Garlock Guide Services

Catch-up!

2012-02-09T07:57:00.004-05:00

Its been a bit since last post. I would normally say that we are in the dead of winter here, however, the fish above was caught on 1-14-2012. Since then we have not had any snow so to speak of. I spent the day with good friend, Eric, on the Pere Marquette. Fresh, heavy snowfall on all the trees made this an awesome float. The fish was a bonus, as well as, the lunch that Eric prepared. Indy-nymphing and swung fly are both working on various rivers at this time. Patience must be excercised!

Nick

Report 1-7-12

2012-01-07T15:24:00.002-05:00

Happy New Year to all! Had an unexpected day off today and decided to take "me lady" steelhead fishing for the first time. With the weather being unseasonably warm and the lack of snow...it has me getting out more than usual in January. Pictured is Maegen with her first steelhead ever.

Nick

2011-12-27T20:34:00.001-05:00

Report 12/27/11

2011-12-27T17:04:00.003-05:00

Got an opportunity to fish with good friends today. Eric and Ben. Fished the Muskegon river without a single drop of precip, even though it rained the whole drive up. Fishing was slow with one fish hooked by Eric and another fish landed by yours truly. The fellowship was great and more than made up for the fishing. Conditions: water was at 1630cfs this morning. This is great for swinging flies. Fish are hanging around structure filled areas. Slow runs with boulders or downed timber will likely hold fish. Seeing fresh and seasoned fish in the river. Get out while you can and the snow flies.

Nick

Report: advice on striking the fish from Dec Hogan

2011-11-20T22:27:00.000-05:00

From: Midcurrent.com

Steelhead: Striking the Fish

by Dec Hogan

photos by Dec Hogan

illustrations by Greg Pearson

Veteran steelhead guide Dec Hogan offers his advice on making every steelhead take count.

Desert doe caught by the two-handed rod of Beau Purvis.

THE BUDDING, ENTHUSIASTIC steelheader, if he or she is truly passionate about the sport, will be all ears and eyes when in the presence of more-experienced anglers. If it’s in his nature he’ll read anything and everything he can get his hands on pertaining to steelhead. Inevitably, the beginner will soon be subjected to and haunted by steelheading cliche: “The fish hit me like a freight train!” “I mean, he just took the fly like a bolt of lightning!” “She took like a ton of bricks!” “Oh man, that fish absolutely crushed my fly!” And on it goes — the many superlative descriptions of how a steelhead takes a fly. It gets my blood boiling just thinking about it. These kinds of takes do occur, and there’s nothing more exciting than swinging your fly after hours of fruitless casting when you are violently blindsided by a crushing blow from a freight train that was shot out of a cannon and hit you like a ton of bricks. Yeah, baby!

Reality, however, is that far fewer than half the steelhead takes encountered are flamboyant. The greater half of the steelhead-grabbing phraseology often sounds like this: “I felt this dull pull.” “My fly just sort of stopped.” “I don’t know, I just felt some weight, and then my line started moving.” “I felt a little tick, and he was on.” Wait — it gets better: “Damn, I missed him!” “He took it so hard, I don’t know how I could’ve lost him so quickly” “I shoulda’ had him!” And the one that is near and dear to my steelhead guide’s heart, “Dec, what the hell am I doing wrong?”

The fact is, yes, sometimes the steelhead climbs all over the fly and hooks itself, but more often the fish needs time to turn with your fly and swim away with it, thus allowing the hook to make purchase. The steelhead is not aware that the fly is tethered to an anchored string — all its life, when it inhaled or mouthed food, the stuff goes right in. No problem. We as anglers need to be aware of the physics behind this and let the steelhead take the fly. I’ll say it again: LET THE STEELHEAD TAKE THE FLY. A hair-trigger strike response is the nemesis of many a good steelheader. As Bill McMilllan told me long ago, imagine dangling a fly tied to a piece of monofilament in a toilet bowl. Make sure there’s tension on the fly — no slack. Now flush the toilet. As the toilet is flushing simultaneously pull up and back on the fly. What happens? Your fly pops out of the toilet as the water goes down. Do it again. This time, as the toilet flushes, drop your arm a bit. Don’t pull back. The fly disappears. The same thing needs to be practiced with steelhead. Not only should you wait for the steelhead to make its turn with your fly, you need to incorporate some slack or loose line in order for the fish to turn freely, taking the fly with it. This delayed reaction to a take is especially necessary when fishing a floating line.

The floating line rides in the upper current which is usually faster than subcurrents. Your fly, whether riding right on top or barely subsurface, usually stays in line with your line within inches. You can see there’s little or no slack in the system to allow the steelhead to pick up your offering and turn before you see it. There are several methods experienced steelheaders use to allow the steelhead a free turn with the fly. One is simply allowing the steelhead to take the fly without lifting the rod too soon, which in my opinion leaves too much room for error. Another is to fish with a raised rod tip, which creates slack line as the line from the rod drapes and sags to the water. This affords the steelhead plenty of slack to turn, but I prefer to fish with my rod tip as close to the water as possible — it helps me feel what the fly is doing. Some anglers fish with a high rod tip and actually drop it to the water when they see or feel a take, lifting once they feel the fish a second time, confident he’s made his turn. I’ve met others who fish with a very loose drag and simply let the steelhead peel some line off the reel before lifting.

I have experimented with all of these techniques plus a few more. For me and the hundreds of anglers I have guided — some of enviable experience who have taught me a thing two — carrying a loop of line between the reel and rod hand, and allowing the steelhead to pull it out until it comes tight to the reel is the most efficient, fail-safe method there is. Follow along with the illustrations, and I’ll tell you all about it.

1. The Right Loop

The first thing is you need to carry a substantial loop, not just several useless inches as I see a lot of people fishing with. You want the loop to be at least the length of a fair-sized steelhead, say, 30 to 36 inches. Cut this in half and you get a loop hanging 15 to 18 inches below your reel. That length is usually sufficient, but I sometimes use more. If the water I’m fishing is a little deeper than average, I’ve found that the steelhead needs a little more line to take down with him. Also, if you’re fishing a river where the average steelhead is large — say, the Thompson or Babine in British Columbia — a larger loop is an advantage.

I recommend getting in the habit of forming the loop before your fly is doing its fishing business. Form it early, immediately after your initial mend. You want this loop to be secured and ready to be snatched up through the entire course of the swing. Pull the loop in from the cast line, not the reel, for two reasons. One is you want the loop to be free of kinks from memory. The other is if you pull 30 inches of line from your reel, by the time you’re halfway down the run you’ll have way too much line out. Common sense, I know, but I’ve seen it happen many times.

The index finger of my rod hand controls the loop. It’s what I pull the line through to form the loop, and it’s how the loop is pressed lightly against the rod to keep it secured while fishing. Notice I said lightly pressed against the rod — you want it loose enough so a steelhead can pull it out. Practice this with a friend. On dry ground, form a loop and have your buddy pull it out at varying degrees of slow and fast. This will help you get a feel for it. It should go without saying that while the loop is being pulled out, whether it by a steelhead or your buddy, DO NOT TRY TO SET THE HOOK! You will be defeating the purpose of the loop, and you’ll pull it away from your fish nearly every time.

2. Loop Going Out

DO NOT TRY AND SET THE HOOK! You really need to pound this into your head. One of my guide sayings in trying to convey this message to my clients is, “I’ve never missed a steelhead by waiting too long.” It’s true, but I’ve missed plenty trying to set the hook too quickly. The impulse to clamp down and rear back is strong. It’s entirely up to you how you handle it: Lift the rod, and your chances of missing the steelhead dramatically increase, or let him take the loop out nearly guaranteeing a solid hook-up.

Be prepared for the loop to go out so fast you don’t even have time to mess it up, to so slow it seems like it will never go out. No matter how slow it seems, the right thing to do is NOT SET THE HOOK. Every time.

3. Tight to the Reel

The loop goes out, and the line comes tight to the reel. Awesome. At this point you still shouldn’t be in a hurry. Try to remain calm. I know, the house is on fire and the tsunami’s on its way. Remain calm. Yeah, right. Just remember: The more you are in control of your actions, the greater the likelihood of a successful hook-up. Once she’s good and tight, maybe even the reel clicking a bit, pinch the line against the rod.

4. Raising the Rod

Line pinched against the cork, raise the rod up and toward your bank to drive the hook home. You don’t need to give it a gorilla set. Lift the rod with some smooth authority, but there’s no need to overdo it. Each encounter is different, with some steelhead taking hard and fast, others slow and subtle. You need to raise the rod accordingly.

When Mr. Steelie hits with an electrifying jolt, he pretty much sets the hook himself. Heaving the rod tip up as if setting up on a halibut will usually result in a break-off. Bad. A simple lift does the trick; the fish will probably be off to the races anyway. A slow take usually requires a sharper lift.

If you have the presence of mind to do it, it’s good to lift the rod toward the bank you are fishing from. Steelhead typically take the fly from the inside out, resulting in the fly finding purchase in the corner of the jaw closest to your bank as he swims with it back toward center river. It makes sense to pull the hook in the opposite direction the steelhead is going.

5. Off To the Races

Okay you’ve got him! Get your finger off that line, and let’m run, let’m run, let’m run. Wish I had a buck for every time I yelled that out.

Most steelhead take off on a strong, long, screaming run as soon as the rod is raised and they realize they’re in trouble. Hang on, and let it go. If the fish doesn’t run, you need to get reeling fast in order to keep the line tight and the hook from falling out. This often spurs the fish into a panic that makes it run. The main thing is to be ready. Once you raise the rod, something will happen.

Dec Hogan was a highly regarded steelhead guide on the Skagit and other rivers and is a two-handed rod expert. Dec's other publications include Steelhead River Journal Skagit/Sauk published by Frank Amato Publications in 1996 and an instructional DVD, also from Frank Amato Publications, "Modern Spey Casting and More with Dec Hogan." Excerpted from A Passion for Steelhead (Masters on the Fly series) (Wild River Press, August 2006, 320 pages).

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Report 11-19-11

2011-11-19T19:40:00.004-05:00

Today was a pretty typical day for November. A few "pumpkins" spotted in the woods. At present there are good numbers of steelhead in the river. Swung flies and nymphing will do the trick.

Pictured is Doug with his first ever steelhead. Nice Job Doug! See you in the Spring.

Tightlines!

Another Steelhead Pic

2011-11-15T18:30:00.001-05:00

Just a cool image of a steelhead I shot this weekend. Very HOT fish that took several runs on us.

Nick

Additional Report 11/11

2011-11-13T21:17:00.002-05:00

Just a short post: Indicator nymphing along the edges of the fast water produced this nice brown trout.

Pictured is Levi on his annual Birthday Trip with his dad. Great to have the two of you out!

Nick

Report 11/10

2011-11-13T21:12:00.004-05:00

Nymphing with egg and minnow patterns produced this fine steelhead on a wicked weather day. Snow, Sleet, Sun, Rain, and Wind all played a role. Water was on the rise and got to 3500cfs.

Pictured is Tom with a great acrobatic steelhead.

2011-11-06T21:58:00.003-05:00

Pictured is yours truly and friend, Andy, out for a morning of swinging for steelhead. Fishing continues to be good. Water levels are low at this time. This weeks forecast (rain) should bring more fish up from the lower river. Stay tuned!

Nick

Report 10-21-11

2011-10-21T20:57:00.002-04:00

Had Matt Lehman in the boat today. Lots of hook-ups for his first salmon outing. Still lots of Salmon in the river with steelhead

mixing. Trout fishing behind the salmon redds is productive at this time.

Tight Lines!

Nick

Report 10-16/17

2011-10-20T22:06:00.004-04:00

Had the Spinnazzi group out for two days this week. Great group of guys that I really enjoy guiding year after year. Good numbers of salmon are present. Several salmon hookups both days with one brief steelhead encounter per day to keep things even more exciting. We have received some much needed rain that will bring up more fish to keep this show rollin'.

Tightlines! Nick

Report 9-25-11

2011-09-27T03:57:00.002-04:00

Spent the day with friend, John, on the Muskegon for some streamer pitching. It was a mixed bag of trout and smallmouth. Water is very low at this time. We could use a couple days worth of rain to move the salmon run along. Blue Winged Olives and some caddis were in the air, but not many on the water. Fishing should be picking up from here on out.

Nick

Report 9-5-11

2011-09-05T17:31:00.002-04:00

Took my brother and nephew "pitchin' plugs" for salmon this morning. The salmon seem to be running a bit bigger on average this year. This one weighed 20lbs on the Boga Grip. Hot color was fluorescent pink. Fun day for all those involved.

Tightlines,

Nick

Trip to Montana

2011-09-04T08:47:00.003-04:00

Henry's Fork Rainbow...size 20 bwo

Had a great vacation in Montana with friend, Derek Deyoung. Fishing on the Yellowstone, Madison, Henry's Fork, The Lamar, and various lakes all had their moments. PMD's, BWO's, and terrestrials all played a major part in my fish catching ability.

Trout Fishing in Michigan is picking back up from the heat of the summer. With cooler nights and day time temps...the fishing will only get better. I am seeing salmon start to come through some of our river systems. I am taking bookings still for October salmon and November/ December trout and steelhead trips.

Tightlines,

Nick

Report 7/17/11

2011-07-17T19:25:00.004-04:00

Just got back from a weekend on the Ausable with Father and Son (Rick and Matt Thomas). First time fly fishing for either of them. What better first catch than the almighty state fish, Mr. Brook Trout. It was great to have them up for the weekend! Weather was perfect and fishing was pretty typical for July. BWO's were a reliable subject as well as some night time "Mousin" that I introduce the boys to. Success with mousin was a bit tough due to the Full moon out last night. Still made for a great night to be on the water. During the day, the terresterials filled the bill. PMX's and Hoppers all got looks as well as various other patterns with Elk hair and rubber legs.

That is all for now!

Nick

Report 7/8/11

2011-07-08T16:30:00.002-04:00

Yes...I did change the background image. Got tired of the old one. This one seems more appropriate. I have been fishing on the Pere Marquette lately. Terresterials by day...the "H" word by night. Good bug activity and the fish have been somewhat cooperative. No pics to be had at this time. Will be doing the night-time mousin' thing for a while now. Small mouth bass are on the feed now. Strippin' streamers are an effective method of catching these jumpers. Trout fishing continues to be good on the Muskegon Caddis, BWO's, and ants all fill the trouts stomach. Thats all for now.

Nick

Report 6/22-6/23

2011-06-23T23:53:00.002-04:00

Here is one of our State jewels. The brook trout. This little guy was taken during a break in the rain on a dry fly. He fought with great spirit and was released to be fooled another day.
This fish was taken on the Ausable river.

Nick

Report 6/10-6/11/2011

2011-06-12T22:54:00.003-04:00

Spent Friday and Saturday on the Ausable river with my brother Jamie and his son Trevor. This was a birthday present for Trevor. We stayed at Fuller's North Branch Outing Club. With the recent weather change, the fishing was a little tougher. Hatch activity had slowed a bit, but looking to pick back up with the warmer weather making a return. On the Ausable, had Brown drakes, Isos, Sulphers, and BWO's. I will be fishing the Muskegon this week. I have evening half day trips available this week and next.

*Muskegon river is still producing gray drakes at this time. Warmer, more consistantly weather will increase productivity on local streams for sure.

Nick

Report 6-6-2011

2011-06-06T23:09:00.002-04:00

Tonight was about just getting out and fishing nearby stream. While walking this local stream, I came across this fish that someone thought better suitable in the hot sun than in the stream. Not the "hot fish" I was looking for, but made for an interesting photograph. I did sit out the evening on a log and waited...and waited...and waited for some bug activity and of course fish to become interested. Sulphurs were the main course this evening. Managed two fish on a sulphur emerger. Sometimes, you have to count your blessings one by one and just be thankful. Tonight, I am just thankful that I got to go fishing and catch two trout. Here's to June in Michigan. Get out and fish...late! Nick

Report 6/2/11

2011-06-02T07:49:00.003-04:00

Enjoyed a great evening of trout fishing with good buddy, Jeff Mcdonald. Jeff is pictured with a very fine Muskegon river rainbow that fell for the old swung wet fly trick. Last night we experienced a great Gray Drake hatch and fish were looking at them and eating them as evidenced by my fish below. Some very good fish coming up and feeding but not super consistant feeding yet. The next week of fishing should be great.

Report 5/6/11

2011-05-07T07:00:00.001-04:00

Muskegon river is running about 4900cfs and dropping. Although the water has a heavy stain to it, it is clearing by the day. There are good numbers of steelhead to be found for the first week of May. Trout fishing is starting to improve with warmer temps increasing bug activity. Pictured is Levi with a very healthy Muskegon River Steelhead. Congratulations Levi on your first steelhead on a fly. Well done!

Report 4/17/11

2011-04-17T23:41:00.003-04:00

Fishing has been good this week. Weather was very difficult towards the end of the week. Fish can be found on/ or near gravel stretches as well as dark water and holes. Patterns that have produced are: egg flies, black stones, steelie buggers, and fry imitations. Water temp is about 42f at this time.

Nick

Report 3/21/11

2011-03-21T17:48:00.002-04:00

Fished the upper river (Muskegon) today with friends Dan and Chad. Hooked a few steelhead on my wiggle-smolt. Water is currently at 3250 cfs with about 2 feet of visibility. It appears that there are a decent amount of fish in the system with a larger percentage in the upper half.

Nick

Send in the Clowns!

2011-03-20T18:54:00.002-04:00

West Michigan received a good dousing of rain today. Water has come up on all major systems. This will bring more steelhead in...no doubt. We are near peak on the Grand River. Big numbers of fish and big numbers of anglers were in force this weekend. Muskegon is fishing well as well as other smaller streams. I have a few dates in April available. Pictured is an awefully big clown egg.

Tightlines,

Nick

Report

2011-03-02T08:52:00.002-05:00

The water is rising and falling at this time. With snowmelt comes runoff which equals steelhead migration. The Grand River is seeing a fair amount of steelhead and browns being caught. The Muskegon is seeing a few fish caught as well. We have a possible "big" storm coming this weekend which could add even more water to our watersheds. This will payoff in the long run.

Tightlines,
Nick

Report 11/11/10

2010-11-14T21:21:00.002-05:00

Mr. Byker with a great fish from Thursday. Taken on his first time ever using a Spey rod. Sculpins and leeches have been taking fish. We sure could use some rain. Water levels are very low.

Report 10/24/10

2010-10-30T09:26:00.004-04:00

Here is my brother Jamie with a very nice Muskegon river rainbow that was caught being greedy. Many salmon available at this time. Steelhead are spread out throughout the system.

Report 10/16/10

2010-10-16T12:18:00.002-04:00

Salmon fishing remains good at this time. We could use some more rain to raise the river level. Reports of a few fresher fish entering the river have been circling. Trout fishing behind active salmon redds has been productive as well. A few steelhead are around, but it will be a while before fishable numbers appear.

Updated Report

2010-09-19T08:38:00.002-04:00

Smallmouth are still making a showing on the Muskegon. With a couple to hand on Friday. By all accounts, the Salmon movement is under the way. I wouldn't run to get your yellow rod just yet. The Grand River has a decent number of fish in it, as well as, some steelhead and a rare lake run brown being caught.

Check out Kevin Feenstra's new DVD at http://www.swingabigfly.com It is sure to be very informative and some great footage!

Booking now for October and November!

Report

2010-09-03T07:18:00.002-04:00

Yes, I realize this is way overdue. Hot temps in the air and in the water have kept me from posting anything on trout fishing on the Muskegon River this summer. The smallmouth bass fishing was excellent this summer. Feeding poppers and streamers to these bad boys of summer has been fun. It appears the page has turned on the hot weather and fall is knocking on the door. Whispers of Salmon are floating through the air. Sounds so poetic. Don't be fooled. Once these guys enter the dining hall, they really make a mess. Long runs and aerial acrobatics are all part of the game.

I will be booking trips the end of September through October for King Salmon on the Muskegon River.

To coincide with the Salmon migration, I will also be offering trout/ steelhead fishing trips. Using indicator nymphing and swung fly techniques using single handed and two handed rods. Don't be the last of your friends to catch a steelhead or lake run brown on a swung fly....not to be missed!

Tightlines,
Nick Garlock

Report

2010-04-01T08:21:00.003-04:00

A fine specimen of Muskegon River Steel! Fish are being caught with egg flies, fry patterns, and some swung fly opportunities are presenting themselves. I am seeing some fish dropping back. Heavy afternoon Black Stonefly flights which is getting some trout looking up. Please ask for rain!

2010-04-01T08:20:00.000-04:00

Just a snapshot from the Chicago show.

Fly Show!

2010-01-30T08:58:00.003-05:00

This weekend I am at the Greatwaters Fly Fishing Expo in St. Charles IL. Http://greatwatersflyfishingexpo.com

I will be working the Feenstra Guide Service booth.

It is cold out with a warming trend coming next week I will be on the water. Until then, bugs need to be tied. Good numbers of steelhead are around if you look in the right places!

Tightlines!

Nick

Fishing Report 1/25/10

2010-01-25T19:59:00.002-05:00

Fished the PM today with good friend Jeff. Water was a bit high and very stained. This fish came on a green and copper swung fly.

2009-12-19T11:05:00.002-05:00

Had a good, but cold day with Mike on Friday. Can't remember the last time I was on the Muskegon and didn't see another boat or angler. It was very quiet. The fish came from a slooooow tailout of a run. Stay warm! Winters Here!

2009-11-08T17:52:00.001-05:00

Had a good day with my buddy Mike. Steelhead are hot right now. Colors: pink, white, niagara gold, and plain orange. Pictured is Mike with a tough fish taken today.

Nick

2009-10-25T21:05:00.002-04:00

Took my dad and brother out for a day of Salmon fishing on Thursday. Had a great day amongst the rain. Dad got some great shots in. Salmon run dwindling down. Next up...Steelhead! They are coming in with the rain. Pray for more rain to keep the fish coming. I have availability in November to chase the Chromers! Nick

Report

2009-10-18T16:55:00.002-04:00

On Friday, I had Scott and his son Ross out for the day. First timers to Salmon fishing, but picked it up quickly. Ross started the day with a 20inch rainbow on a soft hackle. Great looking trout! Several salmon were hooked and landed. Weather was better than expected. Was is a bit low and fish are getting a little spooky. Hot flies are eggs, green caddis nymphs, and flashy streamers for steelhead. Nick

Report

2009-10-12T22:09:00.002-04:00

Had Ron and Jerry out Sunday. Started off cold with temps reading in the high 20's. The cold went away with there first hookups. Landed a salmon each and enjoyed a great shore lunch. Plenty of fish throughout the upper section of the Muskegon. Seeing fish in dark water runs and holes. Trout are ever present and eating eggs and nymphs kicked up by the salmon. Seeing a couple steelhead every time out. Tightlines! Nick

Report

2009-10-08T21:28:00.002-04:00

We have rain coming down and this is driving the Salmon in. Grand has fish...Rogue is low but has select fish...Muskegon has some as well. Fishy flies include: eggs, soft hackles, and black leaches. A few steelhead around. Trout fishing has been good on the Muskegon when nymphing. Seeing BWOs and some trout were feeding on the surface.

Local update

2009-09-19T08:49:00.002-04:00

Greetings sportsfans!
The grand river has some kings in the downtown section. Early morning will get your bite on. Look to the deeper runs and holes. Muskegon is starting to see salmon in most of the holes but not a lot yet. We need rain and hopefully next week we will get it. Thats all for now. Nick

2009-08-04T22:28:00.002-04:00

I am booking appointments with Mr. Chinook (Salmon) for September/ October. This is a very exciting time to catch a very large fish. The closest you will come to BIG GAME fishing without getting on a plane. Chef Dan with a King from last fall.

Report: Fishing has been good lately. Summer Steelhead have been showing up in various locations. Small and Large mouth bass have been on a very good bite with cray fish imitations leading the way. Mousing after dark is the best way to bring the biggest trout in the boat. Cooler temps this summer are going to allow for a great fall run of steelhead and salmon.

Book now for prime spots!

Report

2009-07-02T20:46:00.002-04:00

Iso's and Caddis are leading the band at this time. Cooler temps have kept things exciting and the streamer bite is on as well. Smallmouth have been on the feed lately with some surprise attacks while trout fishing! This coming week looks to be more summer like as far as temps go. Get out and fish!

6/23/09

2009-06-26T22:20:00.000-04:00

Had Scott and Beth out for there first time every fly fishing. This husband and wife duo did famously. Wet fly fishing was the main game, but switched over to some gray drakes late in the game and taught them the finesse game. I think we have some converts! Well, maybe not quite. Drakes, Isonychias, and Caddis are the main game on the Muskegon now. In the north, the Hexaginia Limbata is making its annual appearance.

Pic from Saturday

2009-06-08T17:25:00.002-04:00

The poor image quality does not do this fish justice. Friend, Matt B. had his hands full with this fish. At 22inches, this was a very fat fish to boot! Caught during the evening drake/ woolridge hatch. Congrats Matt!

Last Night

2009-06-07T08:48:00.003-04:00

Last night was interesting evening. Was out with friends Mike and Matt. Periodic spats of rain with drakes working on coming down and sulphurs too. Worked some very good fish. Friend, Matt B. got a 22 in brown . This fish was wide and outside...not the snaky fish I have seen with some of those longer fish. Got fish to go on Gray drakes and Sulphurs. Color isn't as key as is size and presentation. No pic of the pig since the only camera in the boat used real film...who still uses film? Thats all for now! Nick

Update!

2009-05-31T12:54:00.002-04:00

Sorry fish fans...this is long overdue. I have been a little busy these days. I have been out a couple of times this week on the Muskegon for Gray Drakes in the evening. Some excellent hatches and some very nice fish coming up for them. River is at a nice level right now. I am seeing sulphurs, gray drakes, and caddis.

The Grand river has been producing some smallies, gar pike, and carp this week. All on the fly!The Gar Pike on a fly is very exciting stuff! Lots of teeth and lots of aggression...all sight fishing!

Thats all for now!

4/19 and 4/20

2009-04-20T18:54:00.002-04:00

Had a great two days on the water with George and Jason on Sunday and Ryan and Steve on Monday. Had some great hookups and some great fish in the boat. Hens and Bucks are crushing flies. Lots of midges on the water keeping the trout looking up. New fish arriving every day. Eggs and par have scored both days. Nick

Muskegon Report

2009-04-12T21:04:00.004-04:00

Greetings anglers!
Here is my report that is long overdue. The Muskegon is fishing well now. Water is remaining at a higher level which is definitely a good thing and keeps my arms in good shape. I am seeing plenty of fresh steelhead around. Holes, deep runs, and tailouts are all producing. Egg flies, flashy hexy, and smolts are all working. We should get another push of fish this week with the rain predicted. I had Ben and Dan out on Saturday. Even with the amount of traffic for a saturday, we had good success with steelhead and of course the ever forgiving catch and release walleyes that are ever prevalent this time of year. The steelhead are very HOT fighters right now and will break your heart at any time. Thats all for now! Tightlines!

Report

2009-03-28T19:30:00.002-04:00

Was out with good friend John on the Muskegon today. Water is still a little high with a stain. Steelhead are active and hungry. Water temp today was 39deg. F Lots of stoneflies on the water in the afternoon. We managed a couple of fish today as well. Tailouts and dark water near gravel is producing with some persistance. Beautiful day to be out!

High Water

2009-03-11T21:59:00.005-04:00

The Muskegon is currently running at 5410 cfs and dirty. What this means to the angler is that the fish has a lot smaller of a chance to see your offering. To the left is a solution to this. Nickel to quarter sized egg flies with and without a brass bead will do the trick. I like to add flash as well. Estaz and hackle flash will both work. Colors should be chartreuse, ripple, and anything else that is bright! Good luck out there and be careful!
I am taking bookings for spring steelhead and spring streamer trout trips! With all the water we have...this could be a great to catch your fish of a lifetime! Nick

Fishing Shows

2009-03-04T20:32:00.002-05:00

One in Grand Rapids! http://www.showspan.com/USG/Home.aspx

Midwest Fly Fishing Expo http://www.midwestflyfishingexpo.com/index.php

Get out and support local businesses and gain some knowledge as well! Nick

Update

2009-03-04T20:25:00.002-05:00

Last weeks rain has really impacted our rivers. I am seeing fresh fish arriving daily as well as winter fish being caught. With the higher/ dirty water I have found myself using a bigger pattern...mostly eggs with some estaz thrown in. Also, some flashy streamers to imitate the par that are around. I am doing my bookings now for the rest of March, April, and May.

Don't forget about end of May/ June Muskegon river Dry Fly trips. An incredible way to spend an evening after a day at the office. During this time of year we will be fishing Gray drakes and Sulfurs with a few surprises thrown in. This can be some of the more exciting trout fishing found anywhere. Email me at garlocknick@gmail.com

2009-02-18T20:59:00.000-05:00

www.flyfishingfilmtour.com

Be there!

New Chrome Fish!

2009-02-08T13:12:00.002-05:00

Clown eggs in slow deep run made this hen fall victim! Beautiful day on the Muskegon with temps reaching 45 F. Good amount of fish around!

Pics from December just received!

2009-01-27T22:02:00.002-05:00

Robert from Virginia and the Casters Crew! Sorry about the late post on this one. Better late then never.

1-11-09

2009-01-11T16:33:00.002-05:00

River is coming down and is at a nice level for this time of year. http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mi/nwis/uv?04121970

Swinging streamers with Spey rods and long single handed rods with Rio Skagit Versi-tip line has the ability to turn over large flies and get down deep. Muted sculpins with a bit of flash produce when placed in tailouts and slackwater seams.

Cold weather on its way for this week along with snow. Time to get caught up on some fly orders! Good luck to all!

Report 1/6/09

2009-01-06T19:02:00.002-05:00

Just got back from the Muskegon for a quick afternoon with friend Matt Z from
www.trout-guide.com Spent the afternoon swinging flies in slow pools and tailouts. Had a brief hookup, but that fish came unpinned. It was very nice to be out and saw a few other anglers out as well. The weather looks like we will be getting some snow this week. Probably won't be getting out again until next week. Stayed tuned!

report 1/3/09

2009-01-03T15:28:00.002-05:00

Greetings!
The muskegon is finally coming down and their are a few steelhead around. The trout are biting as well. This week should be good for fly fishing. Spawn and bobbers is key during high dirty water. I have been busy at the vise coming up with new ways to trick Mr. Steelhead. Keep an eye on the weather nazi during this time of year. During the winter, the barometer can mean the difference between a float on the river and a great day of fishing! Tight lines and give me a call or drop me an email if can help you get into some fish!

Winter!!!!

2008-12-22T08:26:00.004-05:00

I know its been quite a while since my last post... We have been getting pounded every other day with 4-12inches of snow. Many of the rivers are a real mess. Muskegon is still in good shape: http://waterdata.usgs.gov/mi/nwis/uv?04121970

The gauge says its dropping, but I would imagine that it will rise again! Thats it for now!

p.s. No that is not my Monte Carlo!

Flies

2008-12-01T20:12:00.003-05:00

"Nick's Blue Monday"

"Lite-Brite Brown"

Great fly for slow water with large boulders. Let me know what you think!

Canvasfish.com new website

2008-11-28T19:50:00.004-05:00

Check out Derek Deyoungs new and improved www.canvasfish.com website! You will like what you see! I really like his work.

fishing report

2008-11-20T20:07:00.005-05:00

Had Larry and Robert out on Sunday and Monday. Robert managed a nice fish on a swung fly. Weather was cold and the snow was blowing, but these guys hung in there. Muskegon is fishing well now, with a good amount of fish in the system. Copper, Blue/ Green, and Green/ Black are some good streamer color combos.

Fishing Report

2008-11-10T20:29:00.002-05:00

New fish in the Muskegon and Grand! Winter weather is here and the fish like it!
Here is the 10-day from the weather channel.
http://www.weather.com/weather/tenday/USMI0344?from=36hr_fcst10DayLink_undeclared

Pink, grapefruit, marble, estaz-butt eggs, and neopolitan eggs are all winners in this circle. Don't forget about the Swingers! Flashy streamers have been producing as well.

Book your trip now! November-December can be some of the best of the year!

Pic from afar

2008-10-26T23:08:00.003-04:00

Jim Murphy sent this pic while fishing on the Grande Ronde in NE Oregon. Muskegon river steelhead are starting to show up now as well as a fresh batch of Kings. At this moment it is raining pretty good and the temp. is dropping. We could see a mix of snow and rain on monday. Steelheading should improve on the Grand and the Muskegon.

A closeup of that fish!

2008-10-13T23:43:00.001-04:00

2 weekends ago!

2008-10-13T23:39:00.004-04:00

Great looking fish by Jamie Garlock! Great day to be on the water...hard to believe it is October.

Update

2008-10-11T11:53:00.002-04:00

Cooler night time temps have helped with the Salmon migration. The Muskegon is a little behind schedule, but some rain will help things along. The Grand River has Salmon, Steelhead, and Lake Run Browns. The Pere Marquette is on the down-side of peak. Some Steelhead are around.

Holy Deep Diving Thundersticks!

2008-09-22T18:30:00.004-04:00

Early Morning King while Thunderstickin' with friend and fellow guide Matt Zudwig. We caught several fish on Saturday with the largest tipping the scales at around 15lbs. If sore arms are your thing, then give us a call and I will do my best to get you connected! Nick

Rain Rain Rain

2008-09-14T09:16:00.002-04:00

So here we sit in GR and it has been raining 3rd day straight. We needed it! Warm Rain it is. 70 degrees out. We are at a Flood Warning according to Peter Chan the Weather Man. Went to the Muskegon for a little scouting and did see a few Kings moving. Water has a great stain to it. I am looking forward to some sunshine this week and the rivers should have a good amount of Kings in them.

King Kong is here!

2008-09-08T20:07:00.003-04:00

With the recent rains and cooler temps, the Kings have

started their spawning migration. Get stocked up on that 8-10lb Maxima and black leeches. New pics should be up this weekend!

NEW fly tying materials from Casters!!!!

2008-08-03T15:00:00.000-04:00

Special thanks to Dave Hise for turning me on to some really innovative materials from his pals from across the Pond. The Virtual Nymph products are sweet and Paul Whillocks Japanese Nymph Legs are definitely going to have me recreating some old favorite patterns as well as some new ones. Here is the link: http://www.castersflyshop.com/products.cfm Scroll down and go ahead and click add to cart so that you get them before your buddies do. Make sure you have the patterns that catch fish this year!

Ahhhh....the Doldrums!

2008-08-03T14:53:00.000-04:00

I know its been a while since my last post, but we are over July and into August. To most people, August usually means that the kids are going back to school and its too hot to fish. To me, August is the time for the Kings. In the Northern streams (Manistee, Little Manistee, and Pere Marquette) Chinook Salmon will begin an annual spawning migration. The trick is to get 'em while they are HOT! Leave the egg flies at home...we're talking strippin' streamers for these big boyz. No need for the waders, just the zip offs. This is also the time of year when the big water can give up some fish from the piers using sinking lines and baitfish imitations. Get on board with this fast-paced fishhead lifestyle and you will truly put your gear to the test.

Rogue River

2008-07-12T08:25:00.000-04:00

Floated the upper Rogue river last night with good friend Mike. A few bugs were out, but mostly just caddis and midges (aka river dust). Took the kayak and did the night thing...nice way to go! Did see some yellow sally's last night. Fish are starting to look at mice!!!

Storm on Silver Lake

2008-07-02T17:49:00.000-04:00

As some of you may know, my parents live on Silver lake in Rockford. During the storm on Wednesday the 2nd of July they had a freak gust of wind flip the ski boat out of the hoist and shear the top of the hoist off. All of the lines from the pontoon were busted off. No one else on the lake had any issues.

Fly Water on PM

2008-06-22T08:59:00.000-04:00

Somewhere in the flywater during the Flood of '08. Sounds like they were able to get the boat out. I am sure whomever found the boat left all contents intact.

Summer Trout Fishing

2008-06-18T22:53:00.001-04:00

Went fishing with fellow guide and friend Matt Zudwig of www.trout-guide.com and had a decent night of throwing streamers and finally having some gray drakes fall. Gravenger Variants worked well. Water on the Muskegon is coming down slowly. As it falls we will see more and more feeding on top. Be on the lookout for Sulphurs and Iso's. The Hex has started in the northern streams. Also, night-time mousing has started and should be good once the weather warms back up. Hope everyone is getting out and wetting those lines. Don't forget to keep tying! Nick

Report from Camp

2008-05-05T22:50:00.001-04:00

With several inches of rain in the North Country, the rivers were up and stained. Made for some interesting fishing. Many theories were cast about what the fish would be into.....or not. We rolled a few fish, caught a few fish, and just plain missed a few. I will try to post some pics of flies that are being used this year for the streamer bite. Hendricksons on the AuSable with a few fishing looking up. Used a Rio 200 grain with a six weight. Also used a 300 gr. with the higher water. It definitely got the fly down. Had a great time and it sure felt good to put the 5wt in the hands and fish a floating line that is not as thick as tow rope.

Counting down the hours...

2008-04-28T23:06:00.000-04:00

Getting real excited about Trout Camp '08. 3 days of trout fishing with my fishing buddies. I have some real snazzy flies tied up that sure look good in the vise, but will they catch fish? I sure hope so! I am hoping to get into some Hennies while we are up there. The fish can really turn on to these when the time and weather is right. I will post when I return.

4/21/08

2008-04-24T23:14:00.000-04:00

Sunny and hot! After a slow start in the morning and a great meal of Mongolian Beef, we were reenergized and got focused on putting some fish in the boat. As the day got brighter, smaller and more natural patterns put a tug on the end of our lines. Thanks to Father and Son duo Steve and Ryan from the Chicago area. Had a great time getting you into some fish.

New tool for the river!

2008-04-17T22:52:00.000-04:00

The Brodin Pere Marquette! Call Casters and order yours today!

Ben finally strikes Silver in Michigan!!!

2008-04-14T21:40:00.001-04:00

Great job Ben!

Another Look!

2008-04-13T08:16:00.000-04:00

Here is another look at the 13lber. It was great fishing with Dave, Larry, Matt, and Jeff that day!

Big Buck!

2008-04-10T18:06:00.000-04:00

13lbs from the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids, MI!!!