2004 Report

Springs Arrival...2004

Friday, April 16th, 2004. Rather apropos that spring should finally make its real arrival just hours after the witching hour prescribed by our I.R.S. and Treasury.

We've got strong southerly breezes with some spring-showers. The sky is beginning to clear and tempretures are headed into the high 60's. The official forecast calls for 71 degrees today. Showers and the likelihood of thunderstorms for the weekend means one sure thing: Mayflies!

I've been on a number of area rivers scouting or actually fishing the prior two weeks. Steelhead were still active in the Betsie last Saturday near Homestead Dam. The Boardman still had decent numbers of fish on Sunday. Urban Angling might be more attractive than the elbow-to-elbow affair witnessed over the weekend. A few shoppers a far easier to content with than a half-dozen crazed anglers for each bend!

A couple friends and I were fishing to rising trout last Friday on the Holy Waters. The water temps were in the low 40's but the blue-bird skies were warming area rivers enough to stimulate late afternoon insect emergences. #18 B.W.O's. and gray stone flies.

The Boyne has a few very skittish steelhead below Boyne Falls. This weekends rain and cloud cover should turn this late-season river on. I strongly suggest a weekday visit versus a Saturday or Sunday trip.

A friend from the National Weather Service tells me the jet-stream is poised for its ascent above the 45th parellel. Our low tempreture last evening was 45 degrees. That's 20 degrees greater than 4/5 days ago!

The Platte and Jordan Rivers were in great shape this week. They should fish well for the opener next Saturday.

Browns and Steelhead are making life interesting on the open waters of the Sturgeon too! Those feeder streams in the headwaters of Otsego County are in good-shape for the 2004 Trout Opener!

Some additional good news for dry-fly fisherman. Hendrickson's were included in the mix last evening between 4:30 and 6:00 p.m. near Grayling. Now that this update is complete it's time to hit the road for an afternoon of fishing.  It's been a long winter folks! Tight-Lines...

Wednesday, April 21, 2004.

There's been plenty of weather in these parts since my last update. Strong southerly  breezes brought much warmer tempretures last weekend. These winds brought thunderstorms and decent rains. The rains and afternoon sunshine have moved some area waters into the low 50's. Olives and stone flies now have company in the form of afternoon Hendrickson's. These have been sporadic in numbers but their nymphs are now active throughout the areas rivers. Best results have been sub-surface but a number of fish can been seen dimpling emergers.

The Boyne produced a couple steelhead on Saturday morning. The Manistee below M-72 also was somewhat productive for dry fly fisherman. The AuSable's North Branch had water temps of 54 degrees on Saturday afternoon.

Local rain started about 11:00 p.m. We've had a nice warm-up this morning. Look for another update prior to this weekends opener! 

Sunday, April 25th.

Condtions for this weekends opener proved to be just right. Cooler weather moved in and some rain dampened the spirits of the less-hardy amoung us. This was good for those of us who hit the river for Satuday afternoons Hendrickson hatch. Red Quill and Hendricksons rolled off the middle North Branch (AuSable) for more than three hours. A couple friends and I waited for the morning rush to dissapate before hitting the water around 2:30 p.m.

Hendricksons were already on the water though the high water conditions had washed plenty of food into the river system since last Sunday.  I left the river at  6:00 p.m. with fish still actively taking duns and emergers. During last evenings dinner the general consensus rated the traditional opener a "huge success"!

Steelhead are active in the Boyne. Those rains from last weekend moved enough fish to allow for exciting angling. These fish get pressed by dozens of anglers each weekend. But its exciting stuff when a buck and hen are paired up and moving through a thigh-deep run. 

The lower AuSable gave up a number of steelies to a good-buddy last Thursday. This guy can catch fish when others would swear the system is void of any finned friends.

Water temps have moved into the low 50's even though some freezing rain arrived late on Saturday night. The forecast changes as often as our spring weather but the nymphs are active, and the fish have been willing.  We may have temps in the mid-60's by Wednesday. Stay Tuned - Tight Lines! 

Friday Morning, April 30th 

A cold front and late winter weather is moving into the area behind a nice sping-like warm up. Thursday saw readings in the 70's with strong southwest winds. The black-caddis have arrived. Significant rising fish during the noon hour! Hendrickson and Baetis spinner falls have been happening on rivers were water temps remain near 50 degrees overnight.

Late steelhead provided some tall-tales on the Boyne River Wednesday evening. 3 of 4 fish were landed.

The upper portions of the Manistee are in good physical shape but water temps are running in the upper 40's at best. Fish have started taking up feeding positions in response to the acquatic insect activity. This cold weather will likely stunt  the dry fly activity until mid-week; but nymph and wet action should still be good.

I was on the river until dark last evening near Lovells. Enough spinner activity induced some of the rivers biggest fish to actively feed. By 8:00 p.m. the winds calmed enough to entice the Red Quill and Hendrickson mating dances above the river. It was nice to walk back to the vehicle with the use of my night-light. There's much to see and hear near a river once dusk begins to settle into night.

I suspect the real action will happen early this afternoon relative to the spinner fall. It's nice to be able to act on the occasional hunch!  Tight-Lines Folks. 

Monday Evening, May 3rd.

Work and other insidious forces have conspired to keep me off the area river for nearly 72 hours. I did manage an evening trip to Boyne Falls about 7:30 p.m. last night. I also happend to include a nine foot, 8 weight in my travels. Steelhead are still active though very skittish in the Boyne. These fish have been hounded; hence the late Sunday afternoon ride.

Our low temperature was 27 degrees last night... with snow flurries. I'm not sure about area Hendrickson spinner action. Saturday registered a high of 48 degrees after a low of 34. The rain showers and cold front from late Friday managed to dampen even the hardy B.W.O. emergence.  Sitting streamside with a 10 week old golden reteiver allows one ample time to closely monitor such things. These insects are rather hearty creatures but...  we sure could benefit from warmer weather.

A spectacular full moon inspired this evenings update. Look for temps in the mid-50's by Wednesday. If this trend remains intact then one can be in front of the TV in time for the opening face-off of the next round of playoffs!

Tight-Lines Folks... 

Friday Evening May 7th.

I've made the rounds this week to the following area rivers... The Pigeon, Manistee and AuSable. Without question the river that's providing the steadiest insect supply is the AuSable. Caddis for a number of hours this afternoon on the Main Branch and Hendrickson's made for nice dry-fly fishing. This river is 7-10 days ahead of the upper Manistee. With evening temps still running in the high 20's or low 30's the AuSable is simply the place to be.

The South Branch is still up but dry fly enthusiasts can tempt steady numbers of surface strikes.

The Pigeon looks and feels no less than 10 days and maybe two weeks behind the middle AuSable. Even the vegetative growth along the river is stunted relative to the conditions in Crawford County.

50's and 60's plus clouds and rain are forecast... it's the evening lows that are really holding back the entire region.

I managed an hour on the upper Manistee this evening in Otsego County. A couple of memorable brook trout made the evening wade well worth the effort. This was my final stop before calling it a night. The Manistee near Frederick looked bleak compared to the Caddis and insect activity earlier today on the Ausable, east of Grayling.

My roomie landed a couple browns on Thursday evening near Cameron Bridge and a reliable fishing (female) companion kept our party from being skunked on the Pigeon this Wednesday. After a long winter and rough spring the crowd I run with are adamant about fishing dries versus sub-surface. I guess that's one of the benefits of living in trout nirvana!

The North Branch is my destination for Saturday. I'll likely fish the middle Manistee on Sunday after some afternoon work.

Get out and chase some trout folks! It's already the middle of May according to my calender... Tight-Lines! 

Wednesday,  May 12th.  A Simple Plan...

Living in the heart of blue-ribbon trout country allows me some real luxuries. I have the good fortune of visiting any number of local waters; within minutes of my home-office. The prior weekends weather was hardly pleasant... but the trout didn't mind. Our high temp was no more than 48 near Lovells. B.W.O.'s rolled off the water from 3:30 until 5:00 p.m. The trout were actively taking emergers that struggled to get airborne. Most surface action was finished by 6:00 p.m.

Sunday afternoon brought a significant front from the South. Thunderstorms broke the Hendrickson rhythm. It also brought damgerous rains to the Pine and White Rivers. The Manistee below Tippy Dam was manageable and steelhead were still present according to a reputable source. My evening fish on the AuSable main stream was interupted by some lightning. The accompanying rains drove nice numbers of Hennies back into the trees. Black Caddis are still working their way through the areas river systems. Most of this dry activity is happening during the early afternoon.

My Tuesday evening escape led me back to the holy-waters of the AuSable. Wait for dusk folks and you'll be surprised by the bounty a healthy river provides. Water temps were 61 degrees at 7:00 p.m.! Hence the plan: Just keep visiting those stretches of river on successive days and something good is bound to happen!

Our weather has been in the upper 70's since Monday. This should dramatically help the insect activity on the Pigeon, Black and upper Manistee. They've looked barren compared to those watersheds running through Crawford County. It's off to the Manistee... Tight-Lines and Damp Waders  

Monday, May 17th.

There's lots to report on our area rivers and in particular... the insect activity. Ephemeralla Dorothea or Sulphus are appearing on local watersheds. This activity started near Grayling on Saturday. These #16 mayflies will provide nice dry-fly action for more than three weeks. The rains from Thurday and Friday brought our area rivers up substantially. I spoke with a guide last evening that saw several very large trout breeching on the trophy waters below Mio on the AuSable. He's been at this gig for sometime folks and hadn't seen anything like it. Orca will do this after taking their fill of salmon and all I can figure is these large browns have had their fill of grub, worm, nymphs and smaller trout. Very content, large fish!

I can report some steady numbers of Hendrickson based on my fishing last evening. The "holy-waters" were receding back to normal. The South Branch is unfishable at this time so the middle-North Branch is my destination later today.

The upper-Manistee had started to produce minor amounts of Hendrickson as of Thursday night. I visited the lower Deward Tract after fishing below Frederick. The predominate consensus is still a bit disappointing but steady overnight temps will help. Friday the rains were heavy,day-long and refused to ease. I simply wrote off the day to exploration.

The Pigeon is now ready with nice numbers of B.W.O.'s, Caddis, Stone's and Hendrickson. A few Sulphurs were reported within the prior 24 hours. A friend reported the waters fell for the entire day yesterday. He managed to locate, catch and release a "braging-rights" last night.

Water tempretures were 61 degrees Sunday evening just east of Grayling. Though full from the weekend run-off, a couple nice browns were caught just prior to dark. I left the river at 10:00 p.m. to converse with others regarding their evening fish.

We have more showers and potential severe weather on-tap for later today. Stay tuned... things are heating up just in time for Memorial Day.

Check out this web-site for an update on the Mason Tract drilling issue. Rep. Matt Guillard is working to get a series of bills heard by the appropriate committee in our State House. He admits that this is an "up-hill" battle for a number of reasons. I visited the press conference on Friday that announced these proposals. These will protect a number of precious area watersheds from further development and exploitation.  www.MasonTract.com 

Till next time... Go Dry and ignore the rain!

 Wednesday, May 26th.

The primary influence remains the rain... lots of it! Our tempretures have been in the 50's or low 60's for several days. This is fine for afternoon Sulphur activity and evening Hendrickson spinner falls. March Browns and Mahogony spinners are also making the rounds. Caddis are still active with the last of the Black Caddis intermixed with the #18 popcorn Caddis. All this activity is great for dry fly enthusiasts under normal conditions but the rain-fall amounts of the prior 10 days have interrupted our normal ebb and flow pattern.

As of Tuesday evening the upper Manistee and AuSable North Branch were primary targets for folks. These typically clear up in advance of the middle and main branches. Insects are rolling on all these effected waters. The trouble is streamers or nymphs are more effective when levels are up.

The Pigeon River and AuSable South Branch were un-fishable. The normal flow of the Pigeon above Song-of-the-Morning Ranch is less than 100 cfs. On Monday it was 470 cfs. I've yet to spend a full afternoon on the South Branch. This river has Lake St. Helen as its source. It also has been in the path of greater rains then those systems to its North.

The Black River is part of the same drainage area as the Pigeon. I've typically been fishing Sulphurs on this system below Tower by this date... but that will wait for a couple more days.

Our local forecast has called for mixed sun, cloud and possible rains over the Memorial Day Weekend. Perfect for afternoon emergence activity. Today and Thursday should allow these waters to clear. The long-term affects of this moisture are very positive. Area swamps, lakes and aquifers are being replentished. All good news.

A reliable source helped answer an observation from my last posting. The "breeching" below Mio was far more likely an instinctive response to Caddis pupa then my theory. Even these fat, old browns can't help themselves when enough food presents itself. These are some of the largest fish in our area waters. Trophy fish in anybody's book.

Tight-Lines and Happy Memorial Day!

Wednesday, June 2nd.

Welcome to June. The month of May was one of the wettest on record. I can actually see the change in the water table in Otsego Lake as I write this update. In the long-term these rains are great news for all of us but it has caused frustration for area fly fishermen. A number of rivers still remain well above seasonal levels. This hasn't stopped the insects as we're well into the Sulphur season. March Browns are also making the rounds while I actually had Light Hendrickson Spinner actvity over the Memorial Day Weekend.

The upper Manistee through Grayling produced Caddis, Lt. Hendricksons, Sulphur and March Browns last weekend. Our tempretures remain cool enough to prompt early afternoon activity but I've yet to hit a strong evening spinner fall.

The AuSable Main Stream remains a bit clouded but otherwise steady. I fished the afternoon emergence on the North Branch below Lovells last Thursday. Intermittent rain didn't stop the B.W.O.'s or Sulphus. These rolled off the river from 3-7 p.m. under cloudy and otherwise wet skies. We were able to land a mix of brook trout and browns.

The AuSable Holy-Waters still have nice numbers of afternoon Sulphurs. Sunday was overcast with a few light showers. The rain gear provided all the shelter necessary while insects were plentiful for the late afternoon.

Most area visitors were headed home by noon on Monday. More rains were forecast and severe conditions had been predicted since early Sunday. The low-pressure system working into the area split and headed north and south of our environs. We did have some heavy down-pours on the Pigeon but we also had the river to ourselves. Olives were everywhere from 4:00 p.m. on. The Sulphur activity was steady enough to encourage rising trout too.

Our local forecast has called for afternoon temps in the 60's right through the weekend. Last evening we stayed in the high 40's under cloudy skies. Sunshine this morning has likely warmed water enough to warrant a trip to the river. It's off to the Black to chase Brookies and the afternoon rise...  maybe even an evening spinner fall!

Tight-Lines Mates!

Wednesday, June 9th. 

Summer has made the rounds and we've plenty of major insect activity to show for it. Our afternoon temps were near 90 on Tuesday. Monday was near 85. I fished well past mid-night Monday evening awaiting the Brown Drake spinner fall. Lots of adults over the river system from 8:30 p.m.  A minor Sulphur fall and Caddis activity spurred a number of fish prior to dark.

A friend reported rising fish on the Pigeon but far-fewer insects for Monday night. We fished the upper Black River on Sunday afternoon. That system was still producing plenty of run-off including worms and crawlers.  A bit depressing if you're set on fishing duns and spent spinners.

Rain and much cooler temps have just moved into the area today. I'm finally headed south for some late afternoon activity on the AuSable South Branch. I haven't spent an afternoon on that system since the big rains in May!

The Manistee typically runs 3-5 days later than the AuSable. Last Thursday, I still had very steady Sulphur spinners. I managed to land a fish that had eluded me on three other evenings. I did witness a number of March Brown emergers so I assume the Brown Drake emergence is working its way down the system.

My new pup has changed the way I've approached this seasons fishing. I hope the attention and time afforded him allows me some freedom during the coming years. He's now 107 days old... At times his name seems fitting. "Drake" has altered not only my fishing pattern but my sleep regiment too! By the time Hex and Simulans are finished I'm going to need a vacation and sleep clinic. Afternoon lemonade, a hammock and naps ought to provide enough relief!

Here's to Damp-Waders, Tight-Lines and three month old Goldens!!

Wednesday, June 16th...

The fishing and catching action has gained real momentum the prior week folks. The reasons are several but with water levels returning to more seasonal ranges and their temps in the 60's it shouldn't surprise anyone that the big bugs are making the rounds.

Here's a general round-up of the prior weeks activities...

North of me the Pigeon River Forest is providing March Browns, Isonychia, Cahills, Yellow Stones and a number of Olives. We're still seeing evening spinner falls of Sulphurs too. Brown Drakes are working their way through the systems in those areas with silt or muck banks. A couple weeks will probably lead us into steady Hex activity above the 45th parallel.

The prior couple evenings were spent on the AuSable main stream awaiting the last volley of Brown Drakes. The Simulans didn't disappoint! I've been torn between the Detroit Pistons Championship run and a number of favorite trout hangouts. Happily the Pistons ended that dilemma by dismantling the Lakers last evening... while I fished another steady Drake emergence.

The upper Manistee is my destination tonight but I'm tempted to head into the Mason Tract on the AuSable south branch. Rumor has it that those large, winged creatures known as "fish-flies" have begun making their presence known. The general public decries these flies when they gum-up sidewalks, streets, windshields and everything  imaginable.  For me the excitement they produce rivals the anticipation I remember as a kid for Christmas or summer vacation.

I've been surprised the past week by the variety of active feeding on any number of insects. Some in emergence form... others in the dun stage and still others in spent-wing. Plan on arrving by 7:30 or 8:00 p.m. in order to settle in for a lengthy nights fish.

Tight-Lines... and bring on the HEX!

Friday Evening, June 25th.

One week ago tonight there were plenty of large winged insects in the air... then a major cold-front blew through the region. We've had tempretures low enough for frost in some of the low lying areas of northern Michigan.

The insects have adapted by moving their emergence times into the middle of the day; with or without cloud cover.

March Browns, Isonychia and Hex are lying in wait for warmer temps. The Brown Drake activity has finished based on my observations and conversations but there's still plenty of afternoon and early evening insects.

I witnessed afternoon Hex duns on the upper Manistee today. March Browns and Olives were mixed with good numbers of Caddis. A friend spent his mid-afternoon on the AuSable south branch amidst a steady Hex emergence. This same section of river was very quiet on Monday evening after dark.

Tuesday evening was rewarding on the Pigeon River with good numbers of March Browns. A favorite bend has a very tight "S" curve and cover thanks to an existing beaver lodge. The fish have plenty of logs and dead-fall to protect themselves from predators and fisherman alike. These guys win most of the encounters between us but Tuesday night went my way. Fish of 14" or more are a kick in water like this!

Others have reported big bus on the lower Sturgeon and Jordan Rivers. Folks in and around Petosky have reported the "Michigan Mayfly" for the past week.

Our water temps are still in the lower 60's even though our afternoon highs haven't been near 70 degrees the prior week. The next several days look steady for decent afternoon and evening activity. It doesn't seem right that the 4th of July is just around the next weekend corner! Until then...

Tight-Lines! 

Wednesday, June 30th

Summer has arrived just in time for the big holiday weekend. With it comes much more seasonal temps and plenty of large bugs.

I've been staking my claim the prior nights to a silty, Hex holding section of water on the AuSable main stream. These insects have been joined in solid numbers by March Browns,  Isonychia, Mahogony, Olives and #14 Stone flies. The word is out and so are the fair-weather fishermen. You'll need to arrive by 8:00 p.m. in order to await the evening rise. Even then the etiquette possessed by some of these folks is likely to disappoint you. It comes with the territory this time of year.

Hexagina have also been emerging on the upper waters of the Pigeon and Manistee Rivers. Their numbers haven't been huge but the pace should increase over the next couple days. A good friend has had a banner season fishing March Browns since the beginning of the month. If prior experience is any indication then we'll be fishing these #12 insects for the next month.

The Manistee River will run several days longer/cooler than the comparable waters of the AuSable when it comes to the Hex hatch. The middle section of the river below M-72 has been on-and-off again this week. The same can be said for the AuSable south branch. Sunday, Monday and last evening were cool enough to keep duns on the water well past 1:00 a.m. Many of these end up looking like spent-wing spinners due to air temps. The vast majority haven't made it air-borne. That should change with tonights emergence because of 10 degree warmer temperatures.

Remember... Get there early and stay late!   Tight-Lines and Happy 4th of July!

Friday, July 9th

Last Thursday and Friday brought significant Hex-spinner action on those waters described earlier. After five successive nights my fishing partner managed his sixth and most productive evening fish. Area temperatures were finally in the 80's. Our evening lows were well into the 50's. While I was "down-state" he was busy attending to several fish over 17 inches. The spinner fall lasted  more than two hours and was moderate. This allowed him to select specific fish and determine some semblance of feeding rhythm.

Summer gave was to spring/fall again on Sunday. Another moisture laden cold front pushed into the region. While on Mackinac Island I managed no fishing but I did see decent numbers of Olive and Hex. The large flies have worked their way into the "Straits Area".

Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday this week were terriffic for day-time dry fly enthusiasts. A number of competent fisherman reported steady activity on all our area streams. Our afternoon temps struggled to reach 60 degrees but the cloud cover was all the impetus required for several hours of Olive and Cahill emergers. Isonychia and March Browns are still rolling at various times of the day. We're seeing some late-Hex activity below the 45th paralell and expecting stronger numbers above it starting today. Ephemerella lata (Slate Wing Olive) are showing in steady numbers too.

The Olive (#20-24) emergence on the AuSable North Branch yesterday was terrific. As we were starting our day-trip, friends were leaving. They'd just enjoyed a couple hours of steady action. 6-8 hours of steady dry fly catching is a kick!

I expect the tiny mayflies will be headlining my reports. We're moving from the huge Hexagenia to the diminutive Tricorythodes. From late night, heavy leaders to morning rise and 7x tippet.  

Isn't Summer Grand?  Tight-Lines! 

Thursday, July 15th.

This spring and summer season continues to bring all types of surprise.... especially our weather! Michiganders know that one shouldn't complain about the atmosphere because it's very likely to change. Witness last Tuesday evening; when more than two inches of rain fell in less than a couple hours. The entire area received a deluge of the wet stuff. Some recorders placed on various rivers by the USGS actually saw readings increase by 50% in a matter of hours. The wet stuff has moved East and it's time to fish the skinny waters this evening.

Last Thursday and Friday evenings gave rise to two specific spinner falls on the Manistee. Tiny Blue-Wind Olives around 8:00 p.m. and Slate-Wings by 9:30 p.m. This scenario played out on the AuSable North Branch, Sunday and Monday evenings too.

The Pigeon was my original destination on Tuesday. I had planned to meet family friends staying in the PRSF but Mother Nature brought more water and lightning to the area than I wanted to dodge. 

Tuesday was also an afternoon to say "Good-Bye" to a trusted friend. Jim Stock passed into eternity on Saturday evening. He's been a fixture in the Gaylord Area for nearly four decades. His memorial service took place near Michawye',  in the Church were he and Suzanne have worshiped. His family was at his side when his life ended.

I'm pleased and honored to have fished these area waters with a friend so true! Fish On Jim... Till We Meet Again!!

Tight-Lines Friends.

Thursday, July 22nd

Small flies in the morning and large surface flies at night... That's the m.o. the prior week. Trico's have made their way through much of the AuSable River system. This morning the spinner-fall started near dawn due to our overnight lows. Evening temps in the mid-to-upper 60's result in very comfortable night fishing. These conditions also stimulate the early morning blizzard known as "trico's". We're expecting a "cool-down" beginning later today. If the NWS is correct then you should be able to enjoy breakfast prior to heading for the river.

Decent B.W.O.'s are also enticing area trout. These emergers are mixed amoung the morning Trico-spinnner fall. They'll continue their emergence for a couple hours after most Trico's have fallen. If there's ample cloud cover don't be surprised to find selective fish near logs and in the shadows getting their fill of #20 Olives. The same areas will be active just prior to dusk when these delicate mayflies return for their evening mating dance.

Area-wide showers yesterday and last evening have added some turbidity to most of our rivers. We're fortunate to receive decent rain-fall amounts this time of year and it's good news for the entire ecosystem. Terrestrial activity should provide for some entertaining afternoon fishing. Look for ants and grasshoppers, especially if there's sunshine and wind during the mid-afternoon.

An evening this week on the Pigeon resulted in a quality outing with a couple active T.U. buddies from Vanderbilt. I didn't head for the PRCF until 7:30 p.m. though they already had an hour of fishing prior to my arrival. There was steady activity beginning around 8:30 p.m. that lasted well past dark. You'll need a nice mix of B.W.O.'s for the early portion of the evening rise... followed by a variety of March Browns. Darkness isn't complete much before 10:00 p.m. at this latitude.

MASON TRACT / SAVOY ENERGY UPDATE 

Look for a decision in the coming days regarding the application for a permit to drill for natural gas under the Mason Tract! The most recent word from the Mio Office of the National Forest Service is disappointing folks.

Several modifications have been added to the original application but there are still numerous concerns. An Environmental Assessment (EA) will be required instead of an Environmental Impact Study (EIS). I don't understand the technical merits surrounding either but an EA is described as a "walk-in-the-park" while an EIS can be a "marathon".

A request to extend the upcoming Public Comment Period to 90 days from 30 days isn't likely either. It appears as though August will be a very hot indeed! Stay Tuned... 

Thursday Evening, July 29th.

Just back from an evening fish on the skinniest of water on the Manistee River. Several nice brookies before dusk followed by a few nice browns... makes for a very worthwhile hike through the swamp.

Our fishing has been broken into three distinct phases the prior 10 days.

Early morning Trico spinner falls around 8:30-11:00 a.m., followed by steady numbers of B.W.O.'s. This will nearly take you 'till noon on most days. Then, give any number of terrestrials including ants, crickets or grasshoppers a try near logs and in the shadows. You can round-out your days activities by fishing the evening rise for those Olives that hatched earlier in the day. Don't overlook any number of Caddis, or Light Cahills that are making their way back to the river for their evening mating dance.

For good measure plan to stay on the water near a favorite run or pool and throw something large and hairy. We're into our three-shift routine on all the area rivers.

Last Thursday and Friday evenings cooled enough to move the morning activity back a couple hours. Our tempretures have been in the 80's each day this week. Overnite lows have remained near 60 degrees; so everthing is fishing nicely. Comfortable wading and good fishing regardless of the time you're on the river.

The rivers remain stable thanks to ample showers this Tuesday. Combine this with our median temps and you'll find ample opportunity throughout the region.

Until next week... Check your batteries and Tight-Lines!

Thursday, August 5th.

Another week, month and blue-moon has passed. Summer in Northern Michigan hums at a pace that's far too quick! Last weeks warm spell has given way to a push of Canadian cool. Last evening the thermometer fell well below 50 degrees. Tonight through Saturday looks much the same. This allows for breakfast first... then fishing the morning rise.

Yesterday, the Pigeon provided a beautiful backdrop for Trico spinners post 9:30 a.m. These mayflies live very short adult lives packed with plenty of suspense. The remnants of July's blue moon hung overhead while morning sun warmed the river valley into the mid 60's. I won't suggest that an over-abundance of these insects inhabit this river but enough were present to stimulate limited surface activity. The Pigeon didn't received this weeks heavy rains. Rivers south of the 45th parallel did benefit from significant down-pours and their trout are better for it. I'll be monitoring this rivers level prior to my next day-trip.

Tuesday morning on the AuSable Main stream was classic. Trico's at 9:00 a.m. followed by #20 Olives... and plenty of feeding fish. Bluebird skies and the river to myself. It wasn't until 11:00 a.m. when wrapping up my morning that the first human interruption occured. 30 kids in float tubes were making their way through the holy water. Fortunately my plans for fishing ended at the same time these folks were hitting the river.

A number of buddies have continued to land large Browns at night by hitting the water after the evening rise. I've had mixed results but that's what keeps us coming back to our favorite hole or section of river.

The Manistee has been good to the terrestrial/afternoon fisherman. I know of two days last week were a dozen trout per person were landed and released. The plan is usually pretty simple... Locate a stretch of water with some riffles and shade, segued into a pool that has woody debris and you're going to move fish. The more shade and trout cover the better you're chances of touching a nice fish or two.

I have the opportunity to fish the Middle Branch River north of Marion, tomorrow. Friends have found their next home on this little river and I figure its appropriate to include some pleasure in my bussiness. Until next week...

Tight-Lines!  

Thursday, August12

The old adage about Michigan's weather has been proven true time-and-again this summer. Just when we're settling into the Dog Days of August, a wild and wet blast of Arctic air moves in and changes all the dymanics... but I'm not complaining!

Last Thursday was beautiful with blue skies and a soft southerly breeze. Perfect for a road trip. So I headed off with Drake to the Jordan River Valley. The pup has started his sixth month and now weighs 50 pounds so he's able to meander about while I fish. There are times when he's still a deterent but Thursday wasn't as much about catching fish as it was about exploring new water.

The Jordan's upper reaches have more deadfall and debris than most rivers I've fished but the real distinguishing feature is its marbel and gravel bottom. This creates numerous divets large enough to hold several nice fish. The afternoon canoe traffic at either of the lower crossings is enough to disrupt your fishing rhythm so head upstream for some quality dry-fly fising and solitude. I don't think I've seen a prettier cedar forest than the Jordan offers. It doesn't diminish the experience when B.W.O.'s are emerging either! There's ample sand and silt in this river along with the gravel necessary for a healthy mayfly population. It's waters are cool and clean too.

I headed into Osceola County on Friday afternoon after visiting Cadillac. I didn't reach the Middle Branch River until 3:30 p.m. There were cumulus clouds and sun overhead while the thermometer wavered in the mid 80's. Friends had given me permission to fish their home waters while in Alberta. I spent more than an hour fishing to several lazy trout (and a few non-trout species) using a variety of terrestrial and ant patterns. It's a real treat landing 10-12 inch brown trout during the middle of the day on a river like this! The Middle Branch runs a few select miles before it merges with the Muskegon. At times its no wider than a passanger car. It's also located on the edge of a rural farming community but the river manages quite nicely!

Saturday was spent introducing two cousins to fly fishing. Both the boys are 12 and enjoy spending time outdoors. We met at Gates Lodge and headed for some familiar water on the AuSable North Branch. I'm somewhat embarrassed to report we were skunked despite a nice Trico spinner fall! We were on the river during the subsequent Olive emergence too. After lunch at Shupak Lake, we threw a number of terrestrials on the upper North Branch. We closed out the day by fishing the Main Stream near the Lodge. These fellow-fisherman were game in spite of my inability as a host! They both tried to convince their father to stay another evening even though we didn't touch a single fish. The evening rise happened like clock-work but we left the river without landing any fish.

On Sunday I was full of resolve! There was no sound reason (aside from youthful inexperience) that we didn't catch fish the prior day. I headed off to the North Branch with a fishing companion to contemplate and observe. She promptly landed a nice brown, mid-stream on a #20 Olive. By 9:15 p.m. the river was active with rising trout that were aggressively taking Olive spinners. Some Caddis and Stone's and then Cahills by 9:30. We left the river at 10:15 p.m. after touching a nice trout a piece.

Monday brought the weather reported earlier. Temps fell and so did the rain. By Tuesday we were in the throes of falls early grip. Perfect day-time fishing weather. I've spent significant time in the Deward Tract on the Manistee river this season. Tuesday, I decided to head in the opposite direction after reaching the river. Glad I did! Several hours of steady rain, 60 degrees and rising trout. Mayflies are notorious for overcast conditions. The fish are already wet so all that's missing from the equation are fisherman.

I didn't stick around for dark to arrive. Six hours were enough in conditions like this... but well worth it!

Last evening was spent back on the AuSable Main Stream. Right where I'd received my graduate degree in humility, Saturday morning. 58 degree water temps were five degrees warmer than the air. A number of Olives were spinning and emerging last evening. Not huge numbers but enough to stimulate a number of active trout. #20-#24's brought fish to the surface and hand. The evening was terrific but the final fish pushed the night over-the-top! 

Writing this weeks update helped me recall recollections from 30 years ago. Those boys pleading for another opportunity to land their first trout... on a fly-rod!

Take-a-Kid Fishing... Tight-Lines!

Thursday, August 19th.

An interesting morning and early afternoon on the North Branch folks. Last evening a strong cold-front blew through the region. Our temps fell well into the low 40's or upper 30's in some areas after a number of pleasant days spent in the upper 70's. The night-fly activity remains fruitful for those willing to fish in total darkness. Large trout are still common on these late-summer evenings. Trico's were spinning well past noon today!

I couldn't help but notice a lack of direct sunlight on the water by 8:30 p.m. this Tuesday. Persistent clouds provided ample cover for steady Olive activity all-afternoon long on the upper Manistee. Our water levels have continued to be bolstered by steady rain events. Reports from those rivers entering Lake Michigan indicate early salmon runs are beginning. I don't expect a repeat of last years sluggish fall-steelhead runs as long as we continue to receive ample rain. Our overall temps are likely to help too.

While ants and hoppers are still producing afternoon activity it's time to begin looking for the significant evening hatches of Ephron and Isonychia on a couple area rivers. The trophy-waters below Mio usually need to reach 70 degrees before the Ephron super hatch gets underway. We're several degrees short of that now and the short-term forecast doesn't look warm enough to increase them much. Evening lows should allow for ample cooling so the Ephron activity may well be prolonged much like the Trico's.

Isonychia show up in time for migrating browns and early spawning brookies. These insects afford dry-fly enthusiasts another great opportunity to land mature fish without competing for fish with canoeists or other fisherman. Prior years, I've had several consecutive evenings where emergers, duns and spinners roll uninterrupted. Using #12-14 dry-flies can be a nice way to start the fall-season in Northern Michigan. 

*Of Significant Importance* The U.S. Forest Service has released its Environmental Assessment for the proposed well near the Mason Tract of the AuSable South Branch. The Public Comment Period began last Saturday. It runs through September 15th.

Only those comments received in proper form will be considered by the Responsible Officials of the USFS and BLM. Here's a direct link to the report.

www.fs.fed.us/r9/hmnf/pages/south_branch_well.htm

Expect an official decision by these parties by October 15, followed by a 45 day appeal period. The middle of December might well be a new era in the Mason Tract! An existing well has garnered little concern according to the report but I see provisions for several additional wells is this application is approved folks!

Write or E-mail those comments! There's far too much at stake if you don't!!

Tight-Lines! 

Thursday, August 26th.

Nearly a year has passed since my last visits to the Trophy Waters of the AuSable River, below Mio. It's revealing to fish this portion of the river after spending several months on its upper reaches and branches. The primary reason for my trips this week centered around an additional report that's part of the Savoy Energy Environmental Assessment... and the white flies known as Ephron.

Temperatures where in the lower 80's on Tuesday and the humidity was relatively low. Good conditions for any number of insect species to roam about. Plenty of #18-20 sized ants were on the water by 6:30 p.m. I imagine these winged terrestrials were available to area trout for most of the afternoon. This week I've witnessed plenty of swarming in most areas near the 45th parallel.   Ants weren't the only food source making the rounds either.

The same section of water had two specieis of B.W.O. #22-24 Olives were well into their mating dances by 7:00 p.m. while significantly larger Olives were emerging. Caddis are also returing to the river by this time after spending the afternoon in stream-side vegetation. You'll see plenty of splashy rise forms from aggressive, little trout chasing these morsels.

 Adding another ingredient to the recipe is the evening Cahill. These mayflies are emerging from the rivers main current and swimming toward the quieter eddies located along the inside edge of any bend you can reach. You'll be especially pleased if you're able to find an inside bend that has debri or sweepers at the curves apex. There's usually some good depth and nice-sized fish that set up to intercept these #16 flies.

Of course dessert this time of year is the Ephron. Nymphs begin moving in huge numbers just as the sun dips below the treetops. Trout feed madly on this mayfly prior to emergence. Their numbers are that prodigious! Fortunately, the Ephron evolves quickly from nymph- to subamagio- to adult- to spinner; within a couple hours. I've seen enough insects blanket the river beyond anything fishable. Tuesday evenings pace was light relative to any superhatch and last evening was lighter still... perfect for selecting a particular fish to cast to!

My good-friends from Vanderbilt continue to move healthy trout on the Pigeon each evening by using their stand-by fly. Olives, Caddis and Cahills can be found there on any particular evening this time of year. The dam at Song-of-the-Morning Ranch holds the key to this rivers productivity. It's one of those not regulated the the DNR, so I never know what conditions will be like without actually visiting the river.

I've planned a couple day trips for the month of September. The Carp above the Straits and the Pere Marquette below. I've aspirations regarding the Salmon trifecta next month.

I'm headed to Colorado through Labor Day Weekend. Cutthroats and 'Bows in Rocky Mountain streams and lakes... Should be a kick!

Don't wait any longer to review and comment on the Environmental Assessment from the U.S. Forest Service!

A link has been provided on my home page detailing the entire process. Until next month folks... Very Tight-Lines!!

Monday, September 13th.

A couple weeks fly by in a blink don't they? 10 days in the Colorado Rockies and a major holiday bring us to the end of summer but hardly the end of the fishing season.

Before I forget; here's a plug for a solid group of people that enjoy chasing trout near the Continental Divide.  www.kinsleyoutfitters.com  They're located in Boulder, Colorado on the doorstep of Rocky Mountain National Forest. Pete, one of the companies principals has spent plenty of time on the AuSable River system while living in Michigan. His senior guide is a young man named Brian. If you'd like to visit any number of quality waters ask for this guy... he's well worth your time!

My efforts and activity since the end of vacation have been more on the protection of our watersheds than fishing. I did manage a trip to the Maple River on Labor Day. I also spent some time chasing hogs on the South Branch and Isonychia on the AuSable North Branch this weekend, but the primary emphasis centered around the 10th Annual Angles of the AuSable River Cleanup. It's pretty cool to have 250 people give up a Saturday in a cause like this. Our rivers are certaily worth it and all of us benefit from it.

Ants, Olives (small! #24's), terrestrials like crickets, beetles and hoppers during the day and Isonychia or Ephrons at twilight. Brook Trout are in full color and I'm looking for migrating species this week.

I have a couple road-trips planned beginning tomorrow. I'm also committed to an additional update before this weekend. Until then... Tight-Lines! 

Tuesday, September 21st 

Sometime this afternoon or evening Autumn offically begins; but it looks like summer's not quite ready to vacant Northern Michigan. We've enjoyed clear skies, plenty of sunshine and temps in the 80's for several consecutive days. Our evening lows have dropped into the 30's without any cloud cover to hold day-time heating. The local forecast calls for much-of-the-same until Friday.

Last Tuesday I headed across the Mackinaw Bridge to visit the Carp River near Hiawatha National Forest. I had hoped to time my trip in accordance with this rivers run of Chinook, Coho and Pink Salmon. The Pinks were there in decent numbers so one-out-of-three isn't bad. The fish will come regardless of the weather but I'm still looking for a cold north wind with rain and clouds to really move these fish. The word from some reliable sources has large numbers of migratory fish staged in most area harbors awaiting the next major rain event.

A buddy scored plenty of action on the lower Manistee last weekend. He sent a photo of a brute steelhead that weighed in at 16 pounds and measured 37 inches. Seven other fish came to the fly and most won the battle before being netted.

The Pigeon is still producing dry fly action during the early morning or late evening. The area near the Big-Wild will close in 9 days until next season. Hard to believe another trout season is drawing to a close.

The Manistee below M-72 and the entire AuSable system are still offering plenty of action for local anglers. Last evening was beautiful with a cresent moon for a back-drop. Dusk and the evening cool starts around 7:15 p.m. You'll be fishing in the dark within an hour but fish are still looking up for late-season Olives, Isonychia and Caddis. During the day we're still seeing plenty of ants on the water.

The Ephrons are tapering off below Mio but night-fly activity is still moving fish.

I'll be fishing the Pere Marquette on Thursday and Friday.

It's time to spend some time in the woods with Drake now that Grouse season is offically on. Leaves are staring to turn and the ferns are thinning. Until next time...

Tight-Lines!  

Tuesday, September 28th

Fall is offically here. It's also in the air and draped in the trees. A cold front blew into the region last evening with some much needed moisture. We've had little or no rain for most of the month and our temperatures have resembled what would be typical August weather. I actually saw 90 degrees on one of our local thermometers last week for the first time this year. Otsego Lake has responded by dropping several inches over the prior 45 days. It's also given back some of the shoreline covered by this spring and summer rains. The skies have already cleared this morning but the southerly breezes have been replaced by cool north-winds. I imagine the fire danger remains relatively high despite last nights moisture.

Salmon were found in abundance last Thursday and Friday on the Pere Marquette River. An evening and morning session are usually enough to sate my appetite for these incredible fish. I haven't learned enough about enticing these leviathans into striking my offering before I strike them. I did take some time to pursue the local trout population in the "flies-only" section of the river near M-37. This portion of the river deserves a second look in November when the fall steelhead run gets under way. I hope its open past 09/30.

Last Tuesday evening on the Manistee and Wednesday morning on the AuSable North Branch were beautiful bookends for a trout bum. Isonychia at dusk and a late batch of Trico or B.W.O.'s around 10:00 a.m. makes for an eventful outing.

Drake was involved in his first grouse flush on Saturday morning. I wasn't much help with a 9 foot 4 weight in my hands. A trio of hunters flushed the bird again 45 minutes later; so Drake wound up with a pair of wings for his earlier efforts.

Last evening was probably as-good-as-it-gets for a fisherman of my limited skills. I tend to stick with 'dries' more often than not. I'm now reading about nymphing techniques because of general trout tendancies and I want to become more efficient when its time for this falls steelhead fishing. So last night I took Drake and headed off to visit a favorite hang-out below Lovells.

We're on the river by 7:00 p.m. and there's plenty of insect activity along-side and above the river. Drake's with me and he's become a pretty good fishing partner. He now understands there are boundaries to his wandering and commands that require heeding. The pup has seen enough trout to know what's happening at the end of the fly-line. Last night he was introduced to beaver dams and their inhabitants.

I'm now fishing a fly-rod given to me by the family of my friend, Jim Stock: Partly out of gratitude and because of my thick headed ways. The gratitude part is easy to admit but the next part is somewhat embarrassing... I left the tip end of my T-3 on the roof of my vehicle last week after fishing near the Sheep Ranch public access off Lovells Road!

The good folks at www.Orvis.com  will be sending me a replacement, so "props" to them.

After meandering about checking out the recent drop of Oak and Pine trees, I decided to await the evening rise and welcome the moon near a pool below a riffled run. The evening had already been successful but I felt like there was more in the woods or water awaiting us. Drake had barked at the large rodent cruising about us and the beaver reciprocated by sounding with its customary tail-warning; twice.

The internal arguement that many of us encouter plays out often for me: More fish? Bigger Fish? Meat or potatoes? Why Fish! Should I fish my passion or fish for my Pride... Dry or Nymph.

I love places were trout are found. I've also come to call many "Friend" who think and feel the same. There are times when it all comes together. When the effort and hope placed in each cast or every mile driven, or every conversation culminate in a reward that exceeds your expectations. Last evening was just that.

Walking to the car under a full moon, in the company of a healthy 7 month golden, knowing that a departed friend was in my midst... Amidst all the uncertainty that surrounds us each day it's good to know there are opportunities to rejuvinate the spirit without compromising the flesh.  It's Y.I.FISH.

Thanks for the rod Jim!  TIGHTLINES...  

Friday, October 8th

There's rain in the air this morning and high expectations for good afternoon Olive activity. Streamer fishing will give way to small emerger patterns before the day is done. Snow and sleet last Monday, 80 degrees Thursday and much needed moisture today.  Fall in Northern Michigan.

I closed out the regular season on the Jordan River a week ago Thursday. This time of year one has to travel with trout gear, salmon tackle and debris for the woods like shotguns. Once the dog is loaded there isn't much room for human travel companions so my outings now require a bit more planning and preparation.

The Jordan River Valley is a great place to visit regardless of your intentions. There are numerous walking paths and public access points from its headwaters down through the confluence of the Green River. Be prepared for plenty of canoe activity between Webster Bridge and Graves Crossing on the lower river. The upper stretch near the Pinney Bridge most interests me. It's really pocket water with lots of logs and undercut banks. Cedars line most of the banks and the river is often braided. Pretty stuff!

I visited the same general area on Sunday to sample some of falls' color. A group of college students were conducting micro-invertebrate collection and performing a general fish census. It seems I missed the steelhead that were following this rivers salmon population during their fall spawning run.

A second or third run of salmon have arrived in most area rivers. I imagine todays rain and overcast condtions will prompt any remaining fish to move from staging areas into the rivers of their origin. Let's hope that the steelhead and browns follow them.

Public comments are due by next Wednesday, October 13th, on the proposed exploratory well near the Mason Tract. These comments must be relative to the Environmental Assessment (EA) performed by the U.S. Forest Service.  You can download the entire document from my home page.

It's important that your comments address specific issues within the EA folks. Your comments are vital IF you or your organization want to be recognized in any future appeals!

This issue has been front-and-center for more than one year. At times it'd be far less headache to report only on the pleasure of our sport versus the politics surrounding it... But I believe we owe our surroundings and future generations the same opportunity we've enjoyed: Without the sound, stench or site of heavy equipment and drilling rigs in an otherwise pristine setting.

We're in the middle of another election cycle so I strongly suggest contacting your State and Federal Representatives. Ask them for their specific opinion regarding this proposed well and to do it in writing! Better to know your enemies than to misjudge a friend.

Let's get back to fishing... Tighlines!

Monday, October 17th.

A "witches brew" might best describe the prior 10 days in Northern Michigan. We had significant snowfall during the weekend in the Gaylord area after a number of blustery but mild afternoons last week.

Blue Wing Olives, midges and caddis during the mid-afternoon continue to bring trout to the surface. I landed a number of fish last Wednesday, on the AuSable South Branch, after temps rose into the mid-to-upper 50's. I happened to be in the Mio area earlier that day to visit the District Office of the U.S. Forest Service. Wednesday was the deadline for all public comments on the Environmental Assessment regarding the proposed exploratory well near the Mason Tract in Crawford County.

Streamer action just after your morning hunt for grouse or woodcock will still produce some memorable fish. Grab lunch just after noon and you'll be ready for some quality dry-fly action. We're expecting our temperatures and general weather to moderate as the week wears on. Overcast skies and 60 degrees! Perfect for any number of outdoor activities this time of year.

A number of buds who enjoy throwing night-flies seem to be resigning themselves to early moring or very late-afternoon excursions. Our evening temps have really tumbled once the sun dips below the tree-line. Those rivers still open for "Catch-and-Release" are now firmly in the 40's. I'm seeing more neoprene waders and several layers of clothing but that's a small price to pay for an extended season.

Our area colors are at peak right now! There are pockets in every direction just past or just prior; but the drive is worth the effort. Strong winds and heavy moisture have started to take a toll on the remaining vegatation. Ferns are golden or brown and are matted to the ground. Maples, Beech and Poplar look vibrant relative to stands of Oak or Conifer. The acorn crop in my yard is outstanding this year!

I'm looking for a few fall run steelhead in a neigboring river later today. These fish follow the salmon anyway but, I'm hedging a bet because of the rain, snow and cold from this weekend. It looks like fall in these parts! Until next week...

Tightlines!

Friday, October 28th.

October has brought us the moisture that September didn't. We've had several consecutive days of overcast conditions with plenty of rain. Pefect for those late-season diehards that enjoy the river all-to-themselves. I've often joked about weather like this by responding; "the trout are already wet"! Tiny B.W.O's emerge like clockwork as long as we're not in a virtual downpour. Last Saturday was a wash but each day since has been Mayfly perfect.

Brook trout are feeding voraciously all afternoon long while brown trout have moved into traditional spawning grounds. Ive been pleasantly surprised this week when a large brown has followed a struggling brookie. These are large predators that drawf their water-born neighbors.

The brook trout are just spectacular in their fall colors. Vibrant orange-bellies rimmed by pearl-white fins. Thick and chunky mid-sections with fighting kypes that are ashen gray... beautiful stuff!

You'll find pods of fish sipping on dries for several hours each afternoon. This weeks temps had languished in the high 40's or low 50's but last evening saw a warm front push into the area. It's currently 60 degrees and perfect for any number of outdoor endeavors including woodcock or grouse hunting.

Salmon are still abundant west of Otsego County but you'll have plenty of company.

The word from the sunrise-side of the state has whitefish, menominee and steelhead moving through area harbors into the lower AuSable and AuGres Rivers. I imagine the same can be said of west Michigan waters. Plans to fish the White in a couple weeks are nearly complete. I'm looking forward to an occassional tussle while hip-deep in chilled November waters.

There's no offical word yet from the U.S. Forest Service regarding the proposed exploratory well near the Mason Tract. A recent article from the Bay City Times suggests 100 to 200 responses were received on the Environmental Assessment. I imagine we'll have a definitive response from the Forest Service within a few days of the general election. Don't be surprised to hear "Finding Of No Significant Impact" one day next week. It's then that the appeal process offically begins.

Until then... Check out the colors within the water. Tightlines!

Thursday, November 4th.

I called a buddy yesterday prior to the noon-hour to discuss plans for an afternoon of fishing... seems I was suffering from Election Hangover. There's a proven remedy that I've discovered that's capable of curing most of this worlds ills. Right now it comes in the form of #22-24 Olives around 3:00 p.m. each afternoon as long as the winds aren't howling at 35 m.p.h. or rain is pelting the rivers surface.

Daylight savings and the march toward winter bring darkness by 6:15 p.m. but that hardly matters when there are still trout taking late-afternoon spinners from the surface of a favorite section of water. I'm still wearing breathable-waders but its time to acknowledge the season and break-out the neoprenes. Water temps between 38 and 40 degrees tend to chill the feet within an hour or so. That doesn't bother me as much as the loss of dexterity in my fingers and hands once the air-temp falls below the same. There were a number of fish that should have been landed yesterday that I couldn't respond to because my hands become stone and my fingers react as though I'm missing knuckles.

This is really a small price to pay for enjoying an extension of the dry-fly season. And the river is virtually fisherman free!

Steelies are on the agenda and are making their way into Michigans river systems. Salmon have run their course and are either in the smoker or becoming food for other river dwellings.

It's time for a walk in the woods this afternoon with Drake. The opener of deer-season is 11 days away and I've yet to kill a grouse over the pup. It's probably divine-intervention that this Golden is a good trout dog. It could be all the time he's spent with me in the river instead of walking the thickets looking for grouse and woodcock. It don't think it matters to the pup as long as he gets his afternoon in the out-of-doors.

Here's to 30 months without Presidential campaign promises and 4 billion dollars worth of rhetoric!  TIGHTLINES!

Friday, November 19th.

I'm not certain about the success local hunters have had since last Monday, but I can confirm at least one kill in the north portion of Crawford County. My vehicle looks a bit worse-for-wear while the doe fared poorly. With all the miles and evening driving I'm probably fortunate this hasn't happened before. 70 m.p.h. and a couple deer on the Interstate just don't make for happy endings.

Yesterday was one of those mixed-bag days; where some good things (like brown trout) help to balance the scales. Smashed fenders, deductibles and insurance claims  certainly dampen the spirit but I suppose that's only temporary. What's likely to stick with me should be the number and size of the brown trout in my midst on the AuSable South Branch. I haven't spent much time there this fall... though it's often produced memorable outings.

A friend invited me for a trip on the Pere Marquette last Tuesday. We located a number of visiting steelhead during the course of our day. It's the first time I've used a spey-rod. A rather neat addition to ones repertoire. Adding four or five feet to the rod changes the dynamics but I imagine I could get used to the method. I don't use a strike indicator often either though it sure makes for some long, effective drifts.

A group of us fished the Boyne and Sturgeon last Saturday for steelhead. Nothing but bright skies and shadows but that's why we call it fishing. I was also able to visit the Jordan this week. This river is going to see a lot of me for the remainder of this fall and early winter. You'll donate plenty of tackle due to the woody debris but you won't find a prettier setting anywhere in Northern Michigan. There aren't large numbers of fish like like the storied Platte or Betsie Rivers but there's lots to be said for having the river all-to-yourself.

We've had some relatively mild weather this week. Cloud cover, drizzle and fog with temperatures in the high 40's. That'll change soon enough but it's helped moderate conditions enough to make wading comfortable. Midge activity is a given and small black stone flies have been rather productive for the past 10 days.

My good friend from Vandy was asking me about a recap of this years fishing exploits. He keeps a comprehensive record of his treks to the river and was looking for some additional remarks for the month of November. We chuckled over the fact that we're still fishing dries and landing the occassional trout just hours prior to the start of the firearm deer season. Not Bad Work If You Can Get It... But You've got To Make It Stick! The last sentence was provided by Jackson Browne.

Until Next Week... Remember your Orange and Tight-Lines!

Wednesday, December 1st.

A couple of goals for the month lie before me... Landing a trout on a dry would be one and locating steelhead on the bite is the other. The first seems more reasonable than the second. If I fall short of either it won't be from a lack of effort.

I've visited the Thunder Bay River in Alpena and made a couple friends since my last update. It seems the fall steelhead and spawning browns sulk when the seasonal whitefish make their autumnal run. I don't know that there's sound biological evidence of this but I'm trusting the experience of a capable local who knows this water well. This fella has fished the Thunder Bay since childhood and swears by that phenomena. There were some late-season salmon and whitefish in play yesterday.

There's been time spent on the Boyne and Jordan Rivers with slightly better results but I can't take any credit for any of the direct success.

Meanwhile further south and west a couple buddies report decent activity on the Muskegon and White Rivers for fall run steelhead. A drift boat appears to be the way to go on the Muskegon. The White offers wading anglers ample opportunity on a variety of water types from any number of public sites. A trip or two prior to Christmas is in the works for these river systems.

The U.S. Forest Service has decided to wait through the end of this year with a decision on the proposed plan near the Mason Tract. Dwight Deveraux of the Mio Ranger station told me this last week before the Thanksgiving break. There is little else to report officially at this time but I'm certain there's no shortage of activity occurring behind the scenes.                           

Remember this caveat... The Bureau of Land Management in Milwaukee, WI will not approve an Application To Permit Drilling (APD) if there are any unresolved actions (pending law suits) to the Forest Services Surface Plan.

This proposed well has garnered a tremendous amount of attention since July of 2003. There are countless persons and organizations that have provided significant resources to prohibit this action. 'Kudos' to all of you that took the time and interest to respond.

I still hold out hope that an amicaple solution can be derived. I realize the folks at Savoy Energy have purchased certain 'rights' and may have a claim to stake but I see nothing good resulting from additional exploration near or under the Mason Tract and the AuSable Rivers' South Branch. 

I'm planning a significant revamp of the web-site between now and the New Year. I  belong to a number of respected conservation organizations that deserve our continued support. I plan to offer them more visibility on my site to highlight their organizations and mission statements.  Your comments and suggestions are always welcome! It's been a good year folks.... Here's to a healthy holiday season!   

Tight-Lines!

Thursday, December 16th.

Winter has settled in right on schedule. We've had significant snowfall on numerous occasions this month. We've also seen evening lows in the single-digit range. The snow this afternoon has turned to winter-mist as temps reach the mid to upper 30's but the forecast calls for Arctic air to settle in during the weekend.

Skiers and snowmobilers should find decent conditions throughout the area. I walked the shoreline of Otsego Lake earlier this week. There's enough snow on the  ice to slow the overnite freeze but I imagine an ice shanty or two will make their appearance before the weekend is through.

Yesterday ended my longest streak of the year without fishing. A couple buds headed for the AuSable while I traveled to the Jordan. Streamers and sinking tips may not be our preference but it sure is a welcome opportunity to enjoy quality time in the woods on a favorite stretch of water. Winter-Nightfall in the Jordan River Valley is spectacular.

I'd like to use this time to thank U.S Representative Bart Stupak for his concerns and insight regarding the proposed natural gas wells near the Mason Tract of the AuSable Rivers' South Branch. He encapsulated the heart of the matter in his comments to the U.S Forest Service. I hope you'll take a moment and forward your "thanks" to he and his staff. ( www.house.gov/stupak )    You can e-mail through his web-site or contact Lauren Lark in Washington: 202.225.4735. This man didn't mince words on this matter! I'll be posting a special link to his comments on my home page before the year has ended.

The issues before us encompass a broad range of topics... and require real time, effort and capital. I've been honored to be included in a small portion of the ongoing battles to preserve or enhance our outdoor surroundings. I hope you'll take this time to support those organizations working for a better out-of-doors.

The sleet has turned back to snow... and the winds are howling. Drake is restless and I've committed to an afternoon walk on the lake.

Happy Holidays To You and Yours!

Tuesday, December 28th, 2004.

At the beginning of the month I mentioned a couple of goals that I'd hoped to achieve before the new year began. Unless we have a significant warm-up I doubt a trout on a dry will be achieved; but Friday looks like a good day to try. The NWS has been adjusting their forecast downward the prior 36 hours but I'm holding out hope just the same.

I'll be part of a trio to head for the Pere Marquette this Wednesday morning. With an increase in our temps since last night it seems a worthwhile endeavor. I'm still chasing goal number two also!

There are four local conservation organizations that have earned my trust. These folks derserve our support because of their hard work and diligence. I'll be donating 5% of my Gross Proceeds in the name of my Buying and Selling Clients starting in January, 2005. The groups are as follows:

Headwaters Land Conservancy www.HeadwatersConservancy.org

Anglers of the AuSable-FFF Chapter www.AuSableAnglers.org

Pigeon River Country Association www.PigeonRiverCountryForest.org

Trout Unlimited Headwaters Chapter  www.HeadwatersTU.org

The PRCA and TU Headwaters Chapter will be launching their web-sites in the coming weeks. You'll find more details about this program on the home-page of my web-site in the next couple weeks.

Here's to a New Year... Happy Holidays and Tight-Lines!