Which Pier is Better?

[tstu2]

Heading to Muskegon area in a couple weeks to do some fishing. I checked out the maps, and I see piers at Medbery Park (goiing to White Lake) and in Muskegon (going into Muskegon lake). I have never been to either. How is the access? Is the northern piers better than the southern piers? Does it matter?

Taking my son and hoping get him hooked into a salmon.

[Dave Ash]

I will keep an eye out a bit farther south, in holland and GH maybe Prt. Sheldon. I do not make it to Musk. much due to the fact that i live less then 3 min away from holland state park

[michigansnorkeler]

In Muskegon, there are breakarms on both the north and south side, but they are 1/2 hour apart. The South side has closer parking (Pere Marquette Park) and a sidewalk on top of the pier...definitely easy access.

The North side is part of Muskegon State Park...sticker required. It is also a 1/4 mile walk to the rocks across sand, and the rocks have no sidewalk so can be a little treacherous walking, depending on age of people, weather, and level of light.

Whitehall is about 10 miles north. There is very good access (close parking, sidewalk all the way) on the South side. I'm not as familiar with North side (Montague), but would be quite a bit further drive around the lake.

You don't mention where in Muskegon you are staying, as that may make a huge difference on where to go. Consider this...Ferrysburg (the North pier of the Grand River) has an awesome pier with great access as well.

The key to salmon will be water temp...if water is warm, the salmon likely will not be there. Sheephead are usually pretty eager to put up a battle, though. If winds blow warm water out and water is frigid, salmon and steelhead are likely to be milling about, and have been known to bite on shrimp under a bobber!!

[tstu2]

We are renting a house on the lake in North Muskegon. I am new to Pier fishing, and have been told that the Salmon will be in about that time. I have a couple long spinning rods and reels and have picked up some little cleos and some pixies. I hope these work.

Is it possible just to fish from shore at night? Will the fish be milling around in shallow water near shore?

[Fishndude]

Piers are usually better for Salmon, as they don't normally run real close to the beach. If there is cold water onshore, you might find Steelhead and Brown Trout close to the beach, in the troughs between the sandbars.