Report 7/17/11

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

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

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

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

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

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

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!