Carpe Diem

Sieze the day…
Words to live by…
I used to laugh at Norland when he would wonder out loud just how many good days either of us actually have left on the river. That thought never even entered my mind.
Those numbers were huge and immeasurable to me. That river would be there forever and so would I. Now I am realizing they are not. Now I realize these days are numbered and when the river comes into her own…well these days are gifts and should be cherished as such.
There are so many outside influences today that determine our ability to get out there and do what makes us feel alive. So many obligations and distractions to sway us from experiencing that solitude and isolation that is required to get things straight in our heads. We have no control over tomorrow.

Carpe Diem gentlemen…Carpe Diem

Forbidden Fruit

Forbidden Fruit

Mega Redd

Good Morning Michigan

The view from Udell Rollaways...Inspiring

Little Ho's

I was pleasantly surprised to find a dozen or so of these pretty little fellas in the big river this weekend. The Salmon fishery is winding down and it sure is nice to get the river back so it can be fished properly. There is something special about Coho's in their full spawning dress. Perhaps it's the stark white tipped fins and gums or maybe the dark red banding on the deep green backdrop. I have not been blessed with too many meetings over the years but when I do have an encounter I cherish the moment.

Presentation...

It's all about the presentation...

Finesse Fishing Manistee Chinooks from Brian M on Vimeo.

Michigan Roadhouse Bathroom Graffiti

LOL!!!! Gotta get me some of them light blue choker bags.

I think Rob Roy is Norlands Michigan alias.

The Roe Tree

Some places it grows on trees...

Watch your step...

The river is full of dangers.

Holy Places...

If you are a Steelhead bum like myself you are most certainly familiar with the "Manistee Strain" of Great Lakes Steelhead. These genetics are both desired and enjoyed by anglers throughout Lakes Michigan, Huron and Erie. All of these fish are hatchery raised from eggs collected in the spring at the Weir Facility on the Little Manistee River. There is no stocking or planting of Steelhead on the Little Manistee. By this I mean every egg collected at the Weir comes from a wild self sustaining steelhead population. This is what makes the Stocking program so unique and successful. All fish raised are once through the system. According to Darwin's evolution the genetics should only get better.
When you really sit down and ponder the entire concept it is amazing how one system can single handedly sustain the entire states requirments not to mention others and still maintain its own healthy population. The Weir facility on the Little Manistee river provides all of the steelhead stocking requirements for the entire state of Michigan as well as surplus that is sold into Ohio and Indiana for their programs. For a steelhead bum it really is a holy place.

You can read more about the Weir by clicking on this sentence.

Life as Norland...2010 Fall Edition

Thought I better start throwing shit early this year. ;0)

No looking back...

I winterized the propery up in Muskoka this past weekend for the last time.
As fate would have it we sold it on Friday. I will miss the place dearly as I have many fond memories. In life we must move on I guess...
Muskoka has a grasp on my soul and I'm certain I will find myself there at least once every fall for a special trip. For now, I'm looking forward to making many new memories with family and friends in the Manistee National Forest.