Sunday, December 23rd, 2007.

Somewhere between the arrival of winter's solstice and Christmas, another low pressure system races across the upper Great Lakes; ushering in more vigorous, blustery arctic weather. Huffing, puffing and threatening to blow the place down... Must be time for an update.

Drake and I headed for the Sturgeon this morning shortly after day-break. Temperatures soared into the 40's and  strong breezes pushed moisture-laden clouds from the south west... before another advancing cold-front. Remnants of this months snow-pack and two days of fog and rain were bound to have a positive impact on local steelhead water and the forecast was calling for miserable conditions by early afternoon. Well, the forecasters were right but my own prognostication wasn't nearly so accurate. It's why I call it fishing and others have begun to call me "Lucky". Whether the nickname sticks or it doesn't really doesn't matter much; as long I'm able to chase local salmonid on blue-ribbon waters. I'll feel fortunate indeed!

As we put a final bow on the years' fishing report I think some reflection is warranted; especially as we look forward to spring and the challenges before those that love cold flowing, highly oxygenated bodies of water called rivers. That forecast looks clouded by the likes of remediation, withdrawl and pending legislation in the Michigan House... but particularly the Michigan Senate. See S.B. 860! http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2007-SB-0860

I've come to accept a few simple truths during the past five years and I'm sharing some of those realizations here, in this, my 46th year. Nothing so dramatic or life-altering that apologizes need be extended mind you. But a simple acknowledgement that I could have done some things differently and thus; made a bigger impact in matters of conservation. Though we've had a big year and a few battles have been won despite the ongoing war...

Huge kudos to those souls who've donated to the defense of the Au Sable system this year through the legal showdown at Kolke Creek.  $300,000  have been required of the Anglers of the Au Sable and several more $10,000's will be needed. But we've won in the local Circuit and we'll win in the Appellate too! What's distrubing is our own MDEQ has supported the arguements of Merit Energy even though this Texas Corporation knew this contamination existed BEFORE they purchased it from Shell. The appeal arguements were finished by noon Friday, December 7th, in Gaylord. Somewhat anti-climactic after 13 days of expert testimoney and cross-examination. Judge Murphy will issue his opinion between January 7 and February 8th of 2008. And there's more at stake now than when the trial started... so stay tuned!!

There's also room tonight to thank 325 supporters and a couple dozen volunteers for a wonderful evening in April for the Anglers' 20 year anniversary. I'd be remiss without including several more donars and underwriters of the nights festivities. It was a great evening friends!

Included in my "list" of thanks are a dozen customers and clients. Because of their support I've had my finest year to date along these headwaters! Thank you indeed! 

In closing; I trust there's family, friends and hope at your table this holiday season. Merry Christmas and happy new year too!

Tightlines friends...

Friday, December 7th, 2007.

Some breaking news from Lansing and the NRC... The letter of intent for the potential sale of land near 4 Mile Road in Crawford County won't be happening in this particular cycle. Any talk of an Amazement Park near the Au Sable South Branch can be scuttled for now. It seems Axiom Entertainment was unable to provide the necessary financials to secure 1850 acres from the State via Grayling Township... so discussion of an aircraft carrier in the jack-pine woods can be scuttled, for now!

The 46 District Court is my destination this moring as Judge Murphy will hear ther beginning of an appeal process that shouldn't be necessary if our MDEQ weren't in bed with the folks from MOGA, or at least Merit Energy. The good news is the very decision by the ALJ will be argued starting today and that could put the Certificate of Coverage at risk. I guess it means that Anglers of the Au Sable and their plaintiffs could win an even bigger battle than that which was won back in July. So stay tuned!

Winter has firmly got the Headwaters Region in it's grip. There's snow and ice and a constant fire in the wood-stove since Thanksgiving. The fall steelhead season was incredibly difficult and down-right futile... but I'll do it all over again next season despite my new nickname!

This has been a challenging year in many regards but there are good friends sitting around my table making plans and maybe we're making a difference too! At least that's what I hope... that we all should be so LUCKY!

Tightlines Friends and Happy Holidays!

Wednesday, November 21, 2007.

A few numbers to ponder on the day before Thanksgiving: three days, five men, two boats, seventy-five hours, 1100 cfs and one fish while on the Muskegon last week. Still, priceless!

A very good Thanksgiving to you and yours. Tightlines!

Wednesday, November 14, 2007.

Over two weeks time the amount of travel, expectations, man-hours and effort in pursuit of fall steelhead has been tremendous when considering the results. In fact, some might say this pursuit is symblomatic of some other malady that inflicts this particular homo-sapien; but it goes on anyway!

We call it fishing my friends and at times it's a great excuse for disappearing a few days each week; even though conditions have challenged most of my accomplices, severely! Simply put... there may be fish and there may be some fortunate and highly skilled anglers catching some of these fall jewels, but there isn't nearly the opportunity I've seen in prior years and I think you can point squarely at flows to find the answer to this autumnal riddle! Very little water...

Temperatures averaged 15 degrees warmer each day and 20 degrees each evening last week in the upper peninsula than prior years right through last Sunday when two of us pounded the rapids in search of steelhead. Extremely low flow conditions allow for careful wading in portions of the rapids that seldom are seen. I don't believe I saw more than a dozen chinook or coho over two fulls days while visiting the Canadian shoreline and our party didn't see a single redd on the Two-Hearted last Saturday after visiting the very same location as last year; to the day. No fish!

Regarding this quandry, one could ask, "Is this the result of overall lower adult survival in our Great Lakes"? Or is there truth to the rumor that a gill-net has done it's job at the mouth of the Two-Hearted at Lake Superior? Or is it part of a general cycle and we're simply seeing the bottom of an otherwise normal occurance? Or... Is it the lack of rainfall and the median flows that some of these predatory fish need to really feel comfortable? Finally, is it simply my lack of ability and those I travel with??

I'm not sure that these or other factors aren't at play but I do believe these warm, dry conditions are impacting us and our environs rather dramatically. Right now it's 47 degrees and sunny as summer on the day before our traditional deer-opener! And I'm considering dry-fly optins instead of my annual time on the Muskegon!  Something certainly is amiss friends...

Meanwhile, I've been making an effort to update the web-site with some photos and text of friends and family; you'll see some of the shenanigans at http://theriverspecialist.com/drake.htm

There's going to be announcements regarding our State House and Senate and bills to consider water withdrawl from blue-ribbon trout streams later today. There's also plenty of fodder for future editorials; unfortunately! Enjoy camp friends and stay safe.

Tighlines!

Thursday, November 1, 2007.

We've said goodby to ghosts and goblins and the hope of  harvest moon. We've seen the days' light dwindle and autumn arrive with muted colors. Aroumas reminiscent of summer past float on cool morning breezes, awakening memories of time, people and places wanton in a fishermans' childhood... and we wait for rain.  

Rain that refreshes small tribs and flushes the remnants of autumnal abundance from our mid-winter playgrounds; sending nutrients and tanic waters into deltas, estuaries, lakes and impoundments. Rain that signals the real end of one growing season and lays the foundation for another... and entices the olfactory of piscatorial predators, suggestioning easy pickings of roe and flesh, yound and old, living and dead. But where is it?

August, September and October were really far too nice for the likes of my ilk. Not the fishing mind you or business for that matter, but the general weather here in the Headwaters of the lower peninsula. Too warm, too dry and far too pretictable minus six F1 or F2 tornados. Even those didn't bring  an end to local drought conditions. So now we've come to November and yesterdays forecast of rain and snow has segued into partly cloudy mornings and late-afternoon sun. No first-season snow riding these strong north-westerly winds, just more empty clouds and an ascending barometer... and a jet-stream that's been locked since labor-day.

Antlered deer have fallen to friends and grouse are wiser now that ferns are under foot. Spawning has commenced in area waters as browns are joining chinook or coho on redds alike. Remarkably low water level of 780 cfs are flowing from the Croton Dam today and rivers like the Pere Marquette are gin clear making visitors nervous and stealth an absolute necessity. The same can be said of the Sturgeon River above Wolverine and the Jordan River below Graves Crossing. Fish are moving throuhgout all these but they typically like far more water over their backs and all the better if it's discolored from recent rains. Area lakes may become targets for my daily excursions instead of area rivers; at least until real rain arrives.

Meanwhile we've made plans to visit places like the Soo and fish rivers with reputations big enough to fill imaginations and novels. The Two-Heart, the St. Marys, the Mo and Big Man... and little gems that hold a couple fish per bend even though one has little hope of landing your trophy once he's been fooled. Camps of all form are found here this time of year and there's always the promise of 'next-year' even if nature throws a curve your way. It's one of the many reasons we call it fishing...

Heavy clouds but NO RAIN... Tightlines!

Friday, October 19, 2007.

There are times; and these may be one of them, when mens souls are tried and tested... and it's only fishing. But is it?

Tornadic activity yesterday in Cheboygan, Roscommon and Missaukee Counties and severe thunderstorms riding tropical waves throughout the remainder of the lower peninsula... in mid-October? Unlike last year where snow and cold nearly forced the cancellation of a couple world-series ballgames in Detroit. One just never knows.

Significant rainfalls have brought much needed flows to nearly all my second-season haunts. The Muskegon, Manistee, Pere Marquette, Betsie and Platte are loaded with Chinook or Coho and these rains should help bring a fresh run of lake-run browns and steelhead. It'll also spur those rivers closer to home like the Sturgeon and Jordan though much colder temps are usually required than evening lows in the 60's! And those waters that run into Lake Huron are looking far-more tempting now that another buddy has acquired another drift boat.

Local brook trout have nearly finished their annual spawn and should become very aggressive before performing their seasonal disappearing act. It's amazing when one considers the most recent fish count on the Au Sable North Branch at Dam 4; 3900 trout in 1200 linear stream-feet and these fish can be found nowhere once true cold rolls into the area. Then, five months later the water's literally frothing as insects and pisces engage in their aquatic shenanigans and we join in the deceit.  Meanwhile...  Salmo Trutta are beginning their seasonal spawn and the rains of these past twenty-four hours should spur those missing Baetis; with the hope that a final few days of decent dry-fly fishing can be had. 

Time on the Little Manistee, Big Manistee and Pere Marquette produced a single hook-up with a Lake Michigan steelhead and that pleasure went to an accomplice but the pursuit goes on despite falls' futility. I think that's why we call it fishin'...

Meetings are being held this week and next throughout the State, describing the Tribal Settlement.  There's also real debate raging around the end of public commentary on the Kennecott Mine proposal under the Salmon-Trout River. And talk of a referendum to overturn the Engler' Justices decision on Nestle' and ground water withdrawl. And apparent plans by Merit Energy and MDEQ to appeal their Kolke Creek verdit. And another fine mesh along Perry Creek near the Au Sable Main Stream, compliments of Hoskins Industries.  And on And on...

That's why there's Winter my friends. 

Tightlines! 

October 12, 2007.

It's Friday and I should still be fishing the wild steelhead of Lake Superior near Brule, Wisconsin, but that's not how this particular trip worked out... and it's somewhat reflective of most of September and October too! What's one to do when monsoon like-rains pelt the area with moisture reminiscent of the tropics? Fish you say, but the creeks are swollen and two-tracks resemble canals amidst jungles of soaked fall folliage. And the river runs dirty with debri destined for some Superior shoreline, certain to provide tinder for next summers' bonfires. So we're back to Michigan in search of fall trout or daring steelhead in advance of falls true arrival. 

I've been fortunate over five years in my local jaunts and extended travels. Seldom have I been dissuaded from engaging in pre-arranged plans by severe weather. But this trip was different indeed. So I'm hell-bent on locating anadromous fish despite the fact that summer is just loosening its stifling grip on most of the area. Bring on those north winds and spiting sleet! Let's say Welcome, to fall and not some ridiculous imposter that's been disguished as September and early October, 2007!

I do know that brook trout have turned despite the calenders confusion and low water levels. The sun holds only so much day-light and it's time to provide places like the Au Sable North, South and main stream some quiet while the foundation of the next generation is laid. Large browns will begin nosing their way into area water too as we approach November. Many of them will bring aggressive attitudes despite their nocturnal and brooding tendancies... all that's needed now is some of the water that the western UP and northern Wisconsin received the past three weeks.

Late summer and early fall  this year leaves me remarking on the beauty of such extended seasons, knowing however, that something just isn't right. Right now cold rain, sleet and nasty north winds would make much seem right, even if I fail to land those silver jewels or hook-jawed brutes. 

Did you see what those Indians did to those poor Yankees? And will the Rockies lose another game this year??

Right now a friend is headed north and we'll hit a favorite stretch of the Sturgeon just for giggles. Drake has been especially patient today and I've got a new 7-weight to break in too.

Later friends... Tightlines.   

September 28, 2007.

The harvest moon, still hanging in our western sky as early sun broke over Otsego Lake... illuminating ashen gray clouds laden with arctic moisture. Northwesterly winds bit choppy swells and autumnal colors shown vibrant amidst this seasonal showcase. It's glorious in the Headwater region of northern Michigan. A quick survey of annual color leaves me estimating 20% have turned as we near October.

There'll be no baseball chants in Motown this fall and I'll root for somebody besides those damn Yankees, but right now it's time to break out those 6,7 and 8 weight roads in preparation of the 4th quarters' celebration. Frost tonight will truly spark the northern woods and I'll say goodby to small creeks and seasonal haunts as another general trout season comes to close. This truly is a water wonderland.

September will likely go down as warm and exceptionally dry. Night fishing and daytime streamers the past week have produced decent fish but foul weather will be welcome news for dry fly and anadroumous fish-fans. It's almost October and water levels need to rise in order to encourage movement by these salmonids.

Spring and summer were kind to area grouse and woodcock are migrating in solid numbers. Isonychia and a few #20 Baetis are around but we need some lousy weather to kick off that final season. Firewood has been stacked in preparation and the stove has responded well to fresh paint and its seasonal cleaning. The camera is charged and my fly box has an array of pink, yellow, purple, green and white patterns tied on shimmering gold hooks. Stone fly nymphs adorn an entire section next to psychedelic egg patterns.   Go Indians??

Tightlines!

September 21, 2007. 

The battle of the seasons is under way and the next 24 hours are solid evidence of such. Fall officially arrives on Saturday evening but we'll bask in the afterglow of late summer for the remainder of this day as daytime highs reach the lower 80's. Heavy weather is forecast tonight and it looks like stable and moderate temps for most of next week. Highs in the 70's and lows near the mid 40's, will allow early morning grouse expeditions followed by afternoon dry fly fishing. It's not perfect but it is pretty good for taking in the sites and sounds offered by area river valleys.

We've seen early returns of salmon with a few steelhead following those first-run, but the warm weather really holds back the bows until water temps remain in the 40's or lower. A friend found coho and chinook willing to chase his streamer in the surf yesterday on the Platte though conditions were anything but good. Blue-bird skies and 80 degrees isn't the typical setting one looks for; but you have to take advantage of an unscheduled day off and try it anyway. The key was in a wild and reckless strip at a pace that few spin or bait casters can duplicate. Fish staging along the lakes' drop off seemed edgy and willing to chase if the pace was right. Those same fish will move into the river during dark or with the next foul weather event forecast later tonight.

Meanwhile ants and aphids have made an impression with local fly fishers as trout are gorging on these morsels. Both insects are colonizing as leafs begin to turn and grasses wither. A change in the jet-stream and we'll be looking at afternoon olives and spawning brook trout as October rolls into the headwater region. 

Isonychia have been sparse though I've had one decent evening along the Au Sable North Branch since my last update. A favorite run on the system  endered itslef to me four years ago and I keep looking for similiar results about this time in September. This coincided with my discovery of a young goat along the river; which would follow me back to my vehicle each evening just after dark or a spinner fall. His tactics were just unerving enough that I wondered what was shadowing me but his mannerism didn't seem threatening.

I don't recall if it was the third or fourth evening but I wanted an answer to this question; so I changed tactics a bit when I encountered those set of eyes and simply walked toward him that evening. The dam thing would run just a my headlamp began to provide enough light to reveal his general form. That Petzel led light was wonderful for close up work but it didn't do much for illuminating a woodland with a critter of unknown origin twenty yards from me. 

Just before my vehicle, I set my fly rod along a tree and turned toward my new companion. I stood for a minute or so and let him come within range of my headlamp again; then I locked on his eyes and ran at him in waders, vest and with a little trepidation until his full form shown. I couldn't believe this was a dam kidd! Probably lost and as confused by my nightly appearance as I was about him. 

I felt poorly for the little fella. He seemed bewildered and misplaced and I had my answers to this recent conundrum. But now what? Was someone, somewhere looking for this young goat? I didn't know then and I don't know now. 

But I do wonder about him as I walk from the river this time of year, while fishing that stretch of water. I've not seen fishing there like that September nor have I seen that young kidd; and I wonder what happened to both of them? I trust I did the right thing for both of them.

Welcome Fall... and Tightlines.      

September 12th, 2007.

Fall has roared into the region as evidenced by yesterdays blustery wind, driven rains and thunder. Hail accompanied  these squalls as water temps have fallen into the mid and lower 50's.

During my abscence on-line, I've contemplated how a software compnay can raise such havoc with a simple-minded soul like me and remain one of the worlds largest companies? So I've made a verbal committment to convert my operating system during the winter to an Apple instead of Microsoft. I can imagine all sorts of wonderful adjustments that will befuddle my simpleton mind but I'm bound to break the headaches associated with Mr. Wiliam Gates behemouth, no matter how painful the transition.

Salmon have begun their final phases on a number of rivers around the State including the Bear River in downtown Petoskey. They've been staging big-time off the shores of Lake Michigan outside of Charlevoix for several weeks in preperation for the same on rivers like the Boyne, the Green and the Jordan. I've recently fished the two latter for resident trout and I imagine the former already has swarms of locals and salmon right up to the dam at Dam Road near Boyne City.

Meanwhile, I'm finalizing plans for another October sojourn into Brule country in Wisconsin, off Lake Superior. It'll be great fun to revisit that river with a couple steelhead fanatics just four weeks from now. And I'm still looking for the late-season olives and Iso's that cause brown and brook trout to feed recklessly prior to winters arrival.

The Angles' of the Au Sable completed their 13th annual cleanup last Saturday and nearly 300 faithful members lent a hand cleaning up, working the meal or planting more cedars along this special river. The atmosphere reminds me of opening day; it's just that kind of gathering.

The neighborhood eagles have been busy along Otsego Lake and I turned the furnace on this morning for the first time in five months. Drake and Cindy are often cuddled up by the time I arrive home each night and the autumnal equinox is 11 days away. Last weekend was my official start of the next season and the forecast looks as though it's already arrived too.

I'll figure out how to input photos and update other portions of the web-site just in time to change over this winter but that's par for my course. Meanwhile..

Tightlines and welcome to the harvest season!

September 11th, 2007.

It's been three full weeks since my last update and six years since 09/11/01.

I'll be back for a full update later tonight. The latest version of explorer knocked me out of commission and summer segued into fall since my last update.

August 16th, 2007.

The calender suggests we're still in the month of August but I can see and feel a change in the local environs. Cool mornings and sweat-shirts at night...

The Ephoron has made its annual appearance on those tailwaters below Mio; and other systems along the Lake Michigan drainage. An amazing site to behold when you're in the middle of a blizzard and there's simply too many flies on the water. Such was the situation last evening as I contemplated throwing something large and ugly versus the dimure E. leukon spinner. Fish continued to feed well past dark and I haven't fished in that manner since the H. limbata parted more than 30 days ago. Cast after cast to rising trout with very little chance that your artificial will be chosen over the plethora of naturals drowning in the surface film... good stuff!

Much of the past 40 days were hot and extremely dry; so last Sunday was a banner morning when thunderstorms rolled across the region bringing sorely needed rain. Anywhere from .75 to 2 inches were recorded throughout our area and the accompanying light show was banner.  It's from that point that the next season strolled into our midst. Fall is knocking and poised to deliver its bounty even though Labor Day is more than two weeks away. You can see, smell and feel it all around the region right now.

Antrim County watersheds' have garnered my attention during the past hot-spell and it's rewarded me with memorable ventures. The Jordan and Cedar Rivers have provided reprieve in their cool sanctuary. Their locations from my home are as handy as that of the Au Sable, Black, Pigeon and Sturgeon. Only the upper Manistee is closer; and their birthplaces are home to spectacular scenery. Gems, that don't necessarily get the press of those places better known for resident trout. But certainly worthy of my time afield.

Trips are slated for October and the hunt for anadromous fishes begins in earnest just 30 days from now. The seasons are intertwined throughout the northland. And baseball still seems to matter to most of my friends. Me too!

There are battles brewing for conservationists... enough to burn through any lengthy winter. But right now it's time to enjoy this sweet spot in the seasons and quietly stalk resident trout in small, braided waters.

Tightlines! 

August 8th, 2007.

.25 inches fell this morning as a front moved into the region. Henry Aaron slept during the 5th inning at Candlestick last evening. Now retire Ass! See my Editorial.

August 6th, 2007.

Heavy clouds but no rain... And the forecast doesn't look like there's much relief headed to this portion of the State.

Friends have come and gone during the prior two weeks but I've limited my fishing time to a few select mornings after coold nights; it's just that dire right now in the Headwaters' Region of northern Michigan. You can check out the link from the NWS for a synopsis of area percipitation but we're running a deficit of several inches when considering the start of the general trout season. www.crh.noaa.gov/apx

Looking over the landscape this morning it appeared as though moisture was moving into the area. The overcast seems to be a co-mingling of cooler Canadian air and smoke from 12,000 acres burning in Luce County near Newberry. Relief may be on the way for portions of the upper and lower peninsula but it doesn't appear likely for us anytime soon.

Ealry mornings are still providing fine trico and olive hatches on the Au Sable and Manistee systems. Portions of the Black, Sturgeon and Pigeon are seeing the same but all these sysytems are running at 60-80% of their typical flows. Treat the river and surrounding environs with great care right now as one thoughtless moment could lead to a real disaster. Fire is foremost on the minds of nearly all area outdoor enthusiasts and conditions are ripe for a real catastrophe.

Bring on some rain and some timely Tiger pitchering! Until the next cloud-burst.

Tightlines!

July 26, 2007.

The Michigan Supreme Court ruled yesterday that citizens have fewer rights or "standing" than corporations like Nestle. See my Editorial section for an update.

JUST-IN Both Merit and the MDEQ have appealed Judge Murphy's Decision It's 10:15 am on Wednesday, July 18th. The stuff never stops!!

Wednesday, July 18th, 2007.

Right now I'm cringing at the thought of writing an update instead of fishing the morning Trico and Olive hatch but duty calls... and it's been 15 days since my last update. Oh sweet summer!

Morning is a fine time to enjoy small, intimate water in this part of the globe; especially with the variety surrounding us near this parallel. My favorite over the past two weeks has been the Jordan and for good reason. Here's a beauty that simply pours out of the west edge of Otsego County as it makes its way through Antrim and eventually Charlevoix Counties. Even flows and enough struture to discourage most of us from spending too much time prying for its piscatorial treasures. But don't let the small water or placid scenes fool you; there's wild fish there that respond to a variety of patterns and fight like crazy once hooked. You'll find all three trout species in the headwater region of this gem and you'll be amazed at the variety of color between the species. Afternoon water temps in the high 50's keep these fish in great condition when other systems are 5-8 degrees warmer. The fish show the effect of colder water too as they're lean and highly acrobatic. Just good stuff! It's not an easy wading stream by any measure but the rewards of an afternoon in it's valley certainly is satisfying.

While we're blessed with an abundance of water the area is also host to other natural resources that garner plenty of attention... like oil and natural gas.

We know the situation has turned critical as industry and government has set their sites on the region for further exploration (or exploitation). Carbon Sequestering ... get used to the term folks and here's another acronym for you to memorize: MRCSP which stands for the Midwest Regional Carbon Sequesration Partnership. It's a mouthful and the cat is out of the bag on this one. There are heavy hitters including the US Department of Energy and our own Department of Environmental Quality. An initial test run is scheduled for the Antrim Production Facility at the Au Sable North Branch's headwaters in Chester Township, off Old State Road near my home in Otsego County. Informational meetings are planned for later today and again this evening at the Joburg-Lewiston Middle School. It ain't fishing folks but it may well impact your enjoyment of it just the same.

Finally... The DEQ and Merit Energy together with the plaintiffs have settled on $125,000 reimbursement and no further appeal in the Kolke Creek trial. Another option has been discovered to remediate this ongoing contamination. There may be cause for celebration and large woody debris for our favorite watersheds but the threats afflicting them are not going away! I think it's one of the reasons I enjoy the small part of the season so much. Because these big deals started out as small frys at one time.

Tightlines! 

Tuesday, July 3rd, 2007.

A happy Independence Day to you and yours; and welcome to the second half of the dry-fly season in the Headwaters Region of Northern Michigan.

As the recent full moon made its way across the night-sky, it brought with it a sea-change in my approach and general fishing pattern. Rather suddenly, I find myself looking at early morning temps for indications of that days Trico hatch; even as I'm fishing the end of the giant Hexagina. Summer's well under-way as we observe our nations 231st birthday. It's time once again for an update.

One of the reasons I'm drawn to this great place can be encapsulated in last Sunday's fishing exploits... Tiny Tricorythodes on the skinny Au Sable North Branch in the morning followed by huge Hexagina on the Jordan below Rogers Bridge that evening. Resident trout that AM and anadromous salmonids in the PM, make for tremendous variety and endless opportunity. A virtual smorgasborg of insects and fishes with plenty of human folly dispensed for good measure.

Late-June continued hot and dry, so we headed for the upper portion of the Jordan looking for relief and general creekin' pleasure during my nephew and brother-in-laws' stay. We found that in those cool, braided waters near the fish hatchery though daily temps ran into the 90 degree range on Monday and Tuesday last week.

Cindy managed to land the nicest trout of the lot and Drake enjoyed an afternoon exploring the prettiest valley I know of in the lower peninsula. The Jordan River Hatchery and the Mackinaw State Forest make for a fantastic afternoon; all within 45 minutes of my home near Gaylord. There a several miles of pristine river just boiling from the forest floor as the river makes its way to the South Arm of Lake Charlevoix and eventually, Lake Michigan. Hence the treck for anadromous fishes or lake-run hogs below Rogers Bridge last Sunday evening.

Those big bugs made their appearance and the trip provided more details for this fall and early-winters steelhead exploits. Time well spent when wandering from ones more familiar haunts and hang-outs.

This afternoon will be consumed by adult responsibilities but this evening looks like a fine excuse for a drive into the Deward Tract. It'll be good to introduce a friend to the wonders of another blue-ribbon watershed prior to holiday festivities over Otsego Lake.

Before departing I'd like to thank our service men and women and their families for their committments to our independence. "Thank You!"

Tightlines and Happy Fourth of July!

Wednesday, Start of Summer, 2007.

The solstice is upon us, though it's felt like summer all month throughout the headwater region of northern Michigan. Big bugs and big fish and real big tales. It's time for an update.

Hexagina Limbata made their annual appearance 10 days ahead of schedule amidst a recent heat wave and dry spell. Nearly two weeks between rain events are always cause for concern in this part of the globe; and that's been the story since Memorial Day. While the big bugs draw most the attention there's several other insects providing fisherman quality catching opportunities.

Isonychia or the Slate Drake are often overlooked because they typically begin their emergence between the Brown Drake (E. Simulans) and the Hex. It's understandable that most the excitement is prescribed to the latter but I've had very good evening results fishing the former; including this year. I've also found these Mahogany spinners more dependable than E. Simulan or H. Limbata.  But those big bugs do attract lots of attention!

There's also the late-brood of E. Dorothea (Sulphurs) and another yellow mayfly, Stenomena (Light Cahill) to consider as dark appoaches. Never mind three additional stone flies together with midge, gnats and hungry mosquitos. All of these appear within moments of night-fall and can un-nerve even the most veteran of our fraternity. It's why we call it fishin' instead of catchin'.

Sunday evening, conditions reached a rather critical state as evening water temps stayed at or above 70 degrees. Once this occurs insects like H. Limbata blow through their emergence and create all forms of mayhem. The fishing can be fantastic but there's concern for the well-being of resident hogs. It seems the physiology of these piscatorial creatures becomes highly stressed. And catching them often taxes their ability to recover even when revived properly. It's all in the temperatures of the water and the oxygen available for that fishes recovery. Once an eighteen-inch fish can't find enough oxygen its metabolic processes produce lactic acid to the point of fatality. It won't be that evening that he succumbs but one or two days later when conditions haven't changed to allow more oxygen or cooler water temps. It's anaerobic versus aerobic respiration and the later is better than the former. So one must seek out cooler places to chase these wild gems or take a break until the next front brings needed relief. It's a choice that becomes easier to make the longer I live in these parts. 

While on the topic of warmer water... I find it remarkable that the Pigeon River can rise by 8 inches and 10 degrees overnight while there's been no rain or night-time warming!! I wonder what type of effect the impoundment at the Song-of-the-Morning Ranch has on this blue-ribbon watershed? What was 64 degree water on Saturday  became 74 degrees Sunday evening and rose by nearly one foot before any change occurred in our area weather! NONE!! Simply remarkable... 

It's my hope that our M.D.E.Q. and a certain Federal agency (FERC) might take a closer look at this non-regulated threat. The Pigeon River and its accompanying Forest deserve that attention. 

The area forecast is calling for highs in the 70's and low 80's through this weekend. A mix of sun, clouds, a little rain and evening low's in the 40's should help our resident salmonids... and slow what's left of those huge mayflies!

Happy Summer and tightlines! 

Wednesday, June 6th, 2007.

A friend from the upper Au Sable main stream informed me this morning that 4.25 inches of rain fell between Sunday morning and Monday evening; putting an end to the immediate fire concens and placing a head on area rivers; and it's still all-good!

Prior to this recent front, we'd been concerned about the jet-stream and high pressure  blocking gulf moisture destined for the Great Lakes. We'll not be worried for some time now that Canadian temps have invaded the Headwaters region and doushed the entire region with badly needed cold rains. We'll see some fluctuations in our weather before the weekend but area rivers should be fishing well again.

And now a word about last weeks fishing and the news from the 46th Circuit Ciurt...

Gray Drakes (Siphlonurus basale) on the Muskegon produce occasional opportunities for dry-fly enthusiasts that require ones' attention; especially if the thought of anadromous salmonids and four weights sound like fun. My thanks to Tim Oliphant and Tanker for an afternoon well-spent in pusuit of fall-back bows near Newaygo! I'm rather certain we ran into the first Hexagenia of the season along M-82 and some area impoundments more than a week ago. Fortunately conditions have slowed with the recent weather change; pushing area hatches back to somewhat traditional time-lines. All those storied rivers near within the Headwaters' region have seen good hatches and strong spinner falls. My time has been concentrated primarily on the Au Sable and Manistee sytems but that will change as we work our way into mid-June and the beginning of early summer. Not a bad way to spend those lengthening evenings or early-morning sojorns in pursuit of unpredictable spinner falls.

While rain ran heavy this week the news from the conservation-front remains the biggest story... Will the MDEQ appeal the decision rendered by Judge Murphy last week? Will Merit Energy opt to do the same? Those questions may be answered before this day is out and I'll try to post a quick note once it's official!

I'm still trying to figure out how to implement text and links into the Editorial Section and photogrpahs too; so bear with me as the site takes shape.

Tightlines...!

Tuesday, May 29th, 2007.

ANGLERS' WIN... JUDGE MUPHY RULES IN PLAINTIFFS FAVOR IN KOLKE CREEK LAWSUIT!!!!

E. Simulans, E. Invaria, E. Dorothea... it's all GOOD!!

Very Tightlines!  Look for more information later this day in my Editorial.

Wednesday, May 23rd, 2007.

An interesting week it's been in the headwaters of northern Michigan! I'm speaking of a myriad of insects covering nearly every watershed within 40 miles of my home along the shores of Otsego Lake. Really good stuff for avid dry-fly enthusiasts and wanna-be trout bums.

The capper to a week-long fishing forray came yesterday as Cindy, Drake and I headed into the upper reaches of the Au Sable North Branch in search of willing brook trout. We found them and Euarctos americanus during a splendid afternoon with temperatures zooming into the lower 80's on strong southerly breezes. It's the first time I've been able to photograph a black bear during a chance encounter in five years up north; and it was the highlight to an exceptional week of work, play and fishing near the 45th parallel.

The week started with cooling temps and concerns about evening spinner falls; but the weather held on Thursday and Friday to allow time for solid twi-light fishing on the Au Sable Main and South Branch. Dorthea, Invaria and decent Subvaria making life very interesting through Saturday evening on the North Branch... though the day-time temps didn't allow for strong spinner falls in my area Saturday through Monday.

An afternoon floating with Dale Hernden from his place near Lovells to Dam 4 only solidied my opinion of the North and it's environs... as first class and a river system that's incomparable throughout the Midwest. Thanks Dale!

I should also pay the praises of a small system that traverses the Deward Tract in Antrim, Otsego and Crawford County before becoming a huge tailwater delight...

The wild browns of the upper Manistee rival in tenacity those bows I found in the Sturgeon above Wolverine. It's remarkable how well adapted the Salmonids are throughout the entire region... and it's why I call the headwaters my home.

There's still plenty of size 16 action before the onslaught of the March Browns and Brown Drakes. Don't overlook the Mahogany and Sulphur's once the bigger drakes make their appearance... and sit tight until you hear the sound of a fish with shoulders sipping in those small spinners as last light gives way to a waxing moon.

Tightlines! 

Wednesday, May 16th, 2007

Rain and cool weather invaded the headwaters region during the past three days and the mositure was sorely needed! Grass and fungus alike have responded to the latest drenching while a number of otherwise dependable streams have risen to the point where fishing dries could wait... hence an update.

Actually, the swamp between Roscommon and Grayling soaked up a great deal of moisture and the South Branch fished very well yesterday. Invaria and Dorothea were in full swing with water temps in the 60 degree range and brook trout were eaglerly gulping emergers, struggling to break the surface film in heavy weather. Good stuff!

We've worked our way through most of the Hendrickson's on the Au Sable system but the main stream is still fishing well for Subvaria fans. The North Branch was already starting with Invaria last weekend and solid numbers of Blue-Winged Olives resulted in decent evening rises. The increaded water flows have put me off the prior three days but we should see falling levels beginning today. The upper Manistee was also impacted by the same moisture pattern beginning last Sunday evening. These are great conditions for fans of streamers and nymphing but those are tactics I often have to use during the off-season; so high-water events are good times for exploration or general relaxation, or work.

We should hear something from the 46th Circuit Court and Judge Murphy within the next few days; regarding Kolke Creek. I wonder if our Department of Environmental Quality will appeal an unfavorable decision?

The Pigeon River Forest is my destination on Sunday as I look for morels prior to an afternoon with Cindy and Drake on either the Pigeon or Black. We should see a virtual cornucopia of insects, birds, trout and natures best as we approach the first major holiday of the summer season. Until next week...

Tightlines! 

Monday, May 7th, 2007

The season is open and several different insects are making life interesting for fly fishers across the headwaters region. Black caddis, mahogany, blue wing, stones and hendrickson are popping or spinning their way into our daily lexicon. Trout are looking up and area conditions have improved steadily since my last update...

Welcome to the new web-site and another year of trout fishing in northern Michigan!! 

There's plenty to consider when discussing area fishing but I'd be remiss if I didn't take some time to provide a wrap on the traditional opening day activities near my home. I'd like to thank a ton of special people for their time, talent and energy regarding the Anglers' 20 Year Celebration.

The folks at the Otsego Club helped us throw a tremendous party on opening day while the weather cooperated and trout were caught all weekend long. I finished the weekend with a leisurely wade down the Au Sable main stream below Burtons Landing, feeling like I'd just completed a marathon and wedding for 325 close friends. I understand there's talk of a 25th Year party but I'm still basking in the embers of our most recent gathering. Thanks again to all who volunteered and supported our cause.

A word about a couple sections in the new site and two ongoing court cases...

I plan to expand my coverage of issues facing the local watershed while leaving this space primarily for area fishing reports. I'll also ask key members of conservation organizations to contribute their insight through my "editorial page". I believe there's an opportunity to positively affect the outcome of our cold-water resource management at this difficult time. I hope this forum provides insight and information in these matters.

Kolke Creek argurments have been filed and all sides are awaiting the Judge's decision. The battle has proven costly; but ultimately worth every dollar required of the Anglers and their fellow Plaintiffs.

We're still awaiting word from the federal court in Bay City on the USFS / BLM suit near the Mason Tract! Spring could be full of news positive for the long-term health of area rivers so stay tuned. That nasty Nestle' Corporation is even getting some flack about its practice of plundering area ground-water... but we'll save those details for other portions of the web-site.

Spinners falls and rising trout are now the focus of this little forum; as there's plenty to report. Cool north-east winds dominated the atmosphere on Saturday and Sunday but minor Hendrickson's fell throughout the Au Sable North Branch, Main stream and Manistee systems on Thursday and Friday.

The rivers north of Gaylord are running normal but they lag by 7-10 days and still have anadromous fishes spawning in their headwaters. Some early stones and mahogony's made an appearance over the Pigeon this Sunday, but the larger fish haven't started looking-up like those of the Manistee and Au Sable. These conditions should change over the next 24 hours as much needed moisture rolls into the area. Afternoon showers make for great early season fishing and it chases canoe traffic or fair-weather fisherman to the sidelines. Remember, the fish  are already wet!

Drake is ready for a road trip and afternoon temps have climbed into the upper 60's. We've got high cloud cover and wins have turned to the south-south-west. Conditions look favorable for an afternoon emergence and it wouldn't be right if one didn't wait for an early-evening spinner fall.

Here's to all that is right about life in this water wonder-land... Tightlines!!   

Thursday, April 5th, 2007.

Blizzard Warnings expire later this morning. Snow and wind with lows in the teens for several more days before moderating temps next week; time enough to finish the updates on the new web-site! www.TheRiverSpecialist.com Tightlines...

Tuesday, March 27th, 2007.

It's noteworthy when something like the first trout of the season is landed on a dry-fly and afternoon water temps zoom into the 50's. Spring has sprung in northern Michigan folks!

Last weeks extremely high water made fishing next to impossible on Friday so the White River trip will wait for another day. The same could be said of last Saturday for the Muskegon but plans had been made and a little extra water this time of year is expected; but that extra moisture had quiet an impact on the environs.

Flows at 5500 cfs and area creeks out of their banks didn't deter us from our spring drift down the Mo'. Though the water conditions were tough, early fog and heavy overcast gave way to unseasonably warm day-time temperatures. Sunshine and early black stones rolled through the system despite dark and turbid waters. Fishing was fine but the catching was another matter. But that's March fishing!

The forecast looks like 50's during the day and 30's each evening; so our rivers should begin to settle nicely as the thaw continues in area swamps near the HeadWater region. And the 4-weights are now loaded back in the fish-car as I turn my focus to the dry-fly season. I realize I'm slightly ahead of myself relative to anything other than midge and stone fly hatches but ...

31 days from now and we'll be celebrating the opening of another general trout season and the 20 Year Celebration of the www.AuSableAnglers.org

It's been an event that a number of good folks have been working toward for more than a year; and I'm glad to have been on the team for this one. Especially with all the other concerns for our Great Lake State. It sure would be nice to celebrate a major court victory in conjunction with the evenings events!

More Court in Otsego County is slated for April; so it doesn't look hopeful that we'll have a decision on Kolke Creek before April 28th. Up to four more days of rebuttal beginning the week of April 9th.  Additional news from Otsego County has a good friend being recognized for his selfless leadership and committment: I'm speaking of my good friend, John Walters, the current president of the Headwaters Chapter of Trout Unlimited. www.HeadWatersTU.org

John has been selected as the recipient of the 2007 Otsego County Spirit of Volunteerism Award. He'll likely give others credit but the guy has had a huge positive impact throughout the area watersheds and certainly deserves kudos for his efforts! His presentation is probably going to cut into an evening of fishing but taking time to recognize a buddy on this occassion is worth it. Way to go John!

Fog has shrouded the lake this morning, Drake needs a walk and I've got work to do before an afternoon afield. This is my final post under the www.ThumbRealEstate.com domain. My internet emphasis will be on www.TheRiverSpecialist.com and operating under my license as HeadWater Realty. The old domain will point you to this journal until I sell it. You may want to bookmark either www.HeadWaterRealty.com or www.TheRiverSpecialist.com for future updates.

It's been an adventure since leaving the "Thumb" for my new home in the "Headwaters". Here's to rising trout and falling rivers... Tightlines!

Monday, March 19th, 2007.

The old story of Lions and Lambs continues to play itself out in the Headwater Region of the lower peninsula. Right now the place is covered in a fresh coat of snow and winds are slated to howl near gale force levels over the next 24 hours; but fish are moving and it's time for an update.

The thaw that accompanied March's arrival really didn't over-run my local haunts. Those warm temperatures did produce some melting conditions but the snow pack contained relatively little moisture and the frost is still embedded. We've had several nights of single-digit lows and we'll see the same through the next two days according to the recent local forecast; but things will change by Wednesday afternoon!

We've been taking advantage of bright afternoon skies and the warming effects associated with early day-light savings. Springs' equinox officially arrives this week but friends and cronies alike will argue that it's already settled into the region despite the recent snow. Waders are wet and afternoons center around plans to favorite rivers; and dark doesn't come until 8:30 pm. I like the early arrival of day-light savings time! 

We've seen early winter stone flies and midges for nearly two weeks, but I've yet to land a resident trout on a dry this year. That'll be tough to accomplish because I'm spending most of my fishing time chasing steelhead and throwing an 8-weight. It's a wonderful dilemma we're faced with in these parts of northern Michigan!

This weekend is a prime example of the choices that belie the amateur icythyologist near the 45 parallel. Steelhead on the Sturgeon during Saturday and brown trout on the Manistee come Sunday. 8 weights to 5 weights, nymphs to streamers, it's all very good and slated to get better!

The big rivers below their impoundments will stabilize this week short of a major rain event. We'll see rain move into the region on Wednesday and Thursday but so will warmer temps. It should make for an enjoyable outing this Friday on the White and Saturday on the Muskegon.

Closer to home; days 8 and 9 for arguements are scheduled in Gaylord at the 46 Circuit Court. Numbers 6 and 7 were last Thursday and Friday. Rusty Gates has attended all the sessions and provides us with a recap of the past week.  www.GatesLodge.com

 In a nutshell; the Defendants have purchased 40 acres capable of providing enough area for an ariel filtration and settlement system versus the proposed pipeline that's already constructed. Cost $100,000 compared to $400,000?

The defense also brought their experts to contest the testimoney of the Plaintiff's experts; and two more days will be required to hear rebuttals.

Meanwhile, the Anglers 20-Year Celebration is 40 days now!! www.AuSableAnglers.org

And I've got work to accomplish in order to enjoy the benefits associated with living the life of a trout bum!

Tightlines!

Saturday, March 3rd, 2007.

Despite the lions roar we've got fish preparing for their seasonal rituals on waters known to hold anadromous salmonids; like my favorite this winter, the Sturgeon.

A couple quick revelations regarding the week that was: Monday 9:00am - 6:30pm, Tuesday 8:30am - 6:00pm and Wednesday 8:30am - 4:30pm and two more days will be needed for closing arguements before Judge Murphy in 46th Ditrict Court.   We're talking of course about Kolke Creek and the M.DEQ's proposed discharge from Hayes #22's production facility in the Manistee watershed.

The Anglers experts have laid down some extremely convincing arguements and the preponderance of the evidence has gone their way too; but we'll be through this month before a decision is rendered in this case. And we're still awaiting word from Bay City regarding the USFS, BLM and Savoy Energy decision.

Meanwhile the days are certainly getting longer.

I left my home at 4:30 pm last evening and loaded Drake in the car before heading north above Wolverine. Recent snows have blocked trail roads so we walked into a favorite stretch off Old-27 well after 5:00 pm. I'm another year older and effort required to get through knee-deep snow in waders made this trip seem like an aerobic exercise. I think that's good at this juncture of my life and the setting was terrific.

Snow, sleet and steelhead made the walk back to the car a pleasant one. Drake slept well once we were headed south and the clock in the old jeep read 7:10 pm. Spring is coming folks and those days are getting longer!

Tightlines!   

Sunday Evening, February 25, 2007.

Just a quick note: Kolke Creek and the Anglers of the AuSable are in District Court beginning tomorrow at 9:00 am. There are three days of expert testimony scheduled thru Wednesday before Judge Dennis Murphy. The procedural agruements have been laid before the court and the plaintiffs are asking for restitution through these proceedings as well as a victory for our local environs. A tremendous number of conservationists have chimed in to support the Anlgers in their defense of this river's headwater. Wouldn't a victory here and in the federal case against the USFS be welcome news? And how many large woody debris projects could be accomplished if the MDEQ were forced to return this club their attorney costs??

Also: A road trip on Thursday morning through driving snow and blusterous winds were precisely what the doctor ordered. I'd like to thank Josh, Joe and Robert for following through with plans to fish the Manistee below Tippy Dam despite gale warnings and white-out conditions. A little ice in the guides doesn't really matter when trout are inhaling every nymph or egg pattern you can throw at 'em. Three or fours hours of tremendous fishing sure makes late-winter easier to bear. Falling barometric pressure after a three-day warming trend was a fine time to hit the water despite one's reservations.

Sure, there's a ton of winter work to be accomplished before spring and opening-day arrive! And I'm feeling the effects of those long-overdue deadlines tonight but the glow from last Thursday has me basking about a February tradition.  

Fish-On & Tightlines!

Monday, February 12, 2007.

The calender suggests that it's been a month since my last update; but it feels like a whole season, or at least an entire winter.

Regretably the cold and wind and lake-effect snow finally manifest itself three weeks ago; just as I and a few other cronies were openly scoffing at the fatal season. My extended play grounds have been encapsulated temporarily... it must be time for an update.

I've been weighing a number of issues and concerns in private conversation that I think are appropriate for this forum. Especially since I haven't strung my fly-rods since the 27th of January. I must say that the Sturgeon River brought me unfettered joy during more than 60 days this winter. Far more than I had hoped to image. I'd like to thank an unknown angler for his simple yet poignantly written note in late November. One fine fellow who encouraged me to stay-the-course when pursuing steelhead in their fall environs. I'm indebted to this individual. I'd also like to thank my buddy, Robert Herron, for his quietly stated persistance regarding tackle for late-fall fishing. Here's a relative newcomer that has the itch as surely as any I know. He's become rather accomplished in short order and I've managed to learn a few tricks from him.

That's the thing about fly fishing and wild trout; these fish and the places they inhabit have become a habit that I can't get enough of... And that's a problem!!

It's a problem because I care a bit too much to simply walk away from the issues pressing in upon our natural surroundings. These places I fish when the glow of summer has faded and the leaves are a memory, or compost in some suburbanite's manicured yard.   It's a problem that I don't have the financial where-with-all to openly hire legal beagles or lobbyists to cavort with administrators or legislative mongrels. It's a problem that my profits weren't $6,000,000,000 on sales of $60,000,000,000 in 2006.

It's a problem when I listen to the State-of-My State speech for more than 50 minutes and I don't hear a single sentence regarding our most precious natural resource and the departments entrusted to protect them. Not one!

It's a problem when fewer of us really understand the value of clear, clean, cold and continuous running water in even the smallest of tributaries. It's a real problem when a nationally recognized champion of these issues feels it best to bargain their principles and negotiate though their membership argues conversely.

It's a problem that connecting water bodies bring invaders capable of changing the entire ecosystem. All in the name of commerce and profits. Words like those heard in campaign promises; hollow missives neatly encapsulated in a 10 second sound-bite.  Money enough, used in prior decades, that would free this State of it's current economic woes and balance our budget despite declining auto-indutry activity. And our Great Lake State would be all-the-better for it.

I've been rather boisterous in my most recent updates and rather negative too! That isn't the purpose of this journal and I feel a sense of responsibility to offer positive alternatives at a time that is clearly challenging for proponents of wild trout.

 My thoughts aren't revolutionary by any means but they've been met with positive feedback in discussions described in my earlier paragraphs. Simply this:

A Conservationist must become expert, not in all things wild, but in one simple facet or discipline related to conservation. 

An example: I should select a topic, just one, and become the local, regional and then state-wide expert on that single discipline. In doing so I offer my services first, to my local conservation organizations and then to other regional or state-wide entities that share a common goal or mission statement.   

As I become proficienit in my chosen discipline, I'm then able to lend support to other conservation organizations as a service to my local clubs. "But Lance", you say, "that's already done and we call them attorneys". I say, "not true".

I'm speaking here of the first line of defense found in our local citizens. People that live in or adjacent to these wild places known to support quality natural resources like the headwaters of northen lower Michigan. Imagine a network of outdoor enthusiasts that have individuals disiplined in finance, resource management, political action committee management, timber, water quality, geology, hydrology, common law, energy, state and international commerce, fund raising... And these individuals love the places they find trout far more than those halls were they find people.

I'd like to become one of those people and to that end I'll bring my update to a close.

Before doing so a plug for my new web-site: www.TheRiverSpecialist.com   

I've officially changed the name of my real estate operation to Headwater Realty, LLC. The name will have it's own url but I've decided to brand myself as The River Specialist.  I'll be saying good-bye to www.ThumbRealEstate.com and tailoring the new site to real estate and the pusuit of wild trout here in the HeadWaters of lower Michigan.

Opening Day is only 75 days away! Come-on old man winter! Is this the best you've got?  Tightlines Friends!  

Wednesday, January 10th, 2007.

There will be no trout without cold, clean, clear and abundant water. NONE!          This sounds very trivial friends; but the bell is tolling and we're in the midst of a battle for places that are home for wild trout. Not transplanted or hatchery raised salmonids, but self-sustaining, soul-enriching Salvelinus and Oncorhynchus!  Fish that require the best of what's left of these somewhat wild places. Places without pumps, dams, production facilities and mcMansions for as far as the eye can see; or the ear can hear. Places that still hold some remnant of mystery and wonder. Flora and fauna that haven't been tamed or groomed; that don't fit the whims of this post-modern generation; a generation accustomed to paying the bill- filling it up- and driving until you drop; my generation.    Me and my kind have had it all; for all of our lives... and it's time to pay. Or change our ways; stand up, be accountable and make a difference.

I've lived in the headwaters region for five winters. I've fished incessantly during that time; looking for and finding something worthy of my time. Worthy of a fight and sacrifice. Worthy of preserving and asking others to consider the same. Worthy of much more than an occasional visit... certainly worthy of protecting for the generations that will come after us. A place worth fighting for; a place called Home.

Tonight, in a one-room school house in the rural Township of Monroe, in Newaygo County; a soul-less enterprise called Nestle N.A., encountered my Brethren. I don't think any shots were fired and I don't believe anybody was hurt. I'm not even sure what the agenda looked like; because that Township Hall was filled far beyond capacity. And a larger crowd waited outside! They waited to hear that smooth pitch that started decades ago somewhere near Madison Avenue. The pitch that says it'll be alright and the money will flow like the water once did. And we're entitled by law to operate this well and another, and another. and another... See the accompanying article.

http://www.mlive.com/news/muchronicle/index.ssf?/base/news-10/11685321516380.xml&coll=8

Neslte is asking for more of the most precious resource known to man. A resource that makes this State Great. A resource that holds the key to our long-term well being. The details aren't pretty folks!! Not when you consider the fact that two more requests have been received to drill for oil and natural gas near the consent agreement in the Pigeon River Forest... Or that an overwhelming majority of current production facilities are showing alarming rates of BTEX and other known carcinogens; here in the headwaters region of northern Michigan! That tributaries and blue-ribbon trout streams are considered viable remediation alternatives because they are economically suited vehicles for diluting contamination.

Old pipelines under river and stream crossings don't have to be checked because the law to do so was written in 1989. These pipe wear out friends; just look at the trouble on the Alaskan line during the past two years. Those near the Pigeon and Deward Tract under the Manistee are now approaching the end of their life expectancy. They were part of the 1970's pillage and there's little we concerned conservationists can do... OR IS THERE? 

The M.D.E.Q. through its rules process or the Michiagn Legislature could correct this oversite, but they need to hear from you! There's a new House of Representatives in Lansing and the noisy wheel can still get its necessary grease.

There's also been a permit issued for the Kennecott Mine near the Salmon-Trout River in the upper peninsula. The silver lining there is the Huron Mountain Club considers the Salmon Trout its home river! I'd imagine the legal battlelines have been thourougly drawn on that one.

The financial pressure our State's experiencing is real; and likely to get worse. The fees associated with our enjoyment of our natural resources are increasing dramatically. Fewer young people are being introduced to Michigan's great out-of-doors; and there are fractions within the conservation community. Meanwhile big business makes promises of restoration and financial windfalls. It's no wonder I'm agitated!

I've been an active board member of my local Trout Unlimited chapter for three years. A term that has seen our Chapter grow faster than any other in the United States for two successive years; www.HeadwatersTU.org 

Tonight I'm publicaly writing off the current leadership of the State Council: Really!! www.MCTU.org

Simply put; Council hasn't been right on four of the most recent issues that affect my enjoyment of our local watersheds and I see no hope in the current regime. NONE!

An update on their web-site will suggest that they've taken the lead on proposed exploration on the Blue Lakes Tract and BTEX contamination. Unfortunately that isn't true. The Headwaters Chapter wrote the Directors of the DNR and DEQ more than a week before!  This is regrettably another half-truth and its simply time to write them off for the remainder of the current Chair's term. Possibly longer!

I was reading my earlier journals tonight; thinking about those things that matter most to me at this jucture in my life. Money and accomplishments might make me rich; but I've gathered palpable wealth spending time awaiting the evening rise amidst the evenings cool. Waiting to hear word of a visitor in either sky or water...  wing or fin, framed by moon and stars. Friends present or family past, just beyond the bend and through the hemlocks. One of several lives running concurrently during this one.

These issues aren't really complicated. It's just about money or a lack thereof. But to fight this fight seems so worth-while.

Good night and Tight-Lines!

Another New Year, January 2nd, 2007!

Dam, another new year and another shellacking by some Pac-10 school making me look foolish for leaving the river before dark! Welcome to Two-Thousand and seven.

The days are getting longer and the thermometer seems confused about which season we're really in. Shades of late October or early March come to mind; not those of late December and early January. So we "junkies" have taken advantage of the slack winter weather and found ourselves afield and astream on a rather regular basis.

The grouse population seems to be holding up very nicely. I don't know if these conditions are considered favorable but the number of birds I've come across would indicate hunters and winter have spared many. Add a little more daylight to the front and back of each day and we'll be listening to drumming before much longer. Todays forecast is emblematic of spring nesting time, not the beginning of a new year in northern Michigan. But I'll accept this gift and pass along another update in honor of a couple new arrivals.

Congratulations to David and Molly Reed; who along with Grandparents Joe and Lynn, welcomed Nicole Christine Reed to the world on December 28th, 2006. The word is everyone's doing fine and adjusting nicely. Grandpa Joe has been required to keep his distance due to a nagging cough but I imagine Grandma Lynn has provided plenty of grand-parental cuddling in his abscence. 7 pounds and 8 ounces later and the world will never be the same again for the Reed family. Pretty Sweet!

Another arrival includes a final push toward Opening Day and the Anglers 20 Year Celebration. www.AuSableAnglers.org (OR) www.gateslodge.com/fishing.htm

The gathering has been in the planning stages for more than a year; for some its been nearly a decade. We're down to 116 days before another official Opening Day. I'm looking forward to Monday, April 30th, 2007. Who knows; we may be in the middle of Brown Drakes or digging out from a late winter blizzard, but the party will be over and fishing should become the center of our attention once again.

There's been some fishing success and some tough, hard earned lessons since my last update. A cautionary word here regarding a local river known for its tempremental flows and strong current. The Sturgeon River is considered the quickest flowing river in the lower peninsula, without a major dam. It's known to hold a strong strain of resident browns and play host to the wanderings of mykiss this time of year. It also is capable of removing your footing and floating your cap if you take it for granted!

I've done that as recently as December 23! 35 degree air and 37 degree water temps will put an end to your fishing day once your forced to swim out of your favorite fishing run. At least it did so to me.

The river taketh but it also giveth back; which keeps most of us pushing the envelope and dreaming of trout on the fly. We junkies just can't help ourseleves.

Tightlines and a happy, safe new year to each of you.