Walks with a Fly Rod: Blog

AuSable River (MI) Part II - FAOL Michigan Fish In & Lessons Learned

Sat, 19 Jul 2008 19:49:48 GMT

It was a busy two weeks. After the Flygirls gathering at Wakely Lake, the folks from Fly Anglers Online started showing up at Gates AuSable Lodge, a top notch meeting place, near Grayling. As usual, I enjoyed my usual reconiscence through the Fly shop. I picked up a few more local patterns, bits that I needed, planned my final purchase for later in the week (birthday present) and caught up on the latest shop gossip.

It was even more fun this year than last year. The area and the faces are beginning to feel quite familiar and like old friends. I run into many of them through the year at the tying and fly fishing shows in Michigan over the winter. The really interesting thing is that this fly fishing world is really a lot smaller than one realizes. Borders do not matter. It almost doesn't matter who you run into or talk to...they will always know someone you know. With Michigan being next door to Ontario, there is a crossover of shared info , interests and friends. Conversations are always easy to start...just start talking fly fishing and you'll have a new friend in seconds. LOL! The knowledge base is worth the trip alone. You don't have to be on old hat at this stuff...a neophyte is going to get a head full of new info and some mentoring, as most are very eager to share what they know.

The Fish -In is an informal gathering. We mostly go about our own business through much of the time but it is a place to meet up when things get slow on the river (Canoe Hatch time) or at the end of the day to compare notes and tell stories. It's also nice to be able to hook up with others, so you don't always have to fish alone. (My husband does not fish.) It can also be a good place to get out of the rain. We had access to the conference room (at Gates) for the full week. One could sit and tie flies, learn to furl leaders , check the weather or fishing reports, or just have a good chin wag.

We ate well too! You want to have Joe Valencic in your group. The king of bread makers!

We ate VERY well on this trip, because not only was Joe at the Fish In, but he was camped beside us at Canoe Harbor. He's also the king of Hot breakfasts and Dutch Oven cooking! YUM!!! This man has talent at the camp stove.

We did some more eating on July 4 th...celebrating the day with GOOD food, good drink and great friends:

We even had a special guest casting instructor that day!

Of course the Fish In includes some fishing:

Here is an AuSable River Grand Slam (Trout Slam)

Now if I can only find a tiger trout. (hybrid)

If you are looking for trophies, they are there to be had, IF you work hard. My main goal this year was to learn some new techniques so it wasn't all about numbers. I tried a few new things this year, like really trying to get the Kelly Galloup method of stripping BIG streamers down to an art, and though I didn't hook up too many trophy size fish, I did raise a lot out of the logs. What a thrill it was, in it's own right. I actually landed two very nice fish, but here's the sad tale. I was setting up to take a photo of the first...a nice 18+ rainbow. I had it settled down in the net and just about focused when I heard a "kerplunk"! What the heck was that???? My camera shut off!! Drat! Low battery?? NO...it was NO BATTERY!!! The battery door had popped open, dropping my lithium proprietary battery into the rushing water, never to be seen again! I slapped my head ,swear for a few minutes, to get it out of my system and release the now fully revived fish back into it's hole, then give myself another smack. LESSON #1 - Duct Tape the battery door shut on the camera before heading into a river...or lake.

I have to fill you in a little before I go on with the fishing and the next bit. On this day I also had my new purchase from Rusty's (Gates) shop. I acquired a new vest to replace the old worn out pouch I carried my flies and gear in. I finally found one I liked after many years of searching...and I finally reasoned with myself that it was in fact worth the investment and now was the time to get it. Her she is:

I felt really cool wearing this baby! If I was a guy...I'd be feeling like Brad Pitt! In fly fishing...cloths make the fisherman....and if you believe that...YOU need a smack up side your head. None the less...I was feeling good that day.

I also had one of those little magnetic fish net do-hickey holders lying around so I was eager to try that out, too. Well, another expensive lesson was learned that day. DO NOT TRUST magnetic net holders to hold your net all by it's self. ( I have some words for my local fly shop owner.) I had returned the net to it's proper holding spot (Magnet) and continued to fish. I don't use the net very much. I only pull it out when I have a fish of good size that I want to get in without playing it too long, for a healthy recovery. Well this was a GREAT day of fishing. I had been landing fish right left and center...32 by the end of the morning. I only needed the net twice however. The first time was the lost photo op fish.... then the next one was about an hour later...a beautiful near 20" brown!!! I had the fish pretty close, reached around my back to grab the net...the net.... uhhhh ...where's the &%$#ing NET?????

Got the fish to hand, give it a look and released it without a photo...without a net...and a lot of "F" bombs.

LESSON #2: DO NOT TRUST A Magnetic net holder. Use a net tether WITH the magnets.

So if anyone found a nice large ash & cherry wood fishing net with a half of a magnetic holder attached (made out of Cocabola wood), floating down the river below Mio, it's mine. I'd love to see it again. We're old fishin' buddies.

That was an expensive day! Oh well...I watched eagles over the river, got hissed at by a family of mink, saw some beautiful scenery, caught my share of fish , and had some great entertainment. It was chased down with some cold beers sitting with friends, old and new, around the campfire later that night. What more could any one ask for?

Jack Hise wins the Accuracy contest!

and the Winner of the Long Distance Casting Contest...JC! The old man proves he still has it.

So does the grand lady!

Here is the next generation:

This is one thing I can not stress enough...the future of our lakes, rivers and streams are our children. Teach them to fly fish and with that you will be creating awareness and a love for these precious places. It will be these children that will continue the fight for clean water, clean air and wild spaces and filling the seats of the old guard at organizations such as the Anglers of the AuSable. While you're at it, teach them (how) to vote.

Don't just teach your sons. Teach your daughters too. The very best times I recall in my youth, are with my now long gone father. They were the days we went fishing. Don't miss the chance to make life time memories. Take a kid fishing!!

For more photos go here: Michigan FAOL Fish In 2008 and the password is: bearchaser You can access them for download and see them in larger sizes.

NOTE:

Below is an experiment to see if I can make a slideshow work through coding...in this blog. Fingers crossed and Sorry for the repeats in many of the photos.

Grayling and the AuSable (Summer 2008)

Fri, 11 Jul 2008 23:05:55 GMT

Part 1 Wakely Lake Frenzy with the Flygirls

I just got back from two glorious weeks in Grayling Michigan. It was sort of a mixed bag holiday all focused around fly fishing. We (my husband and I) stayed at Canoe Harbor Campground, situated on the South Branch of the AuSable River.

It has been an unusually wet June. Good for keeping fires at bay, like the one Grayling suffered a few weeks before. (photo by Barry Fisher on April 24) You can see the scars and how scary close it came to wiping out a town when driving up that way. It was within a few feet of a gas station, and it was able to jump I-75. Hats off to the fire fighters for a job well done.

This will be the last season the Canoe Harbor campground will hold Jack Pine. They are going to be selectively logging this part of the Mason Tract and clearing the Jack Pine to make way for the Whites, Reds and maples . Its for the health of the area but it will change it's current character.

Next year this will be 80% open meadow behind our tent as far as you can see. This too will be gone:

I heard about the clear cutting done down below Chase Bridge by a private land owner to the ire of the locals and those who love the area. I haven't been down to take photos...but I'll try to get down there in September.

With all the rain they have been getting, it has made for some challenging fishing. Where I was used to ankle to knee deep water, it was waist deep, tannin stained and running fast. I saw Hex but couldn't wade to the sound of a rising fish...if there were any to be heard. There was a long line of anglers on a favored spot, spaced out in 40 - 60 yard intervals . They start arriving at 7 PM to claim a section of water for the hatch that will not appear until sometime after 11 PM. I was hoping to be able to sit out on the side and sip some beers until then but it doesn't work that way. There is an army of wading anglers walking down the river ready to claim your spot, so, You get in and wait. For what? I'm not sure. At about 10 the smaller fish started rising to ??? Iso's . I decided to play with them and did ok with that. No one was catching much. The big Hex spinners started down the river at about 11:30 though it was not the blanket hatch I was expecting to see...I guess I got spoiled living near the shore of Lake St. Clair during my youth. Now that was a blanket hatch. I did manage a couple of fish on the big flies but nothing really worth bragging about. Actually it took me two weeks to figure out how the hatch works. Next year I might actually be able to figure out where to park my carcass at the right time and place. No one wants to give up their spot so info is not that forthcoming. It's definitely a "keep your ear to the ground" and mouth shut kind of lesson in fly fishing. This time, the weather was a big factor. It was more often than not, too cool to stimulate a hatch of any kind. That's fishin'!

I learned that taking photos of fish in the dark doesn't work very well when you are by yourself. I guess I can be thankful for NOT getting that trophy after all. Here is photo of a 17 inch brown caught at 12:30 AM.

If I had my head lamp on...all you would have seen were bugs.....BILLIONS and Billions of bugs. Night fishing is definitely not for wimps!

The best part of all this night fishing stuff, is not what you catch...but what just happens. I stood there, speechless just watching a bald eagle , lazily fly over my head so close I could have touched it with my fly rod. I was too stunned to think about getting my camera out. It's one of those things you just take in and savor.

On Friday, the Flygirls started to show up for the Wakely Lake Frenzy on Saturday morning. We started with an evening gathering at Kris and Tina's cabin. We compared fly rods and flies, talked and had a good time. I ran into Kelly earlier when I went down to Keystone for some fishing. It was nice to have someone who knew the water and to wade with for a change. It rained on and off all day and night however, just adding to the load already in the river system. I guess I was too busy talking and dodging the rain as I don't have any photos from that day. D'uh!

Saturday started early. The sun peaking out for a few minutes.

It was cloudy for most part and storms would roll in, in waves. It was fun hearing and watching the rain work it's way across the lake and turn to lake into a froth of popcorn. Thankfully, the lightning held off until the afternoon. It didn't seem to interfere with the fishing or the fun that much.

You should have seen the one that got away!!!

Then it was time to leave and head over to Dennis Potter's for an exquisitely prepared meal at his place. Dennis is quite the cook! YUM!!!

A REALLY wild thunder storm rolled through as we were leaving. I heard it took out several trees at Tina's and Kris's place. I also noticed a large area of trees blown down at Keystone campgrounds. The ride back to camp was a real treat with lightning slamming down a couple of times right in front of the car. It also drove the rivers up several inches. A few of us tried to fish later in the evening but we were chased off the river AGAIN by another T-storm and high water.

That's Michigan!!

Clicking on the photos will show you a larger size image.

If you would like to see more photos in a slide show format click: Wakely Lake Frenzy 2008

For a full look at ALL of the photos & additional edits, with links or for download, click here: http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v303/matokuwapi/Flygirls%20Wakely%202008/ and the guest password is ; bearchaser

Part 2 coming shortly....FAOL Michigan Fish In

Wa Wa Sum

Sun, 01 Jun 2008 07:49:48 GMT

I was looking forward to this trip for a while. Mention LOG CABIN and you get my interest. Add HISTORIC and with good fly fishing , in front and I'm in like flies on ...well you know. I have to say... this did not disappoint. In fact, I'm putting my hand up RIGHT NOW for a repeat next year. (and every year) SIGN ME UP!! I knew this was going to be good...

First stop, Gates AuSable Lodge for some flies, tippet and what ever else I felt I had to have. I was also in for the latest scoop on the river conditions both for fishing and the legal battles. The AuSable "Holy Waters"...

... just down a few steps from our cabin, great women who love to fly fish, the smell of cedar and pine on the wind ... Yes, it was going to be good, BUT I didn't know it would be THIS good. Wa Wa Sum was magic from the very second I walked through the creaky old screen door.

When I walked in, there was some "Fishin' Music" playing , the smell of a wood fire burning in the fire place and an inviting sofa .

I sat there for a few minutes, quietly soaking in what I was feeling. I couldn't stop smiling. This was my version of heaven and I was still breathing!

When you walk out on the porch you see and hear the AuSable River below. The rocking chairs are all hand made bent willow and cherry. There were a couple of beds on the porch , too. If it was a little warmer I would have stayed there. As it was, it was freezing at night with heavy frost in the morning, high bright skies, stiff winds and low 50s during the day. Just to add to the off fishing, the clouds came in with some cold drizzly rain and snow was in the evening forecast. No fish showing on the surface this trip. This spring has been unusually cold. OR I should say it was like spring used to be when I was a kid... back in the 50's and 60s. It didn't help the fishing any, but who cares. This was heaven and I found it in Michigan , and nothing mattered but the moment.

This was another Flygirls of Michigan adventure. Kris was nice enough to invite me down to her place a day earlier. This was great because it saved me from having to get on the road at an ungodly hour to get to the cabin in time, which made the day much more enjoyable and relaxing. The border always throws surprises and as it was ,it took me two hours longer to get to Grayling because of border delays. Kris and Tina have a nice place in the bush not far from Kneff Lake. There are dozens of bird feeders, squirrel feeders (they get the cute little red ones) and a deer feeder. Kris and I sat at the table looking out the window over good conversation. There were Rose Breasted Grosbeaks ....dozens of them.

I rarely see them in my neck of Ontario. There were wild turkeys, nut hatches and other birds more common to me. The deer started showing up at dusk. The first one , a yearling button buck, limped in alone. It had been left behind by its usual group. It looked like it may have had a run in with a car. I heard a lot of coyotes later that night and I really wondered if the button buck would show up again the next day, or were the coyotes lucky. After it left , others came in to feed...and there were some interesting challenges for dominance between a doe, heavy with a fawn and a younger female around the feeder. "THANKS KRIS" for letting me share this!

The other women started arriving to the cabin not long after I did. I had time to explore , meet the new faces and get re acquainted with the familiar before starting in on our activities. We were going out to learn access points on the famous branches of the AuSable . I did the North Branch which was great because that was the one I had never spent time on before.

This is a group of eager anglers getting ready to take off on a float down the North Branch from Dam 4. These are Au Sable River Boats. I later found out, from Judy, at Fullers North Branch Outing Club, that this group of anglers was from London, Ontario. Fancy that...and I didn't know them???

Meal times were in the Dinning Room

Jewels of the river, After a day of checking out the river and doing some fishing, it was time to unwind and sit by the fire.

In the evening we had guest tiers come and share there knowledge and skills. Jerry Regan is known as the keeper of the Au Sable River patterns. He shared is knowledge of the traditional Michigan fly patterns and their history. Here is an article about Jerry.

http://michigansstreamsidejournal.com/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=19

Followed the next night by Dennis Potter who talked about more current patterns and the benefits of synthetics like Z-Lon and foam. He's a very funny guy. Almost as funny as **Ian James. Sorry Dennis, I didn't get a live action photo of him. I felt like a little kid back in school again and was too afraid to take the shot and get scolded!! LOL. So I'll steal one from the Internet:

Press Photo/Cory Olsen
Here is an excellent and interesting piece on Dennis : http://www.mlive.com/grpress/slideshows/20080425-fly-tier/ I'm Looking forward to seeing you again on the Wakely Lake / Hex Weekend in a few weeks.

We also had a special treat:

Charlie Weaver is an Au Sable River Boat guide who also has another talent. He provided a couple of hours of soothing entertainment with a number of songs. You can find his CD here: http://www.chartingnature.com/books.cfm?book=B6881

Hey Charlie!! I think I caught you last summer on my camera. Check out this link and scroll down! http://flyfishingforums.hipwader.com/viewtopic.php?id=2704

Here are just a few more photos from a fantastic Flygirls adventure. I just wanted to say a special "THANK YOU" to camera shy Colleen Jenkins for all her efforts in putting this all together. I sure hope I see this one come again next year. I'm serious...Put me on the list!

Camp Wa Wa Sum

Camp Wa Wa Sum is a Michigan State University conference center and a research facility used by the departments of Fisheries and Wildlife and Forestry. It is located on the AuSable River, 6 miles east of Grayling. The name Wa Wa Sum means "plain view" in the Chippewa language and was given to the camp in 1905 by Chief David Shoppenagon, an AuSable River guide and outdoorsman. The first building was constructed of red pine and tamarack logs in 1897-98 by Rubin Babbit, an AuSable woodsman who later became Michigan's first wildlife officer.

The camp is used for Fisheries and forestry research . Non profit groups can use the site for educational purposes.

The river below the cabin. This is the Main Branch "Holy Waters" above the Whirlpool.

A frosty morning on the porch overlooking the river.

Telling stories under a watchful eye.

Back seat knitter!! BUSTED!!

All that outside air, at the end of a day, one tends to fade by the warm fire.

Bed sure looks good!

(click photos to see full size)
Thanks Again, Flygirls of Michigan, Kris Nichols, Jerry Regan , Dennis Potter, Charlie Weaver and Colleen Jenkins for making this a trip to remember forever.

Flygirls Spring Steelhead and Trout weekend on the Manistee

Tue, 06 May 2008 07:22:03 GMT

Spring has sprung. The grass has riz and the trout season is now officially open. I've been lax with my additions to this blog but what else is new. I was busy building a web site for our local fly fishing club over the past couple of months.

I can tell you that I've spent way too much time sitting on my heinie over the winter. It's not going unnoticed either, as everything hurts big time, after a weekend of fishing.

The outing was with the Flygirls of Michigan.

I joined up with them last this past winter. This is a great club. I highly recommend it. Click the logo for the link. I used to think, "Why would anyone need a women's fly fishing club". After all, the only difference between men and women fly anglers was how they answered natures call in the woods. Right? It took me a couple of years but I finally figured out why "I" needed a women's fly fishing club. If you want company on the river and to go on extended fishing trips, this answers that need. Lets face it...the guys won't be too eager to ask some aging married female along on a trip. Women are few and far between at the moment in this sport. Over time I'm sure this will change but too late for many of us. Its also a safe and welcome environment for those women who feel intimidated by walking into a club that is wall to wall men. That was my experience but I'm not easily intimidated. Besides...the men often fall over you to help get you started and the best part of that is that they tell you things they wouldn't tell their best buddies, like favourite fishing holes and the secret fry pattern.

So if you're looking to go fishing with other women this sort of thing is ideal and they offer great opportunities at really affordable prices for every skill level. It's too bad this group isn't in every state and province but that's not saying it won't be possible to start up something where you live. I'm sure you can find help from this group to get yours up and running.

So on with the trip! We were up in Wellston , Michigan this weekend, floating down the Manistee River, fishing for trout and steelhead. I wanted to take the opportunity to work on my streamer fishing and see if I could bring up a big brown trout. I also learned how to "chuck and duck" with a running line and pencil lead. It's not what I though of as fly fishing but it does come in handy in the type of water we were floating. The water is deep, the bottom uneven and the flow is fast! Chucking lead and lots of it, is the only way to get your fly to the bottom here. I'll be getting some running line for the fall! LOL

So your wondering how the fishing went. I raised a lot of browns...several large browns, too....and I hooked one beauty....but in the end I couldn't keep him out of the logs! D'uh!! It doesn't matter. It's just one less photo, but the thrill of seeing him hit that fly, feel that BIG tug and seeing him come jumping out of the water was enough for me. He sure was pretty!! My intent was to learn all I could about fishing streamers for trophy trout. I did just that and what fun it was, too. My thanks goes to our wonderful guide, Chris Martin out of Schmidt Outfitters. I love those BIG Galloup flies for sure!! I tied up a bunch of them over the winter and now they are going to get the fished out of them over the rest of the season. There is something about streamer fishing that is just as addictive as dry fly fishing, only more exiting.

I also had the privilege of having Ray Schmidt assist me with my fly casting. I'll take all the pointers I can get from this man. He is one of the very best and could tell me what others instructors could not, in a kind and constructive manner. I now know not only what needs fixing but he gave me what I needed to know so I could figure out how to fix it. I'll be working on it for sure, over the next several weeks.

Ray teaching some of the girls.

This link is a video of Ray teaching how to tie the STS Bugger !

This is my drift boat partner, Kelly, bringing in a spring steelhead with our guide, Chris at the net.

Some of the Fly Girls working hard for a trout.

After dinner discussion during an informal gathering of the Flygirls at Schmidt's Conference Centre.

The facilities are truly awesome. There's the fully equipped fly shop,

great advise, top notch guides, a casting pond, and sparkling clean lodgings to suite every need.

Most of the group stayed in these units. There are three different buildings within this well wooded area, containing several units. Your only minutes from great fishing too.

Some of us stayed down the road at Schmidt's Pine Creek lodge...

(Click photo for larger view)

It was a great place to end each day.

I hope to get back up this way again soon. Next stop!!! Wa Wa Sum. See you on the Au Sable!!

Haunted by Waters

Sun, 17 Feb 2008 05:01:31 GMT

If you haven't seen this movie, I dare you to not run out and get it after seeing this. This scene has to be one of the best moments in movies or in books. I get shivers and tears every time I hear it. Enjoy!

Drift Boat Fly Fishing 101 - Nymphs

Fri, 15 Feb 2008 19:42:12 GMT

With an upcoming drift boat trip with the Flygirls of Michigan, I found this video appropriate to share. Enjoy!

Merry Christmas

Mon, 24 Dec 2007 17:20:21 GMT

"Dear Lord: Thank you for bringing me to Timmy's house and not to Michael Vick's -- AMEN!"

Beginning to Look a lot like Christmas

Wed, 12 Dec 2007 18:33:16 GMT

Well, it's beginning to look a lot like Christmas. We've had our fair share of snow, rain, sleet, ice and more snow, so it looks like it's a white Christmas for us! WOO HOO! After the holidays, you can take that white sruff and ....well , you know. I don't ski, I fly fish.

The good thing is that the rivers are slowly starting to rise, and the flow is returhing. Too late for the Salmon run I'm affraid, but the Steelhead are moving up, just in time for the season close on the few "special regs" streams that we do have around here. That season closes December 31. There is still a little water available for the die hards but read your NEW Ontario regualations CAREFULLY!!! There have been soms changes that WILL effect you.

2008-2009 Ontario Fishing Regulations

Do us all a favor. Limit your catch, don't catch your limit! Practice Catch and Release. If you do choose to keep a steelhead from time to time, it's good practice to keep the "stockeis" or "coakers" as they are often called in the Huron Tribs. These are fish that have escaped fish farms or the odd stocked fish that wondered over from the Michigan side. the vast majority of steelhead in Ontario watess are wild stock. Harvesting "stockies" will assist in keeping their genes out of our Ontario wild stocks.

Have a look at this and then let the knobs in Ottawa know what you think: Pass it on!!

Every now and then something decent comes out of the CBC. Mark Critch of This Hour Has 22 Minutes dropped this F-bomb on the air the other night with good cause.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rGi7Ns3fMhw
After you watch it you will find the accompanying petition at...
http://www.petitiononline.com/05142004/petition.html

With that, I will say to you all, HAPPINESS, WARMTH, HEALTH and PEACE, Merry Christmas and Happy New Year, Seasons Greetings, Happy Holidays, Happy Hanukka , "Eid Saeed!" "Kul 'am wa enta bi-khair!" (a little late I know) , Happy Winter Solstice, Happy Yule...and TIGHT LINES always!!

Stark Contrast

Sun, 28 Oct 2007 16:33:51 GMT

This is usually my favorite time of year to be out fishing. This is usually when you can play with the big boys. Silver bullets. Salmon and Steelhead. It's 8 weight fly rod time. So why am I sitting here looking out the window and tying flies?
This is also the driest year in my memory. The local tributaries have all suffered, to the point that they are unfishable...or should I say, morally unfishable. Unfortunately there are a few loogans who still go for the easy pickings. That isn't fishing.
I can't lay claim to all of the photos in this post.

Maitland River below 21 Bridge Oct O7

You usually don't see the rocks at all, this time of year and the water there is thigh to chest deep.

Below is the Nine Mile River @ Port Albert October 07

Last year it looked like this:

Sadly, this is happening everywhere is Southern Ontario.

The unseasonably warm weather looks like it might now be behind us, but the rains are still light to none. The water table is down so far that I fear the rivers may not recover on time for this years fall - spring run.

Here I sit, tying flies...dreaming of the day the fish might be able to return to the rivers.

When links fail. ARRGGG!!

Mon, 01 Oct 2007 21:01:07 GMT

Sadly, my Audio intro to this page decided to pull the plug today. I was linked to an MP3 of the passage (I'm haunted by waters...) and it looks like they might have been taken down. I'm hoping it's just temporary...otherwise, if anyone has that sound bite from the movie (A River Runs Through It) I would love it if you could send it or the link to me. I'll give it a few days, then it's time to look for something else. sigh...

AuSable River (MI) Report. (Photo Heavy)

Fri, 28 Sep 2007 18:28:17 GMT

Mid September on the AuSable is a mixed bag. You just never know what your going to get. The first couple of days were cold with near freezing temps at night.   The water temps were 52F and fish hunkered down, not moving for anything. Then it was 80F days with warm nights and you were kicking the bag off and sleeping in a t shirt. The rains played tricks, too. This time of year you expect the odd deluge but instead, it was spotty mini showers for a day or so, then clear blue skies for several days. It's not what you want.   You give up on the idea of moving to campsites on the west side of the state, for the salmon run. It was too beautiful to leave the spot you were already in.

The coyotes were calling all over the place, owls hooting, and night herons squawking.   Squirrels were in a frenzy, dropping pine cones and acorns from the trees like a rain storm.    Buck whitetail's were showing full clean racks and heavy necks, ready for the rut. You could here the "bear dogs" hot on the trail hoping to tree that bear and the signal collars on the bird dogs moving in the brush nearby.   There was lots of orange moving in the forest.   Sometimes you would hear the crack of a shotgun. All I could think of was free fly tying materials with ever report. Then you have the ever present military manoeuvres. Constant gunfire from, 20 MM, 50 MM, big tank guns, rifles, fighter jets, helicopters overhead, preparing soldiers for a war far away. I was thinking of my son, waiting for his call and hoping it wasn't going to happen while we were away.

It's an interesting time to be above the thumb, but believe it or not...it is also the quiet time. The wind blowing through trees, blue jays chatting it up, like a gang of budgies and you...just you...the only ones in the whole campground and you have the river all to yourself.   The sound of aluminium canoes crashing into each other and scraping over rocks is gone.   The kids are back in school, and the fair weather cottagers have gone home. You still see the odd canoeist out there but they are more skilled and wiser about their place in the river and more respectful.

    You can hear the fall warblers moving through and the mice moving below the bracken and leaves trying to avoid the owls that hunt them.    The air has a crisp clean smell to it. The river itself is spotless and pristine.
The Anglers of the AuSable had their big Annual River Clean up, just a week or so previous...and what a difference that makes. What a dedicated group of people they are.
The water is low and gin clear.   The fish are starting to move into the middle of the river and are keying on ants and BWOs during the afternoon, Iso's at dusk and a big hatch of #12 Autumn Sedge when the smaller stars start showing. I’ll have to remember to have a couple of those for next year. Stimulators worked though.
When we arrived, the trees were still all green, but they starting changing to fall colours later in the week. It starts out, a tree here, an acre there, then before you know it, the whole forest is busting forth in color.   I wish I could have stayed another ten days to see it come to full color, but it was spectacular non the less.   It’s not just the trees that change. The brookies and brown trout put on their fall colors as well.     This is really the time to be there.

Fishing the AuSable is more challenging than fishing our annually stocked tail waters. These fish are wild. They are much more skittish and easier to put down. The water is clear and they take a long look at your fly, so presentation is everything.

Even the typically suicidal Brook Trout has seen everything go over his head and he’s much wearier then the brookies in our northern rivers and creeks.      I loved fishing for these guys. I don’t get that chance very often.
If you want brown trout, you have to be willing to loose flies, and fish in the hardest places. Typically you bounce your flies off the logs and over hangs and you keep moving, looking for players. If you want a crack at the bigger ones, you need to be willing to put in night duty and I would suggest a beefier rod than the typical day time 3wt. You can have surpises though. One afternoon, I was fishing this section,

for brookies. I was watching as one came up, looking intently at my fly and just in the process of taking it, when I saw a big wake moving in like an F-118 Stealth Fighter Jet. The brookie had taken the fly, the 20+ inch brown had taken the brookie...and I ended up with ZIP! No fish, no fly...just a stupid look on my face. "What the ...."
Oh well...the fishing only picked up after that.

I also had a big surprise on my last day fishing.   I was bouncing small steamers and ants off the logs that afternoon, on a new piece of water. The goal that day was to just learn a couple of sections of new water.   A couple of anglers in kayaks said they saw three 18 in. browns come out from under a big log jam when a beaver went under there and disturbed them. I’m still trying to learn where to look and so I waited until after the paddlers were on there way.   I decided to pop a few casts off those logs in the hopes that one might come out.   On the third cast four fish came out…and what a surprise!   Two were around 18 inches. One was a good 23 inch female and then the BIG HOG!   It had to be at LEAST 26 inches (closer to 30), in full dark fall color and sporting a big kipe (sp). It was as big as any steelhead I’ve ever caught. They all came out and settled to the bottom of the river, right in front of me.   My husband had been watching. He said, “What are you going to do now?” I looked at my 3wt rod, then back at THE fish and said, “Nothing!” “I need a bigger stick!!”   So we just watched them. That was enough to make my day. The thrill was finding them.   If I only knew about them a day earlier, I could have made plans to go back…but I WILL remember that spot for next year and have a bigger rod, a bigger net and stronger tippet ready, and if all I do is get something like that to come up and look at my fly…I’ll be happy!!

AuSable River (MI) Report. (Photo Heavy) / Fly Fishing Forums & Fly Tying Discussion Message Board

Au Sable River Michigan

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 20:36:40 GMT

I read a number of fly fishing blogs and websites when the fishing isn't happening. When I find things that I think might be of intest to those who might trip onto my blog, I post it here.

This time I was tasked to do a report on my fishing trip to the Au Sable River in Michigan. I could re write it and post it here but in the interest of saving time and air space, I'll just post the link to the report here.

A Trip to Michigan's Au Sable River

Here are a couple of photos, just to get you interested. The link is photo heavy so don't click on it if you are using a phone modem, unless you want to wait a very long time.

Kids and Fly Fishing

Tue, 07 Aug 2007 19:30:42 GMT

I have to admit that I have been more than delinquent about updating this blog site. I've been kept busy with keeping the forum on Hipwader.com moving along, and of course I've been getting out on the rivers and ponds, fishing. Life is tough.

I'm now trying to update this and at the same time, I'm learning how to use the new Windows Live Writer program, so bare with me. This could go well or I could be throwing my coffee at the screen very shortly.

I took my grandson, Ben out for a little fishing at a local pond the other day. It's not his first time. Here he is with his first bass on a fly rod. We like to go for blue gills but they were in hiding that day.

If I can do anything here, it's to encourage you to take a kid out fishing. The earlier the better, if you want them to fall in love with this activity. My regret as a mother was that I didn't do this for my own kids until it was too late. They were already absorbed in computer games, t.v. and other activities, like interest in the opposite sex.

Ben is 18 months old here. It's not to early to start letting them get a taste. I don't let him cast the fly rod yet. Just dapping a fly on the water works for him and keeps him happy. It also keeps him sitting. He can see the fish come up and take the fly and he finds that exiting. I keep a hand on the rod (and him) for the time being. I may just put a tether on the rod soon but you need to do something like that at this stage, just in case they want to play scientist and see if fly rods float.

He spends a lot of time throwing stones, looking at bugs, turtles, geese, ducks and anything else that might pass by. If you take your little one fishing, don't expect a peaceful afternoon catching your own fish. This is a good lesson in guiding. You will be changing flies, untangling line, playing line backer keeping the kid from going for an unexpected swim, playing with goose poo, or away from other dangers.

Keep these outings short. Leave before they get bored, so they will be eager to go, the next time you think you want to try it. Ben sees me now and the first thing he says, is "go car. go ffffisssshing, go weeeee weeee" (there is a swing set at the pond, lol)

I use a 6ft 2wt rod with Ben. It's small enough he can handle it and it fine for the fish he's going to catch with it. If your little one is ready for a little more independence, you can build a small rod that will work from scraps or purchase a cheap rod kit. I built this rod for under $50. You can find kits even cheaper and you don't have to get fancy like I did.

The reel can be the cheapest used reel you can find. The fly line can be cut from an old line you no longer need. They only need a few yards with some backing (just in case) for the first little while. Casting should be kept fun and simple and only with a piece of wool for a while. Roll casting is fine for the time being. Especially if there is a hook involved. Make them wear eye protection anytime they cast a rod. Think of it as safety gear, like a life jacket. Sunglasses work great but get one of those strings that go around the neck so when they flip the glasses off (and they will) they won't end up at the bottom of the lake.

Give them opportunity and make it fun.

Kids get the hang of casting far easier and better than you would expect. This little guy wanted to get into the distance casting contest we adults were having at Gates AuSable Lodge a couple of weeks ago. With a couple of short lessons he was double hauling with the best of them. If you little one doesn't get it...DON'T get frustrated....just go on to something else and make it FUN!! You want them to love it...and not think of it as a piano lesson or a math test.

Oh...one more thing...you might not want to let them play with your favorite fishing hat. You might not get it back.

Still Here!

Sat, 09 Dec 2006 14:23:57 GMT

This is going to be quick. I just wanted to make sure that you didn't think I got stuck on a riverbank somewhere. I'm still here, but I just haven't had the time to devote to this space that I would like. After all, this is Steelhead season. For the time being, you can read a lot of my dibble on http://www.hipwader.com where I try to answer questions related to fly fishing and fly tying.

So until I can get back to this space, my wish for you is a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season, and tight lines!!