2009 Report

Sunday Morning, December 20th, 2009.

December both forgiving and cruel... Broken tippet between the first and second fly as a beautiful rainbow called Steelhead boils the bubble-line. Now a mirage and memory of lore; gone but not forgotten. He's why I Fish .

The individual most responsible for my indefensible addiction slipped away last evening. His devotion to this riverine-wonderland has made an indelible mark on many... I can't say any better that which is said in the following link. Farewell Gator, Farewell!

http://theriverspecialist.com/gates/rusty/Fishing%20Report.htm

Tight-lines My Friends!

Thursday, December 4th, 2009.

Politics instead of Fishing...  Sorry friends but it has to be done!!  Call or e-mail now!

In order to send the E.O. back to the Governor for reconsideration, both Michigan legislative chambers must formally reject it by resolution. The Michigan Senate passed such a resolution (SCR 23, McManus, R-Lake Leelanau). Without a major incentive to provoke its political statewide leader, Speaker Andy Dillon is reluctant to do the same, despite strong bi-partisan support in the House. Without a formal rejection of the E.O. by December 7, 2009, Michigan�s new DNRE will be led by a political appointee.

MUCC urges Insider readers to call or email these three House leaders:

(1) Speaker Andy Dillon, 517-373-0857, andydillon@house.mi.gov

(2) Majority Floor Leader Kathy Angerer,  517-373-1792, kathyangerer@house.mi.gov  

(3) Speaker Pro Tempore Pam Byrnes, 517-373-0828, pambyrnes@house.mi.gov 

Saturday Evening, November 27th, 2009.

Two things I'm not thankful for and never will be... (1) The proposed allowance of spinning tackle in the Au Sable Holy Water  http://www.michigan.gov/documents/dnr/FO-200_301082_7.pdf  AND (2) Parochial Schools playing against public schools in any of the MHSAA Championships!  Never!!

Wednesday, November 25th, 2009.

Thanksgiving is upon us... A warm breeze reminiscent of spring accompanied mist and light rain today. Drake and I traveled together, mindful of the season;  driving through the Valley north of Vanderbilt, in search of more shadows. Slightly stained waters evoke excitement concealing cobble-strewn bottoms, reminding me to tread lightly when wading this river called Sturgeon. Orange sunshine as afternoon wanes illuminating my own precautionary efforts at self-preservation? My cap will be my companion again tomorrow though Drake will fidgit awaiting my arrival. Thanksgiving is indeed upon us!

I'm reminded repeatedly, often every day, of the bounty enjoyed by those of my ilk... Those that love these environs. Those that love places were wild fish can thrive given the opportunity. I'm reminded regularly of a never-ending battle between the elements and those associated with the seasons; of the need for shelter and the need for some solitude. Of the need to defend and the need even for greed... To be selfish because it may be virtuous. That time is fleeting and none of us make it out of here... The Same.

Not much of a fishing report friends; not now anyway. 

This Love became something other than a report on insects, river levels and trout a long-time ago... And I have friends to thank for sharing this with me...

A heart-felt "Thanksgiving" to you. Tightlines!  

Friday, November 13th, 2009.

I had promised Cindy and convined myself to limit my fishing until a place was secured for winter... Thankfully that concern has been alleviated; so an update detailing my broken promise seems most appropriate!

Going into the cold-season not knowing were one will stay is downright taxing on the participants and those around them that care for your well-being. I'd like to thank those friends that helped with our move and those that offered insight into possibilities for housing. A number of you provided help in other ways and I'm grateful for that support. Homelessness doesn't need to equate to hopelessness. So let's talk fishing!!

Those promises I referred to included delaying by a day what normally was a Wednesday departure for fish-camp near Moran in the Upper Peninsula. Thursday the 7th, through Sunday would suffice once we garnered our diggs; though we would be another week before meeting the owner and securing the current place with a formal lease. Meanwhile the Two-Hearted and the Manistique Rivers were calling our merry band of brothers. Two rivers that have earned our attention as dependable haunts for late-season salmon like Coho and occasional Mykiss...  The weather was exceptional comparatively speaking and the trend has continued through today in sharp contrast to November 2008, when Otsego Lake saw its first ice on the 15th and would remain encased until April 18th this spring! A lighter, gentler, milder winter would be most welcome at this juncture.

The rivers of the Headwaters Region receive respite from my likes while tail-waters known as Tippy, Croton and Foote become destinations... Now through April when insects again determine the ebb-and-flow of daily routines. There's plenty positive to report and I'll post photos as well as journal updates through the course of this season.

Tightlines!

Monday, October 18th, 2009.

The vast array of angling and hunting opportunities are simply overwhelming once the leaves turn and mornings are blanketed in frost or snow. Spectacular colors highlight the seasonal clash of melding sky and water... All is aglow as Northern Michigan displays her many treasures. What a gift!

The dry fly enthusiast in me can't bear the thought of a half-year without dimples; so I continue my forrays into local rivers within the Headwaters Region. But the time for regeneration is upon this place and the local fishes are due the quiet necessary for propagation and the introduction of the next generation.

Yesterday, again on the North Branch, 42 degrees in the water while the air temps struggled, never reaching 50. Sunshine providing the necessary energy to trigger another beautiful hatch of fall olives... trout responding on cue. Southerly winds ushered in clouds without rain as our afternoon waned. A quick walk through a two-track back to the fish car and home.

There's a restoration project on the schedule this morning and continuing education requirements to be met before months' end. A place to live this winter is a daily discussion so I find myself in waders for more than those reasons described above... And still; its all good!

Tightlines!

Friday, October 9th, 2009... Sometimes I can't help myself!  http://www.theriverspecialist.com/editorials.shtml

Tuesday, October 6th, 2009.

Our environs are responding to the change offered by a waning seasonal-sun. The forecast looks remarkably like Olive weather and the next update may well contain mention of early-winter snow... Meanwhile, I'm giddy as I recall my float last Sunday down the North Branch while the Tigers won a ballgame to force this afternoon's play-off in Minnesota. They blew a 7 game lead the last month of the season and it all happened just asTanker had predicted; damn Yankee Fan that he is!

I'd forgotten what the excitement of really large fish in a river can do to the general populace; so I decided to stop in Baldwin last Friday before traveling back to Gaylord from Muskegon... Wow! 35 cars at every public parking area and a dozen boats already afloat reminded me why I stray from places like the Pere Marquette in late-September and early-October. Those paths I visit in November have been trampled soundly for two months by a thousand foot-soliders in search of falls bounty. How much sweeter seems the quiet of places like the Headwaters Region after time on the Muskegon, Wednesday and Thursday, or the aborted visit to the PM.

Saturday after work... a stroll up-river, looking for a dimple before dark enveloped all... Grouse skitter through a cabin yard and deer browse amid cedar- bows. Timberdoodle navigate the river corridor while fowl use the water as refuge; turkey again prepare for another evening roost. These subtle happenings a gentle gift because the river runs through it.

How does one express such glory? Simple Perfection...

Tightlines!

Tuesday, September 29th, 2009.

Winds and rain leaving no doubt that a new season has begun... Colors too signal what the calendar already reads; red, yellow, orange and white. This morning gray, heavy dawn blows over wind-chopped waters; rising ribbons, foam laden, certain to induce movement back to natal homes.

We'll deal with these rising, somewhat turbid rivers for a couple days. The forecast calling for cool clearing beginning tonight as swells on the Great Lakes recede from 25 feet and salmonids push upstream. Resident trout too will respond to this seasonal change as September ends another year on most rivers or streams.

Floating Saturday, looking for the Baetis of October, forced me to fish sub-surface simply enjoying our changing landscape; the rear of an old aluminum canoe versus a day-long wade. The North Branch from Jackson Hole to Kellogg's one day followed by a visit to the Black River within and around the Pigeon River Forest on Sunday. Friends making time for friends afield; all this splendor! Time won't wait and these environs beg not to be ignored...

Tightlines!

Sunday, September 20th, 2009.

Wow! An incredible end of summer simply keeps giving gorgeous days and clear, cool nights... And the Autumnal Equinox rolls up behind us as the harvest season's underway in the Headwaters Region. Utterly fantastic has been this ninth month of the Roman calendar; referred to as September.

Is there change in the air? The jet-stream and its associated nuiances may well move or adjust, allowing moisture to invade these environs sending the signal that true-fall is under way. Colors are noticeably changing under crystaline skies, awash day and night. Brilliant light shrouded early and late, heavy mist, fog-laden waters welling up their bounty captured in summer. Grouse, still young, careless last Monday now veterans afield or relegated to a memory. A covey of these busted by Drake while I fished the waters of a jewel called the Pigeon. It has been far-too pleasant!

The Jordan with a couple buddies later today and then it's official... Fall is here! Our days shorter than our nights... Leaves, grasses, ferns and the like all destined for something beyond another season. Enjoy this bounty called Northern Michigan.

Tightlines!

Friday, September 11th, 2009.

It's been eight years...

Unlike other early falls, there's little bemoaning the current weather trend locked into the region. Simply put, Spectacular!!

Another forecast suggesting little or no rain and ants on the wane; though evening rise enthusiasts will find dimpling trout dining on small Baetis and long-drown terrestrials before minor emergences of Cahill and Isonychia. Leaving the shop at 7:00pm allows just enough time for a short walk in waders while Drake awaits darks' arrival...

Waning moon, warm evenings tempted me this week... Dark skies, till moon and mist beckon Tis time to go home .

The Anglers of the Au Sable Clean-Up is upon us. Another Season spun...   www.AuSableAnglers.org

Tightlines~!

Saturday, September 5th, 2009.

Unless you're put off by sunny skies and mild temps this week has been spectacular! We've several more forecast with temps in the 70's and morning lows of 45 degrees, highlighting a brilliant moon. Area rivers are fishing like gems with ants and other terrestrials making for wonderful afternoon fishing on the back-side of our morning rise; now between 10:00am through the noon hour. Gnats, tricos, olives and other assorted patterns have turned the trick while evening spinner falls are the precursor to nite-time forrays in search of pigs on the prowl... And now it's Labor Day!  Safe travels this holiday weekend...

Tightlines!

Sunday, August 30th, 2009.

Here at the end of August and I'm typing away a gorgeous Sunday morning. The atmosphere washed clean by two days of solid rain; the Labor Day forecast holding cool-promise for summer lovers! http://forecast.weather.gov/MapClick.php?site=apx&map.x=210&map.y=164   Our rivers the beneficiaries and there's reason to be excited about heavy frost despite their warning. The next season doesn't start officially for three more weeks but you'll be hard pressed to convince the local environs that fall isn't already here.

The past two Friday evenings were washed-out for night time fishing by small cyclonic fronts stalled and turning over the whole of Michigan; delivering cool liquid throughout the Headwaters Region. Rains that enhance steady ground-water producing a stir in piscatorial creatures... A change in seasons now upon us.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources is seeking your input on proposed trout stream regulation changes! Simply put; I see no need until further scientific study suggests we can enhance these wild trout waters. The arguement that The current regulations are too complicated, is utter nonsense! Here's a link that should be working after several days of troubled operation... http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10364-214282--,00.html   

Let's add another 100 miles of special regulations as called for in earlier legislation and print those seven different colors in the next fishing guide; calling it good! Then visit any state west of the Continental Divide or places like Wisconsin on the Great Lakes. You'll see our regulations are simplistic and a great bargain!! Time to roll. Looking for a final Trico or two before packing away the soft, green stick for another...

Tightlines... 

Saturday, August 22nd, 2009.

One of those rare Saturday updates... While waiting for summer to fully arrive the next season has stole its way into the region; reminding us that frost and cool are rather common for late-August in the Headwaters of Northern Michigan. In fact cold is what last nights rain felt like while aided by blustery winds as temps struggled to reach 65 degrees on Friday! So no after dark fishing last night... Though some dandy fish have been caught well after dark since my last update.

Trout Unlimited has been in the vicinity celebrating 50 Years of cold-water conservation... And I've had an opportunity to meet new people and make a couple new friends too! Salute to those folks that give their time and talents to help others or promote an otherwise worthy cause... We'll wrap this puppy up tonight in Traverse City by hosting the final nights Hospitality Room were far-too-much talk of fishing is sure to happen.

There are very specific benefits associated with the cool spring and summer this year showing up in our area rivers! Healthy and larger trout than many of us have seen... And water temps are inducing movement earlier than normal of fish from summer holding spots like lakes or lower impoundments up into headwaters. The results of which have caused several sleep-shortened nights this week... So it's all good despite the associated economic fall-out for trout-bums like myself. Until the next one bites...

Tightlines! 

Wednesday, August 12th, 2009.

For those of you more than 40 miles removed from significant population centers look up! http://www.astronomy.com/asy/default.aspx?c=a&id=8525

The annual Perseids Meteor Shower will peak tonight with 30-50 visible flare-ups per hour. You'll have a moon to contend with but it's feeling summer-like in the Headwaters region of the planet! Temps will glide into the 80's for the next week and cool into the 50's for terrific nite-time fishing on skinny waters and broad rivers. The moon will wane as we revel in the sweet-season; chasing ghosts, coraling toads from favorite haunts... There's early morning mist coaxed from streamside vegation, highlighing dappled sunshine, clear-winged Trico's dodging swallow and wax-wings prior to the predictable spinner fall. Colors and aromas begging not to be forgotten; our days have grown shorter. Our lakes' waves still caress the small beach and invigorate its shore, not absent romantic sighs but heavy no less... Enjoy the season frieinds.

Tightlines!

Monday, August 3rd, 2009.

Folks... Take less than five minutes to read the following brief. It's the most important fishing update I'll do all year! And yes, Virgina, there still are hex near the 45th parallel!  http://www.record-eagle.com/opinion/local_story_213195108.html

Tightlines!

Monday, July 27th, 2009.

Time and its associated nuances has a way of sneaking up on me; passing by to later turn and taunt. A superior athlete mocking an inferior foe; personified by a marvelous trout refusing the drift though the initial break toward your offering left a remarkable wake and me wondering just how big was that bastard?  It's nearly August my friends and we'll soon be fishing the latter portion of the sweet season, commiserating about what didn't get accomplished again this summer. We'll console our wanderlust with plans dappled in fall colors while silently bemoaning missed opportunities once promised by summer... And I'll wonder what happened to the lightning while I waited on the thunder? 

The tactics taken by we-fisherman vary greatly this time of year! Dark nights or bright mornings? Bold light or moonless evenings? Huge offerings tied with rope capable of towing... or tippet so fine it truly compliments your #24 spinner? Living here affords a measure of all these variations and for that I'm very grateful! But at what price?

The upper Manistee this evening after many days on the irresistable North Branch... The Black and Pigeon for an upcoming weekend; camping with buddies  and a trek through the Pigeon River Country State Forest. Looking for a possible nite-time gig on the headwaters of the Sturgeon in pusuit of Burt Lake brutes... It may get better than this for some but not for me!! Time does keep marching and I'm in step with its beat...

Tightlines!

Saturday, July 18th,  2009.

All this week I've watched small insects hatch and conversations have changed, then something crazy like another cold front pushes into the region and suddenly it's early June all over again... And there are hex on the water at 5:00 in the afternoon, intermindgled with dozens or hundereds of #20 olives. Fish hidden by dark water are smashing #6 emergers while audacious brook trout are ravenously feeding mid-stream. Cedar wax-wings and grackles are hunting these late-season hatchers while king fisher traverse the corridor in search of an unlucky trout... And I simply giggle at my good fortune and the current conundrum; 6x and 20's or 2x and hex?

Mornings took on a whole new feel this week as Tricorythodes made there presence known on the upper reaches of the Au Sable North Branch. By Thursday they were well into this rivers middle section and they aren't traveling solo. Isonychia, Cahill and plentiful Olive made my trip home through Lovells a very memorable one! Drake didn't mind the lay-over either as even he noticed the blatant and reckless antics caused by a cornicopia of mating insects. You'll still need strong repellent at twi-light to ward off mosquitos and various pests but the rivers are fishing well and the current cool snap is bringing precious moisture to rivers, creeks, woods and moraine.

Tighlines!  

Friday, July 10th, 2009.

Those big bugs are still the headliner as we approach the middle of July... And will likely be for several more days!

Trico fans can expect news any day now as we watch the full moon wane. Overcast nights will mean earlier morning spinner falls of delicate flies even as we still chase solid hatches of Hex and Isonychia. 56 degrees on the Jordan last Monday; 63 on the middle Au Sable North Branch on Tuesday and lows each night in the upper 40's... Yesterday we hit 80 plus and big bugs went on the Au Sable main stream and Manistee! Look for more of the same as we wind our way through the middle of summer toward those dogged days...

Tightlines!

Friday, July 3rd, 2009.

What a difference a day makes... Or in the case of this journal nine days!  What once looked like a sauna now resembles early May and the upper reaches of the Algoma District in northern Ontario, not the 45th parallel and the Headwaters Region of the lower Peninsula. There's still very little "we" can do about  atmospheric conditions but adjust our game plan in accordance with those of nature. And so June segued into July, much like it began... cool, generally damp and full of want. Though I hear those sounds of summer their murmur seems somewhat muted. A fleece was required on Wednesday to keep comfortable; whereas the week prior I was still swimming until 9:00pm before leaving for the steamy lowlands of a favorite river. But there are benefits associated with these unseasonal cool-downs; like normal sleep patterns!

Today we'll prep the place over-looking Otsego Lake for this evenings annual fire-works celebrating July 4th Weekend.

Hex will still be flying as olives and Isonychia and stones get eaten during general day-light... 70's will be the norm after today and we'll likely be looking for those indicators that signal summers' middle is upon us. Probably with the next update. A national birthday celebration tonight and a full moon by Tuesday...

Tightlines!

Wednesday, June 24th, 2009.

Hot... Humid... HEX!

Very Tightlines!!

Thursday, June 18th, 2009.

Suddenly sticky... And insects of all sort and size can be found throughout the Headwaters region!

The summer solstice arrives Sunday in concert with Father's Day observances. A good one to those dads that have undertaken the responsibility of parenthood; it'll be a memorable one for those fraternal folks that fly fish!~ We could be looking squarely into the eyes of North Americas largest mayflies!

All the nuances that make time in waders so enjoyable enveloped me last evening. Initially, the atmosphere warmed and overcast predominated the day and its afternoon conversations. Local radar indicated strong storms moving across the mid-section of the lower peninsula while unstable air masses were producing spotty thunder storms in more northern climes... And talk of evening showers prior to a general clearing with temps remaining in the upper 60's well after dark. An easterly flow evident in our lowest band of clouds didn't bring much more than sprinkles to early evening.

Prior to donning waders the fateful decision to trek versus sit was made and simple actions implemented to assure passage home... Then mother nature and the river did the rest!

Isonychia, late-sulphur, stones flies of two order and then E. Simulan, just in time for twi-light while several trout took up positions in bubble-lines and eddies.  Neither I or my fishing partner ventured more than 200 yards before the proportions of Iso and Stones caused trout to rise and hunters to hunt. A small mink worked a retaining wall and its accompanying log jam with mixed results. Several piscatoral morsels and other aquatic creatures fell prey to that weasel last evening before the tables were turned... And she became the hunted!

Two small coyote pups appeared a short distance from the mink just after a pair of marathon canoe racers cursed me for chastizing them for not slowing their pace or at least refraining to paddle though they clearly had time to do so... Yelling obsenities at me down through the next bend; didn't seem to bother the mink or the coyotes. I figure they must be accustomed to these vocal confrontations between paddlers and wading fisherman. Even our own kind got in the act as two wandering fellas felt compelled to trek downstream despite low-flying spinners and mating maylies; but they were at least pleasant in their dialog.

As darkness enveloped me the need for magnification and fading eye-sight further complicated matters... My glasses were rendered useless after losing a necessary screw earlier in the day. Oh for the days when threading a #20 Olive in low-light was no problem!! But persistance prevailed and an otherwise fine evening abroad was a great night on the river.

Tightlines!  

Friday, June 12th, 2009.

While I've been befuddled for much of this early season; the environs around us look rich in color and vibrancy as summer offically approaches. The region is simply alive with sights and sounds reminiscent and indicative of the sweet season.

More water than area creeks and rivers could handle made an impact this week. Nearly three inches of the stuff fell between Saturday evening and Tuesday morning throughout the Headwaters Region. This isn't bad news though it fits a pattern that developed last spring and stands in sharp contrast to the prior decade when I was re-introduced to this insatiable sport. Meaning simply, we're seeing a reversal in general weather conditions from dry and warm to cool and moist... And I imagine our environs and their inhabitants will benefit from the wetter conditions! 

This morning breaks cool but bright and area rivers are appraoching their normal flows. Insects of a variety of families are found on all rivers and lakes too! If your favorite stream has been running high but you're interested in exploring other trout options consider a lake for quality time on the water.

Stone flies, caddis and yellow mayflies are all in-play right now. You could have five, six or seven insects hatching, mating or spinning their way around you though that's been no assurance that resident trout are going to join in the feeding opportunity. It's been that unpredictable for me and I'm hearing much the same for others... But it's why we call it fishing; even as we approach the Solstice.

Look for a rant regarding New Fishing Regulations, Deep-Well Injections and ORV use in the Pigeon River Forest ... Meanwhile; Game 7 tonight on the heels of probable spinner falls. What to do? Go Wings!

Tightlines!  

Thursday, June 4th, 2009.

There's frost on my lawn and area rooftops again this morning. Bright sunshine and cloudless less nights have been the harbinger of cold Canadian air pushing south across the region; all season long! Hence a forecast of 70 today and 75 tomorrow is cause for excitement in certain circles.

Despite the elongated chill mother nature affords opportunity for life... Yellow insects interspersed with grays and browns are making the rounds. Some of which are the cause of the excitement mentioned earlier. We'll be fishing well into the waxing moon beginning this evening and E. simulans should be prevelant and plentiful. Orange Dorothea will accompany these large mayflies while small stones and assorted caddis add to the airborne cacophony; and trout, very discerning trout, will rise!

Enjoy the fruits of this early-summer splendor...

Tightlines!

Saturday, May 30th, 2009.

Cool and wet was the week just past; and the forecast calls for much the same through those first days of June... So area creeks and rivers of less notoriety  have consumed much of my fishing time. And the results have been reflective of the weather. At times remarkable while other times disappointing... Hence we call it fishing!

There's been local news to report relative to ORV and other motorized access in our immediate area worthy of discussion. Specifically, Otsego and Montmorency Counties allowing travel on their roads with a few precious exemptions... Those leading into the Pigeon River Country State Forest! The PRCSF is recognized by even the most ardant motor-heads as a place unique and deserving of special treatment. Let's hope that those Townships bordering the Forest in Cheboygan County acknowledge the same. A vote is likely in Cheboygan County on the 9th of June. You're likely to hear more about this in my next fishing update.

A trip today through the weekend to visit my family is on deck... Go Wings!

Tightlines!   

Saturday, May 23rd, 2009.

A very good Memorial Day Weekend to all and a special word of "thanks" to our veterans and those who sacrificed in honor and duty to our Country. Thank you!!

Yellow and mellow on area creeks and rivers... Overcast today and possible showers will mean fantastic hatches of E. dorothea and E. invaria south of the 45th parallel while remnants of true Hendrickson's still linger, somewhat stronger within those watersheds running north of the Gaylord Moraine. These are beautiful size16's that roll off during cloudy or wet days; making for some of the finest emergence and spinner fishing of the season. Tippet materials in the 5x range and 10 feet leaders are in play as water levels have settled throughout the immediate area. Some tailwaters are still running higher than one might expect the further you travel south to the lower peninsulas mid-section. Green hues are everywhere in the Headwaters Region, slightly behind schedule as more cold rolled through the environs early this week. Lows of 25 were reported prior to summer-like days on Tuesday and Wednesday, when the thermometer topped out at 85! Any day in May...

Last weekend really encapsulated much of why this place is so special to me. The Soo, the St. Mary's River and great island called Neebish. The Pigeon, the Black and a forest called The Big Wild on Sunday. All in the name of market research and time well spent with new friends and family; in the presence of wild trout! It just doesn't get much better than this my friends.  Not much better!

Tightlines! 

Friday, May 15th, 2009.

I've become fond as saying, Any day in May, during most of my time inhabiting the Northern climes known as the Headwater Region... And we're smack in the middle of it friends. Cold evenings still require a fire though warm fronts are continually pushing into the region and bumping into what remains of the dark season; often resulting in dramatic lightning and significant volatiltiy. Such was the case Wednesday evening as the area received a shot of moisture and expansive thunder storms. The type of frontal system that piles up from the west while traversing the moraine, causing cell after cell to crash into others before moving eastward toward Lake Huron and its Canadian inhabitants. Almost always a great light show... Then ridiculous winds wrap and twist between low-pressure gradiants, ushering in cool and clearing for most of yesterday. So I payed-it forward and stuck to my seat most of yesterday; in order to play today... while working the Soo and visiting Neebish Island in Lake Huron tomorrow. Market Research...

The hendrickson is soon to segue into something smaller and darker; while we banter yet between cool and somewhat spring-like conditions. Buds and birds have taken flight. If air temp reache 60, you'll see a variety of insects on most area rivers. The trick though is timing a spinner fall when there's all this fluctuation in daily weather patterns. A rising river offers piscatoral creatures food enough to be selective, or nearly invisable. But streamers move such creatures and their habits often betray these brutes on cloudy over-blown days. Then there are creeks...   And today is one of those afternoons designated more for exploration than outright fishing. But we'll get waders wet before its over!

Tighlines! 

Friday, May 8th, 2009.

The last 24 hours feel something like viewing our world through a kaleidoscope... Consider vibrant sunshine and fresh greens after mid-nite thunder storms tracted around, then over the Gaylord Moraine before traversing the uplands of Otsego Lake. Fantastic rains bringing true spring and all those glories associated with this fantastic time of year. Hennies and mahognanies and caddis with stones; vying for the sky, safe in their numbers. Grouse beating a message and warning together on fanetic wings; a young eagle rides the lake shore this morning in search of prey in the shallows. The moon, just resting after a full ark through its lunar domain, setting brilliantly prior to another days dawn. I simply can't sleep!!

The South Branch by canoe today though it's  been slow to fish, running two weeks behind system branches... Morels on the skillett and a cold front tonight. May, any day in May!

Tightlines!!   

Saturday, May 2nd, 2009.

Cool and windy today with intermittent showers; a perfect recipe for Hendrickson hatches! Afternoon water temps on the Au Sable system are running at the magical 50 degree mark despite evening lows hovering ever-so-close to frost conditions. Water levels on the South Branch will continue to be prohibitive for wading though some boat traffic is likely despite 450 cfs through the Mason Tract. Spring-time fishing is like that though!

The sister river running to Lake Michigan typically runs 5-7 days later than the Au Sable Holy Waters and we're awaiting word that bugs have taken over below Mio too. So another weekend on the North Branch and main stream are on the docket.

Steelhead are still a big part of the equation on the tailwaters below Tippy and Croton on either the Manistee or Muskegon but we're nuts about 4 weights this time of year... so a 4-weight has become the tool of choice. Though the Sturgeon and Jordan are both running low and likely to be holding anadromous fish! So the 7 and 8 weights will remain in the fish car at least through the next update.

Opening Day festivities have come and gone again... But the party has just started as insects will change resident trout feeding patterns despite the cool forecast. Highs in the 60's by mid-week should induce afternoon spinner falls and great hatches on those rivers like the Sturgeon, Pigeon and Black. Once they've started the decision to fish depends only upon where the days business takes us! "Market Research" has seldom been more fun.

A number of recent legislative bills are cause for concern; especially if you like the Pigeon River State Forest! House Bill 4610 targets Director Humphries Order to limit equestrian activity in the PRCSF. My local Representative thinks those on horseback should be able to travel freely throughout the 105,000 acre Big Wild without any form of restriction on any trail or two-track. What would be next? ORV's and other motorized vehicles?

The Directors Order from May of 2008 simply charges the enforecement of the Concept of Management already in place. It's like more laws to regulate guns when those on the books aren't being enforced. A link to the proposed bill.   http://legislature.mi.gov/doc.aspx?2009-HB-4610    It would be most welcome to see our elected officials recognizing the full value of our resources versus playing politics and jockeying for the next election or office they hope to hold! And while we're on the subject of the PRCSF... Pre-Trial arguements should happen next week in our District Court concerning the Golden Lotus Dam and the Pigeon River. There will be plenty to report on this situation as spring segues into summer.

A final note regarding legislation and regulations... The MDNR is proposing sweeping changes to our current fishing regulations. View The Proposal Here.

Amidst all the turmoil and economic uncertainty... It's so good to know that trout will still rise to the hatching fly.

Tightlines!

Wednesday, April 22nd, 2009.

Sugar Snow...

A remarkable occurence indigenous to these latitudes just as trees are budding and young plants are sprouting... A front overtakes the general warming trend delivering another reminder that change is constant and the next season is never really far removed. The results afterward are visually striking. Hardy seed respond to this afront with zest and attitude; supporting a cacophony of flora and fauna ripe for such late-winter folly... Our waters stir with raucous nervesness as things piscatoral emit holiday vibes. It's here! It's HERE!

Glorious indeed as temps will soar beginning Thursday; setting the stage for a fantastic Opening Weekend around this most-bountiful State. Stay tuned...

Tightlines! 

Friday, April 17th, 2009.

Ice adorns the primary body of Otsego Lake again this morning; though open water now claims a swath around its shoreline. Much like last year, as ice disappeared on the 18th day of April. We're right on target despite a complete lack of rain in this wettest of months. Sunshine has forced spring upon us and wiled away the remnants of the dark season with brilliant bright days... And the elements are responding.

Rains will arrive forcing the last winter frost from low-lands and heavily wooded swamps. Rivers will rise and carry sediment to their deltas as they have for millennea, from the ground will spring green shoots or gray fungi, sure harbingers that the sweet season has settled in the Headwaters of Northern Michigan. And trout will rise...

Noon-time hatches occurring now on the special regulation waters' of the Au Sable and Manistee River, prompting fishermen and resident trout to consider changing their routine. Something in the film on fine tippet versus heavy-headed streamers or weighted nymphs; we're that close! Close enough to travel streamside, reacquaint yourself with a favorite run and settle in upon a sturdy log and wait. Wait, though the urge to cast, wade and search the next pool is overwhelming; contrasted to winters long reign this task should be so simple. Indeed it was a very long winter.

Nearly 40 participants gathered last Saturday at the Joburg-Lewiston High School for our fifth annual Introduction To Fly Fishing, sponsored by the Headwaters Chapter of Trout Unlimited. Check out a quick synposis through the blog! http://headwaterstu.blogspot.com/ We're also set for our 31st Annual Banquet tomorrow beginning at 5:00pm. The Otsego Club is the destimation again this year and it's certain to be a blast! www.HeadwatersTU.org

Fund-raising has never been more important and capturing those dollars has never been so difficult in my lifetime.  Folks are stretched and the dynamics of our little sphere have changed. That's why it's critical to support organizations that do work on the ground in areas like the Headwaters Region. Another fantastic example is here... www.AuSableAnglers.org  Check out the Orvis Grant that the organization has been awarded! This is a $2 for $1 matching grant that can raise an unlimited amount of money for restoration work on the Au Sable and Mansitee systems.

A final local organization worthy of support is the Pigeon River Country Forest. You've likely heard news of a pending court action because of a dams failure on the upper reaches of the Pigeon River? This is the third time in 50 years that a dam at this location has failed causing catastrophic conditions down-stream. It's the second time since 1984 that the current owners have been the offending party. But there's good news regarding dam removal to report... Having to do with the Boardman River...

Meanwhile the very Departments responsible for our managing these fantastic resources is being gutted... And it's to our detriment! We'll need a permanent funding source for the MDNR and MDEQ. Maybe combining them again makes sense but allowing EPA oversight of our wetlands sure doesn't! We've got the most valuable resource on the planet friends and more of it than any other State in the Union. WATER! We need to protect it and charge those a premium that would take any portion of it! Amending our State Constitution and incorporating the Public Trust Doctrine regarding water rights is a start. 

Enough of that already...!! I'm lowering my blood pressure by wrapping this up prior to heading for that log.

Tightlines! 

Wednesday, April 8th, 2009.

Any number of matters could be incorporated in the report today but foremost is the fishing... Challenging, though there are fish in those rivers mentioned last week. I tried to act honorably and work runs or pools were one should find holding steelhead but with little success. The bobber worked for a number of decent trout on the Pere Marquette while countless tackle donations and a brisk wind made for a rather frustrating day on the Muskegon. Chuck-and-duck fishing is rather like that! Real estate business interrupted Thursday's plans for the White, though Tanker found a variety of species in my abscence.

Looking forward, a welcomed change in the weather patterns may arrive later this week... With potential temps breaking the 50 degree mark beginning Saturday or Sunday. Some form of spring rains will bolster the propsect of dry fly fishing though the notion of rising trout looks distant when compared to other years. A great reference is found in the associated years I've been keeping this journal. April 10th and rising trout come to mind in one of our prior years while November has produced blue-wing olives and trout in the film. Hendricksons by Opener would be simply marvelous this year but I'm planning on steelhead opportunities nearly into May if this pattern doesn't bend in northern Michigan. And that would probably be all right come to think of it!

Budget woes, political wranglings and economic worries could knock us off our game and right now there's far too-much good before us. Those topics will wait while we sate our palette, afield in search of piscatorial pleasures befitting this long awaited Season. Coming oh so surely... A positive note regarding dam removal on the Boardman River: http://www.record-eagle.com/local/local_story_100235015.html

Tightlines!    

Wednesday, April 1st, 2009.

A recap of the prior week really starts with what I didn't do.... Specifically the Lake Michigan watersheds; but I'm about to correct that oversight beginning today with trips to the Pere Marquette, White and Muskegon through Friday. Steel has moved into their natal waters and a new license-year has begun!

A full day last Saturday covered the upper portion of the Rifle; as frost and melt added plenty of color from small streams and tributaries. Several portages were required between M-55 and the take out below 55. Winter snow and spring melt contributed to falling tress and eroding banks in this stretch of river. Though we found no fresh fish... The waters of the west coast have nervous energy coursing through them as anadromous mykiss move into spawning waters. And winter simply refuses to leave the region alone as 5-8 inches of heavy, white stuff pounded us on Sunday with winds reminiscent of December. Oh for a friendly jet-stream and warm spring rains... But not this week my friends! Stay tuned for updates as we're sure to be bantering about early season dries and rising trout on the heals of another NCAA Championship for Sparty?

Tightlines!...

Wednesday, March 25th, 2009.

While daylight is now lengthening by several minutes each day, the dark season is only slowly leaving the Headwaters Region of lower Michigan, in fact very slowly. An example of which are the 18 inches of ice still encapsulating Otsego Lake despite several days of sun and temps in the 40's. Evening lows have bounced below the teens and snow and ice continue to provide evidence of this very long winter. There's still lots of cold locked in our ground.

There's no denying seaonal change as lake-bound waters are slowly opening near their deltas. Tailwaters that regulate huge watersheds allow fisherman an opportunity to chase chrome whereas free-flowing bodies can be off limits once a front brings rain to the area; but that's what the Spring Season is really all about! It's also one of the huge benefits of living in these bountiful regions like the Tipp-of-the-Mitt. No earthquakes, no volcanos, no water and irrigation wars, no hurricanes and only the occasional forest fire! We've got it so good... Though our fishery departments and enforcement authorities are being gutted in our very midst. I've been on my soap box regarding these resources before so you won't be surprised to see mention of the topic here now. We're really the wealthiest State in the Union by virtue of our fresh water and natural resources and these resources should be supported accordingly. There are public meetings scheduled in April to discuss the budget crisis and you should attend one if you're able. Simply listen and introduce yourself to these folks and you'll find most of them care deeply about the same Great State that you do.

It's a hell of a mess friends but there are decent people in the field that need our continuing support of Michigan's woods and water!

Sunday, March 15th, 2009.

Vibrant blue... Morning hues painted by setting moon, once full, vibrant still over frozen Otsego Lake. Snow and ice continue to encapsulate the landscape in these environs but winter has loosed it hold. Oh so slowly! Spring will feel like something reminiscent of long lost or sqaundered youth. Wiser... Deeper, fuller, better than any of those chronicled here the past seven years.  The Vernal Equinox will announce the formal arrival of Spring this week though the sunshine and blue skies of mid-March trumped the official arrival of this next season. Such welcomed relief!

We're certain to be accosted by foul fronts and insubordinate meterology because of our location on this dynamic sphere; but the worst of the winter is most certainly over and it soon will become fodder for those keepers of such things. It's breadth and width and ferosity won't soon be forgotten and we'll be considering it's arrival again in a few short months... But for now the excitement of black stones, midges and anadromous fishes has our immediate attention.

The thaw will be several weeks completing the transistion from the dark season but rivers are free of ice and warming trends starting this week are working their wonders of the local landscape. The Rifle River offered an opportunity yesterday to chase the first of Lake Hurons' early arrivals... Gladly arriving while the morning temps hovered below 20 degrees. An option close enough to home that one could load the canoe atop the fish car for a full day portage to explore more of the East Coast river.

Later today, Drake and I will head North into Cheboygan County to visit several locations along the Sturgeon River. One needs to do this before snow-melt and rains rile this most temperamental of rivers. Monday, requires I visit the dentist so traveling West offers an opportunity to visit the Jordan River. That's not all bad considering Tuesday will be spent on Burt Lake reviewing a couple listing opportunities. Maybe another rendezvous with the Sturgeon will be called for next Wednesday before joining the Headwaters TU crew on Thursday evening back in Gaylord. And Friday will be spent traveling to the Black River for a conservation gathering on Canada Creek. It's all good friends... Very good indeed!  Insects, Spring and rising trout are all on the horizon.

Tightlines!    

Sunday, March 1st, 2009.

The machinery seems to winning the battle today friends.

A crashing pc, this long running winter, huge bailouts and troubling legislation regarding weapons and ammunition. Indications that the worst is yet to come...?

Not very uplifting but neither is todays thermometer! Here's a weather recap for February around the Headwaters' Region. It's Still Cold!!

Even collegiant sports are being cut from university curriculums as economic reality comes home to roost.

Three days in metro Detroit at the Novi Expo Center leaves me flirting with the notion of a trip to the Sturgeon this afternoon instead of awaiting the forecast warm-up later this week.

I really should pay-it-forward but there's at least one more weekend journey on the horizon before true spring arrives in northern Michigan. I'll be performing double-duty next weekend for Homewaters and the Anglers of the Au Sable during the fly fishing expo in Warren. Stop by both and we'll compare notes relative to the end of winter!

Tightlines!

Wednesday, February 18th, 2009.

No trout on the Sturgeon yesterday but the following bit of good news arrived while I was chasing steel... Enjoy the read!

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

February 17, 2009

Contact:  Robert McCann

               (517) 241-7397

State Files Lawsuit Against Golden Lotus, Inc. Over Pigeon River Fish Kill

The Department of Environmental Quality, Department of Natural Resources, and Michigan Department of Attorney General announced today that a civil lawsuit has been filed today in 46th Judicial Circuit Court, Otsego County, naming Golden Lotus, Incorporated (GLI) as a defendant and alleging violations of various state environmental laws resulting in a significant fish kill in the Pigeon River. 

GLI has owned and operated the Song of the Morning Ranch dam and the impoundment located in the Pigeon River Country State Forest since May 26, 1969.  The function of the dam is to control the water level in the impoundment, which is accomplished by allowing water to pass through two underflow gates and released downstream.  It is the ultimate responsibility of the GLI to ensure that the operation and maintenance of the dam does not cause harm to the Pigeon River, or the surrounding wildlife. 

On or about June 22, 2008, a significant discharge of water from the dam caused water levels in the impoundment to drop, drastically increasing the downstream flows to the Pigeon River and transporting massive amounts of sediment downstream, which caused an extensive fish kill in this blue-ribbon trout stream.  This is the third discharge from the dam documented by the state and the second directly attributable to GLI. 

The DNR and the DEQ are working together to assess the full extent of the damages incurred by the June 2008 discharge of sediment and severe flow fluctuations in the Pigeon River.  It is the intent of the state to hold GLI responsible by seeking a long-term solution designed to protect the health of the Pigeon River and its aquatic resources. 

Today�s civil action is seeking relief requiring the GLI to eliminate illegal discharges of sediment-laden water from the GLI-owned dam to the Pigeon River; monetary damages for the value of the loss of public resources and recreational opportunities along with the costs associated with rehabilitating the Pigeon River to conditions that existed prior to the release of sediment; and removal of the dam owned by GLI.  The DNR and the DEQ are also seeking reimbursement for all costs associated with this enforcement action and statutory fines and attorney's fees.

#####

 �Protecting Michigan�s Environment, Ensuring Michigan�s Future�

Friday the 13th, February 2009.

Those not prone to adhere to superstitious mishaves may pass on this particular update. Others may chuckle at my own peculiarities when I consider a trek to a favorite stream or river. The first of which centers upon the inclusion of a camera. You know the drill... photographic evidence of landed fish opposed to those piscatorial phantoms certain to become the corner-stone of future tales. The camera tells a different story dependant upon its angle but there's at least a basis for telling it. Bringing it along specifically for the purpose of chronicling your prowess and you're left wondering; did I jinx myself today? 

Another cliche',  first cast - first fish. An occurance sure to cause angst the deeper one gets into the outing without another strike. It's happened twice for me on the Manistee below Tippy the past five weeks. Most recently, yesterday while the river ran at 2800 cfs. A date already on the books despite big snow-melt and locally heavy rains. The river was very fishable and should have produced better results than those noted during our afternoon beneath the dam. But that's fishing.

A couple other wise-tails that warrant mention this peculiar Friday... Atmospheric and barometric conditions known to affect even the most dilligent fisherman. East the least while West is the best, referring to our winds of course. Evening-into-night fishing requires consideration of the lunar calendar. Fish prior to moon rise for dark and darker seems the most  productive recipe in this portion of our hemisphere. I recall fondly a new moon in August along the Au Sable holy waters. I've tried to replicate the event many times since; always considering the lie of that evening moon, hung just over the cedars below the Tractor Seat Pool. An AuSable Skunk and a decade later finds me yet enamored with these places were wild trout flourish. The people I've met... The memories and friendships forged within insect laden riffles... These events have produced enough lore to fill a lifetime of journal rants so we'll consider them on another notable date.  

Spring knocked old man winter from his lofty perch this week... A welcomed break while many of us waited with baited breath. 

Tightlines!

Wednesday, February 4th, 2009.

It's cold and so clear again today; -15 this morning on Otsego Lake and -20 in the river valley of the Au Sable. Under crystal skies, utterly brutal in its stark beauty with wind chills well below zero throughout the day despite bright blue heavens. But there's some good news to report from the Michigan Supreme Court with respect to Kolke Creek. A new era is underway in our States' highest Court. View the Court Order Here

Winter will loose his lethal grip after another bone crushing night. Friends are anxious and finned creatures idle away day upon day, burning calories necessary for sustenance. Winged and hooved gather early around feeders; hunger trumps their cautious ways.  Those days between November and April are often theurapeutic; these have been burdensome. Heavy snow early and arctic cold now though the days are surely lengthening. Last Sunday I witnessed a remarkable sun-rise while morning temps flirted with 30 degrees. Dark now takes longer to descend each night. Herbaceous life will soon respond to the lengthened day. Another spring awaits us. Throw a third log on that fire friends...

Tightlines!

Friday, January 30th, 2009.

Last Thursday did warm up some; enough to convince me to break out the rods and waders for an afternoon below Tippy were I encuntered the treaded first cast curse... A trout on your first cast and nothing more but iced guides and numb extremities for the remainder of the day. But that's fishing for this particular winter.

Another shot at 30 degrees is being forecast for Super Bowl Sunday... Sounds like a plan is in the offing for an afternoon jaunt somewhere. Here's a link of what's been taking up much of my time since winter really set up shop.  http://thalwegtattler.blogspot.com/  Stay tuned and warm friends!

Tightlines.

January 22nd, 2009.

Welcome relief for a day came on southerly winds providing a temporary reprieve from winter... and an evening low of 20 degrees Wednesday night. A quick trip to Tippy on Thursday seemed completely called for while Friday's prognostication warranted more investigative travel throughout the Cheboygan River Watershed. Winter weathers' moved back into the region so talk of trout will garner the majority of my attention. Waders are once again sharing space with snowshoes in the fish car while winds drive chill indexes well below zero! A couple trout were landed Thursday, below the coffer Dam at Tippy but much of our energy went into fighting the elements and iced guides. I did find a couple photos of the upper-most springs on the Manistee and placed them in my growing gallery of this spectacular fishery. Look for them here...  http://theriverspecialist.com/drake.htm

Tighlines! 

January 13, 2009!

Brrrrh!  Bitter cold, the worst of the winter is invading the region while wading wanderers wonder just when we'll get welcomed relief for our wanton wonderlust? Where or where is this years' January thaw?

With 2008 firmly in the review mirror I figure its time to take stock of the past 52 weeks and bid the prior year a fond fairwell! Economically the thing wasn't very pretty but there were some wonderful memories that came of it; especially if you're a fan of the Au Sable River watershed and its surrounding environs. Though any elation is tempered due to short-sighted legislative decisions in the Michigan House and Senate regarding ground water protection and the future of the Public Trust Doctrine. But there will be an opportuity for Michigan residents to correct the ineptitude of the past session in 2010 with an amendment to our State Constitution... And a new majority in the Michigan Supreme Court!

No drilling near the South Branch of the Au Sable during the foreseeable future certainly goes a long way to righting any legislative wrongs but the river and other gems like it are now subjected to potential ground water withdrawls by more Nestle-like scoundrels... Check out the measuring stick for what is deemed acceptable damage to a favorite spring or creek under the current water withdrawl regulations. www.miwwat.org This should be challenged by all Michigan residents! And out-of-State operators like Merit Energy of Texas continue to pound upon our quality of life to extracte more profits for their company at the cost of our natural resources; spending money in the courts when they have the means necessary to remedy the trouble they've inherited from Shell at the headwaters of the Manistee and Au Sable! Their action and stubborn insistence have caused more than $350,000 to be spent on courts, attorneys and special witnesses by the Anglers of the Au Sable when the organization has halted its large-woody-debris program to preserve the finest wild trout stream in the mid-west. Merit and the MDEQ knew this plume was here nearly 20 years ago and they stubbornly built a pipeline for $400,000 before their permits for discharge was even approved; probably because that's how they do it in Texas?!?

2009 promises to be a year of challenge due to economic hardships across every segment of social or governmental fabric. But there will be celebrations too as Trout Unlimited comes back to Michigan for it's 50 Year Anniversary! Stay abreast of the happenings through this site as we get closer to August's gathering.     http://www.tu50.org/site/c.qkIZL6MMJrE/b.4767783/k.BE99/Home.htm  Our local Chapter will be in the thick of it!

While talking of the local TU Chapter here's a link to the Headwaters Web-site:  www.HeadwatersTU.org  The web-site is slated for updates including this years Calendar of Events, a blog, outstanding newsletter and a fresh photo gallery detailing the bounty of the Headwaters Region. Couple this with the recent updates found at the Anglers of the Au Sable and you've got plenty of current reference material to keep the computer screen humming until winter recedes. Check them out at www.AuSableAnglers.org  I'm pleased to be a board member of each!

Two other organizations have added immensely to the quality of life associated with the area; The Pigeon River Country Forest and the Headwaters Land Conservancy. Both deserve our continuing support and I'm proud to provide you with their internet information! www.PigeonRiverCountryForest.org and www.HeadwatersConservancy.org

Moving forward with change is often difficult though we're all forced to accommodate those forces beyond our scope or control. There's plenty of room for improvement and there's ample reason to be concerned about the upcoming year too! Automobiles, fuel costs, a housing correction that's still correcting, loss of employment, retirement accounts and shrinking planet resources... All very real concerns my friends, very real! To that end I may have little to say which will keep your fears at bay... Though I offer you tidings for good health and real hope in this new year. A bright one to you and all your loved ones!

Tightest of Lines!                                                        

December 31st, 2008.

A recap of the year would be apropos but not today. I would like to take a moment to wish you and yours a healthy and happy new year!

While the year has been at once memorable yet forgettable; the thoughts of a fishing buddy resonate in my mind this afternoon as we complete one year and unwrap another... "To fish better not harder".

Tightlines!

Highlight Of 2008.... Anglers' Win South Branch / Mason Tract Battle!!

We'll savor this for a while friends.  Read Below...

It's Official... The Anglers' , Sierra Club and Mason Family win the Mason Tract Battle...

2008 Was A Very Good Year!   Tightlines...