The Muskegon River access at the end of Holton–Duck Lake Road provides boat and shore access within the Muskegon State Game Area. The lower river supports seasonal runs of Chinook salmon, steelhead and brown trout, but timing and regulations vary by species and river section.
Seasonal fishing
Michigan DNR guidance describes very good Chinook fishing below Croton Dam in September and October, steelhead opportunities from late October into spring, and lower-river brown trout opportunities in fall. Water level, temperature and fish movement can shift the best timing from year to year, so check current conditions before launching.
Consult the DNR’s Central Lake Michigan fisheries information and current Michigan fishing regulations for exact seasons, size limits, possession limits and the stream classification that applies at your fishing location. Lake sturgeon are protected here: do not target them, and release any incidentally caught fish immediately.
For another access option on the same river, compare conditions and facilities at Besemer Park below Croton Dam.
How to get there
- From US-31 and M-46 (Apple Avenue) in Muskegon, travel east about 7 miles on M-46 to Maple Island Road.
- Head north about 6.8 miles, crossing the river, to Sweeter Road.
- Travel west about 2.1 miles to Holton–Duck Lake Road.
- Go south about 1.7 miles to the access site at the end of the road. The final approach is on a dirt road; check conditions after heavy rain or snow.
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