Tuesday, January 31st, 2012.

South-in-the-Mouth, as warmer air travels overhead we'll see ice develope over these moraines and drumlins turning to all rain this afternoon. Highs the next several days above freezing and moderate temps at night offer die-hards time in waders. The next few days should provide opportunity to gain some modicum of confidence in my nymphing abilities in what seems a worthy winter-project.

Special Regulation Water, once closed after September 30th, continues to provide an alluring diversion as the barometer and thermometer coalesce. Several breaks from winters' cold has made this an active fishing season.

A pretty-blue bend-pool near an adjacent landing transposed my wade into one of beauty last Friday. Two days fishing provided more frustration then I'd like to admit... then the trout inhabiting the middle of that run subtley inhaled the drifting emerger.  Just that simply, All Was Right! Small, rather insignificant events provide necessary fuel in late-January.

Speaking of Fuel... A theme appears to be emerging within our National Debate... http://www.nytimes.com/2012/01/29/us/new-data-not-so-sunny-on-us-natural-gas-supply.html?pagewanted=2&_r=1&emc=eta1

Simply Put: If It Seems Too Good to be True? It probably Is...

Here comes February. Already??

Tightlines!

Thursday, January 19th, 2012.

Last evenings State of the State speech revealed a great deal of optimisnm for Michiganders! There's an air of relief and forward momentum within sectors around these Peninsulas and I'm willing to give the Governor his due... After all; I rather think Nerds are cool... And I'm remined he wasn't the party-choice when the last Republican Primaries were held.

Props for acknowledging the need to force insurance companies to recognize treatment of autism. Our Lt.Governor has a family member afflicted by this puzzling condition and sometimes that's what it takes to effecuate needed change. A sister has known this frustration since her twins were diaganosed more then 15 years ago... So PROPS to Mr. Snyder for using the pulpit!!

Employment looks to be rising while unemployment rates fall... Atlas Van Lines moving study suggests Michigan no longer holds the dubious distinction of losing population; the only State-in-the-Union to do so between 2000-2010. And the nasty ol' MBT is LONG GONE ...

I'm rather certain I heard Senator Casperson acknowledged last evening somewhere after the 25th minute; for his work on matters of forestry and mining. This was followed by a glowing remark of affection for our Great Lakes... All of which leaves a layman like me a little confused and unsure of Mr. Snyders' true intentions and position concerning our Natural Resources.

If the governor would like to implement additional savings in Governmental Operations why not look at deleting an entire layer of bureaucratic overlay? Townships?? Check out these thought provoking reports on the idea...

 http://bridgemi.com/2012/01/behind-savings-townships-operate-in-vastly-different-ways/?utm_source=constant%2Bcontact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=behind%2Bsavings%2Btownships%2Boperate%2Bin%2Bvastly%2Bdifferent%2Bways#.TxggLvnqKuI

http://bridgemi.com/2012/01/big-township-bank-accounts-draw-concern-defense/?utm_source=constant%2Bcontact&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=big%2Btownship%2Bbank%2Baccounts#.Txg4PPnqKuI

It seems to be going rather well for those that develope and extract. Much better then for those that defend or conserve... But I heard nothing about the Elephant-in-the-General-Budget last night called Prisons. That line item consumes 20% of our annual operating budget... Though I'll give the Nerd some time to address this matter in 2013 or those subsequent years beyond 2014...

The fishing you ask??? It's all white now; baby its all-white now!

Tightlines!

Thursday, January 12, 2012.

Brrrr!  Finally something resembling winter as snow is accumulating around us. Time for a second update of the fresh year...

A poorly tied improved-clinch knot resulted in a blown photo opportunity yesterday as temperatures surged near 50 degrees! A couple other trout grabbed at the passing streamer and I obliged them by rolling both without landing either; leaving me somewhat frustrated. But how disappointed can one be in early January while in waders accommpanied by your favorite golden retriever? Lemonade Anybody??

Tuesday ended with two packed houses in Atlanta and Alpena; both offering information to curious or concerned citizens. Atlanta played host to Montmorency County Conservation Club as a young geoligist from the MDEQ provided a 90 minute presentation detailing the agencies position on hydrological fracturing; to a room packed with 55 locals. Meanwhile, 120 others listened to Senator Tom Casperson defend his motivation, ideology and party-reasoning for authoring SB 248, the land-cap bill destined to eventually raid the Michigan Natural Resources Trust Fund... under the guise of "Development" in Northern Michiagn. Mr. Casperson was taken aback by the reaction of the vast majority when he asked if the crowd supported the current policy of land acquisition... He also failed to acknowledge and answer truthfully when asked if his bill isn't really the first volley across the bow to undue our State Constitution for protections afforded the MNRTF. He actually lied prior to acknowledging that there's accompanying legislation directed squarely at undoing the will of the People, set into action 35 years ago through referendum... Some Lies Figure while some Figures Lie... I'm sure there'll be more about a series of bills working there way through the Elephants in the current State House and Senate... Look for SB 880 in the coming future... I ask you, Can the next election cycle happen soon enough??? Here's a link recapping the Bill-to-Cap.

http://www.michiganlcv.org/connect-us/blog/2012-01-13/hunters-and-anglers-pack-house-oppose-unnecessary-land-cap

Also... That little ol' well near the Chapel, on the Mason Tract... Expect speicifc news of it during our next update. An EIS is in the works bringing with it a brand-new vernacular. Until then...

Tightlines!

Tuesday, January 3rd, 2012.

Happy new year!

A mild December provided ample opportunity extending the fly-fishing season; so many of us obliged the environs with multiple trips to favorite haunts ending the year with a proverbial "bang".

My trek down the North Branch new-years-eve-day produced a story or two worth noting... I stumbled upon a property owner near a favorite break in his river. The place is For-Sale and overlooks a beautiful run that's produced nicely the past couple seasons. It's an interesting place as it sits 10 feet from the waters edge. Its design is dated but you're perched over the river by virtue of an upper deck and living quarters. A lovely vista for the trout enthusiast!  

While conversing about the virtues of extended seasons and 30 degrees; two resident fish persued my olive-colored streamer; making me look like I knew what I was doing. Simply one of those "A-Ha" type moments that can happen only if you're on the water. Two other trout were landed on that streamer and a fifth swirled in curiosity as the last day of 2011 segued toward 2012. Drake and I made the most of our three-hour window prior to packing out for the Fish Car. 

Cindy and I ushered in 2012 overlooking a local ski slope amidst fireworks working while others were at play... Just part of the gig at this juncture in life... 

There's snow, ice and cold overhead. The snowy-forecast fell short by 2/3 as 4 or 5 inches settled versus 12 or 15. It'll warm tonight setting the stage for an excursion tomorrow. A perfect opportunity to start "12" in fine fashion.

Hey FRACKER Fans... Check out this little story about the shell-game underway in Northern Michigan...  http://www.reuters.com/article/2011/12/28/us-energy-giant-idUSTRE7BR0G420111228

Tightlines!