2005 Report

Monday, November 28th.

It's been long enough since my last update that I had to grab an atlas and look over notes for accessing my journal... an entire seasons worth of fishing and a ton of memories that need to make it to this page before they're replaced with other less worthy recollections. Before I ramble further regarding the exploits of this vagabond trout-bum; I'll first make note of a correction from my September 8th update. In it I identified the U.S. Forest Service as the entity responsible for issuing leases along the AuSable South Branch. That information was not accurate and has been adjusted accordingly. I'd like to thank Mr. Arbogast of the USFS for bringing this oversite to my attention.

I've been involved in the ongoing debate long enough to know that the Forest Service didn't issue these leases; hence my long-overdue correction.

With this bit of business out-of-the-way I'd like to write a bit about the sites and sounds of Yellowstone National Park... and the fishing too! Readers who've visited this region of our country may find this synopsis anti-climactic but new waters are always  worthy of mention in my journal.

My buddy, Tank and I headed for Traverse City once the Anglers Board meeting wrapped up on Sunday afternoon, September 11th. We were bound for Chicago, Denver and finally Bozeman by 11:00 pm. The plan worked to perfection and any difficulties only resulted in good. Our gear and luggage made each of the connector flights and when our mid-size car wasn't available we wound up with a Grand Cherokee. Anything smaller would have proven difficult in comparison.

A quick stop to a fellow Michigander for the remainder of our gear and a short visit to Dan Bailey's in Livingston and we were headed for Yellowstone on Monday the 12th. Perfection seems rather easy to come by when you're on vacation and in pursuit of trout-waters you've never seen before.

Our 10 days in Montana included seven nights at Pebble Creek near Silver Gate and Cooke City in the Parks' northeast corner. Snow had already arrived to those elevations above 8,000 feet and we had a number of mornings with fresh snow at 6,500 feet. A variety of camp visitors included Bison, Elk, Whitetail, Blacktail and Mule Deer. We saw Mountain Goat and Big Horn Sheep during some of our travels too.

We didn't see any Grizzley or wolf but we did come across fresh tracks along the Lamar River near its confluence with Slough Creek. There was a relatively fresh stench in the air indicating a rather large animal that had probably fallen prey to one of the area packs but that's the deduction of a very uninformed fisherman.

I mention the Lamar River because the Valley really endeared itself to me. Its beauty left an indelible impression upon me. The fishing was rather spectacular too!

Both the Slough Creek and Lamar River provided three days of solitude, wind, water, trout and green drakes that will be difficult to forget. Trout slamming emergers while their counterpart duns ride the surface in numbers sufficent enough to excite both trout and fisherman... pretty cool stuff!

I'm inclined to classify these emergers as Siphlonurus but there's a great deal of uncertainty based upon my absolute lack of the local waters. I do know that the resident cutts and bows prefered eating these mayflies within a few inches of the surface regardless of the number of duns available. A little wind was all that was required to disturb the Slough's surface for a great afternoon of fishing. The Lamar provided us with as much surface activity as its neigboring Slough.

We fished 10 rivers in 10 days while in Montana. A number of them will warrant another visit while others will likely fall from memory; replaced by yet-to-be-fished waters. A couple other wonderful afternoons on the Gallatin, Gardiner and Hyalite Creek provided some great bookends to our time in Montana. The Ruby, Fire Hole, Gibbon, upper Madison and Soda Butte Creek each provided us with some unique challenges for that time of year.

The fishing pressure within the park during the second week of September was rather extraordinary. Seldom did we drive from our campsite past the Soda Butte Creek without seeing a dozen or more vehicles and their owners pounding this little river into a lather. The same can be said of the wolf watchers with their telegraphic cameras in search of the canine residents of the Lamar Valley.

A stop in Twin Bridges to the R.L. Winston Road Company was about the only diversion either of us thought worthy of our time. The history of the industry and our sport is well chronicled and I'd probably be inclined to visit them again.  Besides it pretty cool to watch these green-sticks being produced before your very eyes.

A number of memorable characters sauntered through our camp-site during our stay but a couple left a lasting impression. Bill, a fish pathologist from California and a family whose father is an assistant prosecuting attorney out of Denver, shared in our evening campfires. I don't know that our paths will ever cross again but they sure made the place feel like home for a few nights after long days afield. We even had the good fortune of making the acquaintance of a female park ranger; who declined our offer of an adult beverage after her afternoon shift ended. Unlinke the Las Vegas moniker about "what happens there... stays there"... We fisherman have tales to tell that only become more embellished as the days roll into weeks, months, seasons and years.

Thursday, September 8th.

Summer's over though the official start of the fall season is still a couple weeks away! Cool evenings and pleasant afternoons have ushered in the early colors in our grass-lands and resident brook trout. We've even seen sugar maples and sumac begin their glorious transformation... it's a spectaclualr time of year in northern lower Michigan!

The fish car is empty tonight while the washer and dryer do their magic on clothing that's weathered relatively well despite warm temps and high humidity. Summer was fantastic in my estimation but my attention is fully diverted to this Sunday's departure for Yellostone National Park in Montana.

A good friend asked me to take some time to update my report and his request seemed rather resonable; especially when you consider our segue to the fall "cast & blast" season and all that's transpired since the middle of August. I apologize to you if I've been less than diligent with my reports this summer!

This weekend is a riot and reminds me of a family or graduation reunion. A couple hundred friends will gather on the banks of the AuSable for our 11th Annual River Cleanup for the Anglers of the AuSable. The festivites start just before 10:00 a.m at Gates Lodge on Stephan Bridge Road. Check out the link if you're inclined! http://www.GatesLodge.com/fishing.htm

There's quality fishing to be had for dry-fly enthusiasts through early November and there's ample time to write about that... Late season terrestrials, Isonychia, B.W.O's, Orange Sedge Caddis and large nite-flies for monster browns too! But I'd be remiss if this report didn't bring you some news regarding proposed oil and natural gas exploration near, under or along our beloved blue-ribbon trout streams.

There's been a two year battle to protect the AuSable South Branch from additional natural gas exploration. The U.S. Department of Interior's Bureau of Land Management has issued dozens of leases adjoining the majority of the Mason Tract during the prior five or six years. Many of these lie within the river corridor and several of them will allow exploration under the river itself. An ongoing battle within Section 8 of South Branch Township has been on the front burner and now sits in Federal Court awaiting arguements paid for by the Sierra Club and Anglers of the AuSable. Decendants of George Mason's Family are the third party plantiff's in this hotly contested case. Savoy Energy of Traverse City, Michigan is the leaseholder.  The Interior Department's Bureau of Land Management has issued an "A.P.D.", which would clear the way for removal of natural gas once the litigation is resolved concerning the Forest Services Occupancy Permit. The only thing standing between all-out development of the South Branch and the lands known as the Mason Tract is this law-suit!

You may hear otherwise from officials, legislators and bureacrats but this is the reality for those of us that think some places need to be left as we've found them.

We've become accustomed to turing on a light switch or filling our automobiles gas tank knowing that next months bill will be managable. That reality is now changing in light of Hurricane Katrina. She may have been the perfect storm but Asia has 2 billion residents and they have aspirations to rival our own. These include highways and automobiles, dams and homes... A force equally as powerful as any catagory five tempest ever will be.

These are difficult times for many Americans indeed. I feel fortunate to enjoy good health, family and surroundings that support wild trout. I also benefit tremendously from the ingenuity displayed by technology and industry. We're certainly blessed!

Robert Traver once suggested... and I'm paraphrasing " It's not that fishing is so important but one has to wonder how important other human pursuits are ?" Do you ever wonder "At what cost?"

Conservation Clubs like Anglers of the AuSable do great things because of their beliefs and passion. We need your financial help nearly as much as your fellow Gulf Coast Americans. Step out into the water... its moving! www.AuSableAnglers.org

There are economical alternatives available with todays' technology to allow for exploration outside of our river corridors. The question is are we willing to pay the price so our surroundings and next generations aren't laden with the bill?

There's another proposed well already approved by the Michigan D.E.Q. in Section 16. There are more to come from the U.S.F.S. This is a defining moment for my generation in matters relative to conservation. I hope we perform to Mr. Griffith's standard.. "Let no one say to your shame that all was beauty here... before you came".

It's been a wonderful summer folks and I'll update you when fall has officially rolled into town. Be Well and Very Tight Lines! 

Monday, August 15th.

There's an autumnal chill in the air and migratory fish are showing up in waters known for early salmon or steelhead runs. We're also into the Euphron on the trophy sections of the AuSable River below Mio.

Preparations are nearly complete for another school-year and kids are watching the remaining days of summer vacation slip from their once endless calender... It must be time for an update!

I've had the pleasure of a nephew and his fathers' company on three occasions since July. Both these guys are newcomers to the sport of fly fishing and I'm certain the impact will change their future vacation plans as much as I've enjoyed watching their introduction to trout! It's the same scenario that's played-out for most folks that enjoy chasing trout and assorted mayflies in northern lower Michigan.

Last week ushered-in a new season right about the time the night skies were aglow with remnants of some not-so-distant comet. I don't recall its name but activity in the heavens last week made for spectacular viewing while chasing evening browns on the Manistee River. The cresent moon and Venus put on an incredible display last week too right at sunset. Very good stuff for little-to-no admission when living near the 45th parallel!

We can expect some pleasant temps and sunshine until Thursday when clouds and rain will move into the area. Either way it's terrific for day-time trout fishing regardless of the weather. Ants and grasshoppers for sunny conditions or Olives followed by streamers for overcast and rain.

Nite-fly activity is still on for trophy hunters and probably wil be for 30 more days. Morning is still a fine time to fish to pods of brookies eating dozens of Trico even though we're looking at size 24's prior to the Lata emergence.

News is breaking regarding the Mason Tract and the proposed exploratory well... but I'm not willing to taint this update while we plan for tomorrows excusrion on the AuSable. That will wait until my guests have spent a final day exploring the wonders of this place and the environs I've come to call home.

Very Tightlines!

Thursday, August 4th.

Mornings early or evenings late... one has to pick their poision unless you're fortunate enough to trout bum it day and night. I've tried my darndest this summer to hit as many prime opportunities as possible but I'm still left to wonder just were the summer has gone.

Another significant change in the local weather pattern has settled in the prior 24 hours so it's time for an update versus actual fishing. A couple inches of rain have something to do with a day off from chasing trout too.

Temps are forecast for the 70's and low 80's over the next several days with little rain, allowing our rivers to settle back into their late summer ranges. I drove past the upper Manistee this evening and a quick peak confirmed my notion about yesterday and this mornings rains... we received plenty of the stuff. Area trout wil be busy picking off any number of tid-bits but I've made plans for Trico's on the AuSable North Branch prior to work tomorrow.

A father-and-son invited me to fish their home waters on the Cedar River last Monday if I would help arrange an introduction to fly fishing. An invitation like this usually means some simple instructions and little opportunity to actually fish but the results leave me chucking. There's something magical about the way fly fishing transforms most fisherman. I think the greatest reward and confirmation of the sports ability to encapsulate its participants can be summed up by this 17 year-old kid. "That was a blast... when can we go again?" Comments from this young man validate my penchant for chasing trout and sharing my enthusiasm for places were wild trout are found.

There may be a need for an update soon...Tightlines!

Monday Evening, July 25th.

We've seen significant rain over the past couple days and the forecast calls for plenty more! A number of areas received 3-4 inches during Sunday mornings thunderstorms. Tonight and tomorrow look like we could have similar totals together with much cooler temperatures... which is great this time of year!

The middle and lower branches of our rivers are up and discolored while the headwaters were in good shape by this afternoon. The rain doesn't affect the insects or fish as much as it changes the dynamics of our fishing tactics. Plenty of water means run-off and ample food for our finned friends.

Area water temps have cooled into the 60's in their upper reaches despite warm, muggy days. The past two weeks have seen evening lows in the upper 50's and 60's and daytime highs have hovered around 90... so the approaching cool-down looks like a great excuse for daytime streamer fishing.

Trico's and Olives have made their way throughout the AuSable system. They've also made there annual appearance in the upper Manistee. Beetles and grasshoppers are favorites for mid-day fisherman and night flies are the rage for folks chasing trophy trout after dark.

We're currently under flood watches based on the next 24 hours forecast so I think I'll head out for a late night excusrion to the Manistee in advance of the next down pour. My plans for a couple mornings chasing trico spinners may morph into afternoon streamer fishing if the weather man gets his forecast right.

Until next time... Tightlines!

Monday, July11th.

Listening to the next couple days forecast has me wondering about fishing. We're looking at two more days of 90 degrees and no rain... with water temps in the low 70's. It's beautiful for visitors and campers but we're in need of cooler temps and rain.

Our evening lows are barely below 60 degrees and the next round of summer's insects are making their way through the headwaters region. Slate-wing Olives in the morning are a precursor to afternoon terrestrials. There's also talk of Trico's arrival.

Once the Hex have worked through the area we're back to a less frenetic pace. There's room on the river again to wade long stretches or sit in peace on a favorite log... and there are kids to introduce to knots, leaders, fly-line and rods.

I've had visitors and youngsters since July 4th weekend. A nephew and brother-in-law took me up on a couple days visit last week while a buddy wrapped up his two week vacation by fishing the end of the Hex. We're introducing the next generation to the magic of these local waters and reliving some of our own childhood. It's rather special stuff in my opinion.

I'll be posting another update with the next break in our weather. Look for that before the week ends. Meanwhile, there are other deadlines and obligations that require my attention.  Something called work...

Until the weather breaks... Tightlines!

Sunday Evening, June 26th.

A few words best describe the action and conditions all over our home waters... "Hot, Hazy, Humid and Hex"! Limbata have become the vexing issue as we've entered the official summer season. Water temps are solidly in the upper 60's and lower 70's while daytime heating has easily surpassed 90 degrees on several occasions this month. We're also looking at sporadic rainfall though Antrim and Otsego County had significant thunderstorms Friday evening. Crawford County received little or no rain from the same storms so we need a break for the trouts sake... and we may get it in time for Fourth of July weekend.

Another 93 degree day is forecast for tomorrow but that may produce moisture followed by a cool front. Fisherman by the hundreds are roaming about like nomads so you'll need to stake your claim early-on if you're trying to hit an evening spinner fall or emergence. I'm looking forward to the next round of insects and a sleeping pattern that doesn't leave me feeling like a worn-out sponge. Drake and I are spending more time on the lake and less sitting streamside. That'll change with the next round of mayflies and I'm not one to wish away the beginning of summer... but trico's and 8:00 a.m. spinner falls sound very appealing right now.

Until next time... Tightlines!

Thursday, June 16th.

If you've been a steady visitor then you'll probably notice a trend within my journal. I tend to spend as much time a possible fishing, followed by volunteer efforts; and then work. This recipe may not produce great material wealth but it sure does have major benefits! You'll also note my updates have been centered on the end of one insect cycle and the start of another. So it's time to write about the most recent happenings on our area rivers!

We've just seen an end to a very hot and humid ten-day stretch that pushed area rivers into the the high 60's and low 70's. Last Wednesday the AuSable Mainstream was registering 71 degrees while the impoundments below the trophy waters were warmer yet. Thankfully, we've received much needed rain and a strong cold-front. Our high today won't break 65 degrees and our lows will be into the upper 40's... cool enough to lower most rivers by several degrees. We've also had several inches of much-needed rain which will replenish creeks and rivers throughout Northen Michigan.

A friend from the National Weather Service called me this week with a new web-based service for river users. He'd like feedback from the general public with any additional ideas. Here's the link... www.crh.noaa.gov/apx/hydrology.shtml

Let then know what you think!

There's a ton of environmental issues on our plates but that will wait for another day. I can state without doubt that an application for permission to drill near the Mason Chapel would have been issued by the Bureau of Land Management if the Anglers of the AuSable hadn't filed their Federal suit two weeks ago. The club needs your financial support more than ever. Here's the web-site... www.AuSableAnglers.org

Summer is sweet indeed when four or five different mayflies are brining every fish in the river to the surface to feast. We're enjoying steady Sulphur spinners intermixed with Cahills at twilight. Overcast conditions have Yellow Stones (#14) and #18 Olives on the move and Isonychia and March Browns are evident prior to the last of this seasons Brown Drakes. Those warm water temps have temped some Hex from their nymphal schuck too!

I hesitate to mention the latter because we'll see every manner of fisherman once the giants are in full swing. Folks lose their mind and manners over the largest mayfly in North America. So do the trout!

Overcast and rain are words I'm looking for in our daily forecast once we reach this time of year. Isonychia will emerge all-day-long and you'll have the river to yourself. If you see another fisherman you can rest assured that he'll respect your spot on the river. He'll probably engage you in pleasant conversation and share a story or fly pattern with you too! This hasn't been my experience with most "Hex" fisherman.

Treat your fellow fisherman better than you'd like to be treated and you'll be pleasantly surprised by the quality friendships that develope from your time on the river. Here's to sharing a log or river bank with a friend...

Tightlines!

Wednesday, June 1st.

The past two weeks have been rather brisk for work, play and matters like graduation. Fishing has been steady to down-right spectactular. I've had a limited number of trips but a number of them produced memorable catch-and-release tails... The sort that will provide sweet dreams and warm conversation in the middle of winter.

Summer is quickly approaching and our attention has turned to those flies known as the "drakes".  While many fly-fishers dream of prodigious spinner falls and hog-like browns, I can testify to the beauty of delicate Sulphurs and their effect on a rivers large resident trout. Two of three trips this week have resulted in healthy spinner falls and nice fish.

Our forecast looks sure to produce day-time highs near 80 degrees so plan on departing for your favorite stretch of river just after dinner. Darkness doesn't desend until 10:00 pm this time of year so I'll have time to mow the yard and then head for a couple hours streamside.

March Browns (Stenonema vicarium) and the Sand Drake (Stenonema fuscum) have joined the fray together with the Early Gray Drake (Siphlonurus rapidus). These insects look like B-52's compared to the remaining Hendrickson's (Ephemerella invaria) or Sulphurs (dorothea). It easy to overlook the smaller spinner fall that's occuring in conjunction with a minor emergence but the trout are still keying on those insects that have been their primary food source for the past 2-3 weeks.

All our area rivers are in great shape. Water temps have moved into the upper 50's and 60's, even though our river corridors saw morning lows dip into the upper 30's last night. We're quickly approching that time of year where once quiet rivers erupt with fish and fisherman; both looking for the evenings fireworks. A buddy and I fished well past 11:00 pm last Thursday, because the trout where looking for additional prey long after the evening spinner fall had finished. It's summer in Northern Michigan and the fishing is fine folks!

In my last update the reality of a Federal lawsuit over the proposed exploratory well near the Mason Tract was mentioned. This issue continues to garner a tremendous number of inquiries so I'll take a moment to update my visitors.

An attorney from Oregon has been hired by the Anglers of the AuSable to represent our interest. The Board of Directors approved the allocation of funds required for a year-long battle in the courts but the organization will need your help. Here's a link to the Anglers web-site... www.AuSableAnglers.org

There's also another potential legal battle brewing on the headwaters of the AuSable River in Frederick Township, in Crawford County. Merit Energy has received a permit to discharge up 1.15 million gallons of water from a natural gas well, over State land, into the Kolka Creek. Oddly enough, the water discharge from this well originates in the Manistee River watershed. Merit Energy conferred with the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality and the Department apparently offered the operator a convenient means of dumping effulent of one watershed into another.

Kolka Creek runs at 3-5 cubic feet per second. The proposed discharge will increase that amount more than 50%... maybe as much as 100%, under certain conditions. This might not matter to the degreed bureaucrats in Lansing, but it does to those of us who enjoy the resource here. I don't yet understand all the technical jargon but I do know that the AuSable is formed once Kolka and Bradford Creek join a short distance downstream. Increasing the headwaters of this States' premiere trout stream with contaminated waste product from an operational gas well doesn't seem like quality environmental stewardship to me! 

Merit Energy could easily pump this effulent back into the Manistee watershed and the well from which it came... but that costs a bit more than running a temporary pipeline into Kolka Creek. The issue came to light because of the good work performed by concerned staff in the Michigan Department of Natural Resources.  These professionals spend entire careers in the woods and on our rivers. They opt to live in the areas we live for far less money than other State figure-heads because they love places like the headwaters region. All outdoor enthusiasts benefit from their diligent and caring spirit despite severe funding and staffing cuts. Many of them fish the waters we fish!

I speak of the local DNR staff because I've gained a tremendous respect for their efforts... and I've come to call a number of them "friend". They are the front-line defenders that have to navigate between the interests of "Big-Business", the Bureacratic Stuffed Shirts, that never leave the comfort of their desks and the wishes of an army of volunteers who love places were trout are found. These local men and women need our support. When you see them be sure to thank them for their selfless efforts. We've lost many bright, capable and caring souls to the grind and never ending advance known as "Resource Management" or "Managed Development". The battle to extract more from our land and water is growing and these folks make a huge difference...  

That lawn I mentioned continues to grow and my neighbor hasn't offered to cut it; so I best do that prior to heading to the river. Until next week...

Tightlines!

Wednesday May 19, 2005.

I'm just back from a rewarding, late-afternoon trek to the AuSable. A couple friends were benefactors of the seasons first Ephemerella Dorothea emergence earlier this afternoon. The Sulphur's have made their appearance on each of this rivers branches the past 48 hours.

While these guys enjoyed several hours of quality dry action I opted to spend a bit more time working, prior to leaving for my afternoon wade... it was worth the wait. Right now there are a couple species of caddis amid several varieties of mayfly but the big news has to do with those pretty yellow duns. Mahoganies and Hendricksons are still plentiful enough to elicit excitement from fish and fisherman on any given stretch of local water.

Tonight I was fortunate and stayed long enough to enjoy a minor Hennie spinner fall followed by another hour of steady Sulphur emergers. Once the sun was behind the trees and twilight settled in, fish moved into preferred feeding lanes looking for either spinners or emergers. Pretty good stuff!

The local forecast is calling for stable temps over the next several days with day-time highs near 70 degrees. Our evening lows are now moderating enough to remove the threat of heavy frost or anymore snow. The corner that was once late-winter has been turned and we're headed straight into prime-time dry fly season in Northern Michigan.

There's very sobering news to report regarding the proposed well near the Chapel on the AuSable South Branch.

Under a directive issued by President Bush, the final two appeal levels have been removed from the Federal Forest Service Surface Occupancy Plan. The Department of Interior and U.S. Department of Agriculture appeals will not be heard... so it's time to file in U.S Federal Court to stop this proposed well.

Anglers of the AuSable and the Sierra Club, together with the Mason Family are filing in an effort to keep Savoy Energy from receiving its Surface Occupany Permit. The need for serious financial contributions has arrived folks! An army of volunteers have spear-headed much of the prior actions but this issue is soon to become a federal lawsuit and your voice will need to heard in the form of real dollars!

I'll be posting all the particulars in my journal and on my web-site fhome page once the suit is filed. We're going to need tens-of-thousands in this final effort to keep Mr. Masons vision alive and well. 

This well is the first of MANY!! The Feds and our State have plans to expand oil and gas operations eveywhere in Northern Michigan. I've been reviewing hundreds of potential leases on State owned property this week. The places we find trout are also the places natural gas and oil are found. Its a shame that money won't be spent on trout habitat or educational programs for the next generation of fly fishers but instead on motions, attorneys and judges chambers. 

Until next week... Get out your checkbook! And Tightlines!

Wednesday May 4, 2005

What a difference a day makes! After a terriffic opening weekend the elements continued to play havoc with the dry fly crowd in Northern Michigan.

I spent Opening morning at the Lovells Historical Society with the President of the local T.U. Chapter. I then fettered away the majority of the afternoon attending to work while others enjoyed countless fish throughout the AuSable River system. Blanket hatches and rising fish make for a great Opening Day!

Olives and Hendricksons were everywhere despite cool temps and a chilly breeze! Reports from every fish camp indicate this was an Opener that lived up to all our expectations. I did manage to spend some time on the Jordan River starting at 5:00 p.m. With a water temp of 47 degrees and air temps of 45, one can't complain about touching both brown and brook trout.

Yesterday was a challenge but I had the opportunity to introduce a newcomer to the sport. Tony, was game and we'd planned his first trip with a fly-rod a week prior so we headed to a favorite section of Holy Water in spite of snow showers. Based on his reaction to the days activity this guy will be back in waders before too long. It helps when the fish are willing despite the chilly conditions! Landing all three species of trout doesn't hurt either.

Today was a banner day for a number of reasons... To set the stage let me state our early morning low was 15 degrees! The sun did its part and a friend introduced me to new water on the AuSable North Branch. Understand that I'm fortunate to be 20 minutes from a great cold-water fishery. So leaving my home at 12:30 gives me plenty of time to fulfill my daily responsibilities and still have ample time to chase trout.

Hendricksons started a half-hour after the Olives and the trout were all over both! Bruce landed a beautiful brook trout on his first cast and the stage was set for a phenomenal afternoon!

There are few rivers that have the diversity and tranquility the North Branch possesses. Runs and riffles intermixed with enough large pools to provide brookies and browns all the cover the species require. Simply great stuff!

By 4:00 p.m. we had the seasons first significant Black Caddis emergence and plenty of quality fish too boot!

The forecast calls for more sun and warmer temps through the entire weekend. It'll be time to visit the upper Manistee starting tomorrow. I'm certain the number of fisherman this weekend won't be nearly what we witnessed for the opener but I'll be looking for out-of-the-way water anyway... especially since the season is now in full swing.

It's great to be back in damp waders and sharing stories of fish landed and those that got away... and to spend time with friends old and new on these hallowed blue-ribbon waters near my home.

Until next time... Very Tight-Lines!   

Thursday Late early Friday, April 28th.

Were do I start folks? It's one a.m. and I've got plenty to write regarding fishing in this great State. Regardless of your passions; it's hard to beat the opening weekend of Trout Season in Michigan!

There are fish everywhere and the weather and river conditions couldn't be better for trout or steelhead enthusiasts. Virtually every river sytem know to hold  Spring run steelhead now have active fish. I realize this isn't news to the die-hard amoung us but it is welcome news for those in our midst that don't have the opportunity to chase fish as often as they'd like.

We've also had good insect activity for nearly three weeks on a number of blue-ribbon waters near the 45th paralell. I managed an afternoon this week with good numbers of #18-#20 olives closely followed by a solid Hendrickson emergence! We've even had a number of quality spinner falls on those rivers open to year-round catch and release fishing.

A week ago tempretures set records in the 80's followed by three days of snow and wind. Our evening temps are still below freezing but the nymphs are moving and you can set your watch by the afternoon rise... right at 2:00 p.m. Plan on sitting streamside after your opening morning brunch and you won't be disappointed. If you're chasing steelhead I'd suggest first-light to beat the traffic and increase your odds of enticing a buck to chase your offering.

I visited the dam below Elk Rapids late this afternoon prior to heading into the headwaters region. I was also on the White this Tuesday making my way back from White Hall and the Muskegon area. There are decent numbers of fish but they've been hounded and are set on mating versus feeding for most of the day. What a kick to see 30 inch bucks chasing each other off a receptive hen prior to their spawning dance.

There have been countless demands for my time this winter because of my involvement in a number of area conservation organizations. These and the need to earn a living have seriously impeded the amount of time I've spent sitting streamside. I'm becoming accustomed to judiciously setting aside time... this is a dramatic change compared to the past three years. My involvement has been spurred by the lessons learned from friends and fish. It may sound ridiculous to a none-fisherman but the river has plenty to teach us if we'll take the time to listen to her message.

I'd like to take this time to share my last conversation before leaving the Miller-Van Winkle Chapters Annual Banquet, held earlier tonight in Petoskey.

A special guest was acknowledged at the beginning of the dinner hour. The honoree was a frail women who has been a charter member of Trout Unlimited. As I was leaving I noticed her sitting near the lobby... she appeared a bit tired and was sitting alone so I appoached her and introduced myself. A couple buddies doubled-back when they say me kneeling near her seat. They eventually did the same and we formed a semi-circle around her chair and foot stool. We were privy to several minutes of heart warming conversation with a still-living friend of George Griffith and his first wife.

Our guest absolutely overwhelmed us with her stories of time spent with the founder of the organization! I don't know if we were more impressed by her knowledge or her shear will to continue chasing trout... especially when you consider her age of 102 years!!  It's people like Mrs. Johnston that keep me involved in the cause even though the time I spend talking about fishing seems to outweigh my time actually casting to trout!

So here's to all of us and another Trout Seaon Opener... I'm slowly coming to the realization that's it isn't as much about the fishing as the people involved in our beloved sport.

Tightlines and a Happy Opener to One-and-All!

Tuesday, April18.

Summer in April? Three weeks of no rain and the place is a tinder-box. Today should be the peak of this dry spell with a record high of 83 degrees. Tomorrow eveings low is forecast at 28 degrees but there's not much moisture moving with this cool front. Moderating temps and all this sunshine have turned the insect life on... and our fish.

Steelhead simply had to move into their spawning rivers despite the blue-bird skies. It's made fish skittish unless you're on the water at first light but there's always room for your 4-weight and dries in conjunction with the 8-weight.

Traveling from Grand Rapids along U.S. 131 can have some advantages this time of year. I'm fortunate to have friends who know rivers like the Muskegon for a late-afternoon float. Yesterday's midge hatch set the table for a steady afternoon of dry-fly activity interspersed with plenty of stones. Fish were looking up and taking dries from their early feeding lanes and steelhead were found in solid numbers too.

Another friend spent the day on the Pere Marquette. It's a pretty successful day when 8 of 9 fish are landed!

Closer to home we're running a couple weeks ahead of schedule. Afternoon water temps are in the high 50's and trout are taking any number of offerings. The early blue-wing olives are accompanied by Hendricksons... if you're in the right location and trout are opting for surface flies instead of nymphs and streamers. Stone flies are  providing fish and anglers with another dry selection too!

The time betwen November and April has its merit but there's something special about the dry-fly season in Northern Michigan. We'll probably have a banner opening season based on our current conditions. The weather forecast is calling for temps near 50 degrees beginning on Thursday. Any rain or clouds will be icing on the proverbial cake. We need about two days of steady rain right now to alleviate the fire threat. Moisture will also set blooms in motion... and morels!

There's plenty more fishing to report but I've other responsibilities to attend to before heading to the river this afternoon. I will say this before ending my update...

I have met and call "friend" a tremendous group of people since my move three years ago to the Headwaters area. These "Joes" have become trusted advisors and irreplaceable members of my family. Their love of trout and the surrounding environs have enriched me greatly! I hope readers of this journal know the same from their fishing companions.

The fishing is always great! And at times the catching is pretty good too! Until next week... Tight Lines!   

Thursday, April 7th.

Ahh, spring in northern Michigan! There's been sunshine galore for several days running; in fact maybe too much for this time of year. While portions of the State have had high water events the same isn't true in the headwaters region of Michigan. I actually saw signs at the DNR offices this week suggesting that the fire threat was "very high".  April showers would be welcome from this fishermans perspective!

We've had verified sightings of our first rising trout and early season Baetis. Stones and midges are a given late in the afternoon when our skies are blue-bird bright... but all that sunshine makes any migratory steelhead sulk and seek the shelter of log- crammed bends. I realize first and last light are the preferred times for most steelhead anglers but lousy weather allows blokes like me ample time to perform necessary duties; sleep most the evening and still manage some semblance of professional responsibility during the day.

I'm getting reports from friends-a-field that the high water conditions are stabalizing on the lower west-Michigan rivers. Friends spent the weekend on the Pere Marquette in conjunction with Trout Unlimiteds Michigan Council / Chapter retreat. Cancellations were the norm on Friday and Saturday. The areas operators were calling the shots because of high water and dangersous conditions. I understand several adventurous fisherman found their waders no match for the rising and turbid P.M.?

Another buddy out of Muskegon says his home waters have settled down enough to float comfortably. He expects wading fisherman this weekend unless the area receives significant rain fall.

The Rogue is fishing well below Rockford as is the Grand in G.R. Friends in both communities are enjoying the fruits of spings arrival.

I've visited the Boyne, Jordan and Rapid rivers this week, but have few tales (tails) to tell. It's the Boardman at day-break Friday...  

The Headwaters Chapter of T.U. is holding our first annual Fly Fishing Seminar at Jo'Burg-Lewiston Schools this Saturday. The number of early reservations indicates the gig will be a huge success! Our Education Committee put together a solid program for parents and children. I'll post reaction to the seminar in a future update.

We've reached that time of year... where rumblings of certain insects, or water temps, elongated evenings and warmer nights means dry-fly season is here. Tonights clear will be cool but tomorrows sun will warm both trout and nymphs. Can caddis and subvaria be far-off?

Here's to April Showers... Tightlines! 

Wednesday, March 30th.

Sunshine and 60 degrees on Monday and Tuesday in northern lower Michigan! Clouds with rain and potential thunderstorms are on-tap tonight. There's a cool/cold front forecast to move into the region tomorrow but the moisture and increase in water levels are sure to have a positive effect on fishing. The word from the west coast indicates migratory fish are on-the-move. The Grand, Muskegon and White are reporting fresh steelhead. My trip to the Platte was postponed this morning but there's still a late-afternoon forray to one of the lesser fished rivers.

Stoneflies and midges are now active each afternoon, once the sun works its magic. Tiny black stones aren't the only species you should have in your fly-box. A #8 with a second dropper (#18-20) should move fish now that water temps are increasing. 

I spent some time yesterday afternoon looking for the seasons first rise, on a fabled section of AuSable River. I can't report seeing that first snout but it sure feels good to sit streamside knowing that the season is right-around-the-corner.

The ice on Otsego Lake has been stable enough to walk on this week. We're seeing open water on a number of bays near creeks or other run-off. The mouths of area rivers are free of winters ice and can probably be fished. I've spoken with a number of folks that are taking advantage of their childrens Spring-break in order to shake off their cabin fever. Winter ran longer in these parts this year than the past two seasons, though it wasn't a very good winter for snow. Rain will help usher in early blooms and we should be able to store our winter gear for another year.

There's still plenty of political and legislative issues before us but those will wait for another update! The thermometer reads 60 and clouds make this afternoon look great for throwing nymphs or streamers.

Tightlines!  

Monday, March21st.

Spring arrives today but we're still seeing snow and winter-like conditions throughout most of northern lower Michigan. The forecast calls for more wet snow and 30's are on tap well into the Easter weekend. Snow will probably be evident for the traditional opening weekend at this rate.

I spent time on the Rogue River in Rockford, last Friday, before finishing my afternoon on the Muskegon River. Both rivers are seeing a number of hold-over steelhead and resident browns prior to fresh Spring runs. A fellow angler from Arizona managed to coax a fish of each species to the fly late Friday afternoon. This fella was introduced to fly fishing less than two years ago after he moved from Ontario, Canada. He spends a good deal of time fishing the Colorado River, below Glen Canyon Dam at Lee's Ferry. That's big water and its prepared him well for the techniques required on our late-winter waters. I'm constantly meeting quality people while pursuing trout! It's become one of the fringe-benefits associated with our sport.

 Many of my local pals are busy writing briefs and checking the weather channel for a break in the weather. There are several significant issues that continue to require far too much  effort versus time in the river. I guess this comes with the proverbial territory if you've committed to your favorite river or stream. It seems we're talking about fishing instead of spending time in the water... but that will change once the winds and spring rains come rolling into the area! I'm looking forward to thunderstorms and fresh run-off... after all, it's now Spring!

Tightlines - Let's Fish!

Friday, March 11th, 2005.

A quick note to inform our readers that this weekend is the Midwest Fly Fishing Expo at Macomb County Community College in Warren, Michigan. This event is hosted by the Great Lakes Council of the Federation of Fly Fishers... and is well worth a visit.

I'll be spending the weekend in Metro Detroit working this show instead of trampling through the North Woods, but that's okay. The Anglers of the AuSable will have a booth and a small boat to raffle. We'll also have loads of information for the public to look over concerning our appeal to the US Forest Service. Stop by and catch up on all the latest innovations and information.

Winter refuses to leave us early! We had temps well below zero on a number of mornings this week. I suppose this is some time of payback for last weekends sunshine and 40 degree afternoons. Several trout bums had fine afternoons on the AuSable and Manistee Rivers last week. Nymph activity is on the rise when the sun warms the river bottoms. Small Black Stones and early Baetis have been noted on waders and boots but streamers are still the choice for the majority of our afternoon trips.

I'll be in Southwest Michigan later next week looking for steelhead from the Grand up to the Betsie. The forecast looks like more late winter weather but we're now into mid-March and fish should begin moving in preperation of early spring runs.

The official appeal deadline ended yesterday for the proposed exploratory well near the Mason Tract. I'll be posting the relevant items to my web-site in the following week. The Anglers of the AuSable and Sierra Club of Michigan are two appellants that  made the deadline. I'm certain other clubs or individuals did the same but there will be more discussion on this topic as winter becomes spring.

Meanwhile, enjoy the Fly Fishing Expo and stay tuned as we welcome another season of trout madness throughout this Water Wonderland!

Tightlines!

Friday, February 25th, 2005.

This month has flown-by. In my estimation, February has a peculiar twist about it. We're punchy from a lack of quality fishing days while we see signs of Spring including the lengthening day. Winter still has us in its grip but the afternoon sun holds some warming strength. Evening temperatures fall into the single-digits and snow showers accumulate enough too force us to shovel... but there are rumblings of Spring-run fish.

I spent some time on the Rogue and Muskegon Rivers last week while traveling from Grand Rapids. I realize we're early for primary runs of Steelhead but it made sense to at least visit a couple of these rivers while in the area.

A number of trout bum friends are adamant about their late-winter fishing... and they're rewarded on occasion with some beautiful fish. There's been more "talk" about fishing this month than I care to admit... than actual fishing.

I've had a number of changes in my web-site for this year and there's the ongoing appeal process concerning the Mason Tract. The Anglers of the AuSable and the Sierra Club are each planning their appeals. There's also significant momentum and real action happening regarding dam removal.

I've recently been in Lansing meeting a number of our State Legislators. Another huge issue gaining significant press coverage concerns Ground Water Conservation.

One might wonder what any of this has to do with fishing? The answer is "everything"!

I'm blessed to fish some of the finest trout waters in the Midwest. Many of which start here in Otsego County. Because others have made earlier sacrifices, I believe it's time to give-something-back to the sport and surroundings where these waters begin. I hope you'll continue to do the same.

There are meetings planned for this weekend but Sunday looks like temps in the 30's and an afternoon spent in water and waders! Until next time...

Tight-Lines!

Tuesday, January 25th, 2005.

Ice is the word throughout the area and most of the State. I realize many residents are digging out from last weekends snowfall but that's to be expected. Skiers and snowmobilers are enjoying favorable conditions in both peninsulas even though we've had two significant thaws in less than thirty days. I mention "Ice" because most of our areas rivers are covered by it.

On Sunday, I traveled through the Pigeon River Forest from Vanderbilt, north to Afton. It would be safe to say 90% of the surface was covered at any number of locations. Flooding was a concern on the lower AuSable last week below Oscoda County, due to ice jams associated with our most recent thaw. The same can be said of the Muskegon and White. Conversations with a couple winter-time anglers found them opting for area lakes instead of their hometown rivers. We had overnight lows near 25 degrees-below-zero on two mornings last week. Temperatures that cold exacerbate flooding conditions this time of year.  

I've spent some time on Otsego Lake since my last update. Drake likes roaming the terrain in search of handouts from any number of ice shanties... he's also been known to retreive another anglers catch from their bucket. He's a pretty reliable fishing companion!

I'm making plans for a late-winter trip to Arkansas on the White River. Probably the second week of March. A buddy and I are firming up plans for a September trip to Montana too. I mention this because that's the time of year and type of winter it's been in Northern Michigan. If anyone has any pointers for either of these destinations forward them to me. I'm all ears when it comes to visiting waters I'm not familiar with.

For the conservation-minded... There's plenty happening prior to Springs arrival. We'll have a decision from the US Forest Service one day next week on the proposed exploratory well near the Chapel of the Mason Tract. There are web-sites to update and articles to be written; in-lieu-of time on the river. Stay tuned and be sure to thank our elected officials for their support of the Mason Tract!

Here's to seasons past... and an early Spring! Tightlines.

Friday, January 14,2005.

The first report of the new year finds Northern Michigan at the end of a second winter thaw. We've had two significant warm-fronts roll through the area starting on the 30th of December. Warm gulf air rumbled into our area two days prior to the New Year. Enough rain accompanied the front to melt most of the general snow pack nearly over-night. Strong southerly breezes ushered in temps in the low 50's for New Year's Eve Day. These conditions were prime for catching the last of 2004's trout.

The most recent warm-front produced strong thunder storms this Wednesday evening. Some areas reported nearly two inches of rain while the local thermometer crept into the high 40's after dark. I headed for the AuSable North Branch on Thursday morning just in time for the rain to change to snow. I didn't move any fish during an hour on the river but the time seemed well spent after nearly two weeks of no fishing.

We'll have sub-zero temperatures for the next several days together with lake effect snow. Ice shanty's adorn most of the area lakes. There's been limited action for most Otsego Lake anglers but winter is still early.

We're expecting a formal decision from the U.S. Forest Service any day now for the proposed well near the AuSable River Mason Tract. This phase of the process has been delayed for several weeks. I'd like to thank U.S. Senators Levin and Stabenow for their most recent responses in this matter. They've asked the Forest Service to expand the process from the current Environmental Assessment (EA) into an Environmental Impact Study (EIS).  The rules of engagement call for this approach and I applaud each of our Federally elected officials for their insight in this issue!! Representative Stupak asked the same of the FS in October of last year.

All their responses will be posted very soon on this web-site.

Until the next thaw... Tightlines!