Because of their larger size, the Muskegon River and Big Manistee River fish much later in April and May. The Steelhead migration lasts much longer on these two river because of the huge reservoirs that feed cold water into these two rivers.

Spring Steelhead are considered the crown jewel of the Great Lakes. Rivers such as the Muskegon, Manistee, White, Pere Marquette, and Grand offer some outstanding steelhead fishing in West Michigan.

Fall Salmon Season
September, October

The Pere Marquette River is the first river to get early season King Salmon in late August. The Big Manistee River and Muskegon also get big numbers of King, Coho, Pink, and Chinook Salmon in September and October. The Manistee River also receives a large amount of Skamania Steelhead during the summer months.
We usually guide the lower Pere Marquette and Manistee River
below Tippy Dam for Fall King Salmon.

Skamania Summer Run Steelhead
July, August

Although there’s not a lot of Summer run steelhead in West Michigan, a few of our rivers get a good sized push of Skamania (Summer Run) Steelhead. Tippy Dam on the Manistee River gets one of the largest migrations. Usually Skamania are fished above the coffer dam at Tippy. There are several creek mouths on the Manistee River as well. Pine Creek, Bear Creek, and Pastor Creek usually have summer run steelhead at the creek mouths during the hottest portion of the summer.

Late Fall & Winter
November, December

The best months to fish for early Fall Steelhead is at the tail end of October, November, and December. Steelhead are on fire this time of year! With exciting jumps, drag burning runs, and excellent table fare, late Fall is an excellent time to fish the river.

All of the major rivers in West Michigan receive a good push of Fall Steelhead. Resident Trout fishing is also very good at this time of the year. Trout feed voraciously on salmon eggs from the spawning Chinook and King salmon at this time of the year.

Winter Steelhead & Trout
December, January, February, March

One the best times of the year to fish is during the winter months. Larger rivers like the Muskegon River and Big Manistee River never freeze during the winter months, leaving anglers the option of fishing all winter long. Some of the best steelhead fishing in Michigan is during December, January, February, and early March. Good numbers of trout and Steelhead load up in the cold months, making them a little easier to target and catch. Angling pressure is minimal during the winter months so you usually you have the river to yourself, with excellent fishing!