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...