Fall in Newaygo County is a hunter’s and angler’s paradise! From crisp mornings in the deer blind to peaceful afternoons casting a line on the Muskegon River, our Northern Michigan destination delivers peak outdoor adventure. With over 350,000 acres of public land, winding waterways, and vibrant fall color as your backdrop. Fall is calling — will you answer it with a rod, a rifle, or both?
Gear Up!
Before you head outdoors to explore this fall, grab some new Go Exploring gear! You’ll be extra cozy in our new hoodies, windbreaker & our newly dropped knit beanie will keep you warm in the woods this fall! Shop our Go Exploring Shop with our exclusive NewayGo County gear.
Fall Hunting Season
Fall brings the beginning white tail deer, small game, and waterfowl hunting seasons. NewayGo County offers access to public land throughout the fall season and into winter. The MI-Hunt map will help you find just the right spot for your hunt. The Michigan deer hunting calendar begins with the Liberty Hunt in mid-September for youth hunters and hunters with disabilities. Learn all about hunting our area on our Riflers and Reelers page.
Your passion for the hunt will find it’s home in Newaygo County. No need to venture further north for the ultimate pursuit of the white tail deer, our region offers over 15,000 acres of public hunting land for you to explore. Archery season is October 1st through November 14th, regular firearm season is November 15th through the 30th, and then bow hunters are welcomed back to finish their season for the month of December. Come scout your perfect hunting spot in NewayGo County.
Fish the Rivers
Fall is the peak season for steelhead fishing when you’ll find the anglers flocking to the areas below to Croton Dam on the Muskegon River and below the Hesperia Dam on the White River for world-class fishing. Learn all about fishing the rivers of NewayGo County on the Riflers and Reelers page of our website.
The White River includes about 253 linear miles of streams, beginning in north central region of Newaygo County, flowing southwest to White Lake, and then to Lake Michigan. The total length of the river from the headwater to Lake Michigan is 89.8 miles. With faster flowing waters and obstacles along the way, this river can provide a more challenging adventure for the experienced paddler. Learn all about where to launch, area amenities, and spot to stop along the way with our White River map, and before you go let Hesperia Sport Shop set you up with everything you will need for your White River expedition.
The Muskegon River offers a friendlier float on slower flowing waters. This waterway is wider and therefore slower and easier for a casual paddle. The pace is perfect for kayaking solo, canoeing with friends, or even stand-up paddle boarding on the warmer days. Plan your paddling adventure with our Muskegon River map, and let Croton Dam Float trips help you plan a paddling adventure to remember with their full-service livery.
Our region features a variety of inland lakes just perfect for dropping a line. Our spring-fed lakes are known for bass, bluegill, northern pike, and more. Don’t miss out on great year-round fishing opportunities on the lakes of Newaygo County.
One popular spot popular among local anglers is Diamond Lake. This inland lake is an all sports lake, located approximately 5 miles north of White Cloud. The lake spans approximately 170 acres with about 25 ft of water. Fisherman report catching Bass, Crappie, Bluegill, and Pike.
The Michigan DNR maintains the boat launch all year long providing access to the beautiful Diamond Lake, and a state park pass is required. Be sure to stop out at Schindy’s at Diamond Lake when you are in the area for their famous “Dumpster Diver” Pizza!
Ed H. Henning County Park Campground
Although the summer season has come to a close, there is no need to pack away the camping equipment just yet. Ed H. Henning County Park welcomes rustic campers through the end of the year. The park has the amenities needed to create a memorable camping adventure during the fall season. So, reserve your spot, pack up your gear, and head to NewayGo County for some unforgettable outdoor adventure, followed by restful sleep under the stars.
