The Second Guess

With a late rise I contemplated my options for what was forecast to be a mainly sunny Northwestern Michigan Fall morning.  The Salmon season has been going strong here for the past month but is nearing its demise.  The system is flooded with eggs and Steelhead have began to enter the rivers.  Reports have been fair to moderate but considering we are in the transition period it can be a crap shoot as to what success can be realized.  It was nearing 11:30 when I finished up my morning coffee and rounded up the trash to take to the dump. 

The Sun ducked behind the clouds as I made the drive to the garbage depot and my thoughts began to swing towards hooking up the Hyde for an afternoon float.  It was Saturday in Northern Michigan and the river was certain to be pressured.  I flip flopped back and forth and thought of  almost every reason not to go but something possessed me to gather up the gear and hook up the boat.  On the way to the launch I couldn't help but wonder if the night priors downpour had any positive affects on fish numbers. 

Optimistically I hoped it was enough to elicit another push of fresh fish but my pessimistic site told me the sun and boat traffic would certainly have any finned creatures heading for deep cover.  There was absolutely no hope I thought to myself as I drove by an almost overfilled Bear Creek Access parking lot.  I made the turn to the Rainbow launch and prepared myself for the absolute worst.  I assured myself if for nothing more it would be a peaceful float.  After all its a beautiful section of river in full fall colour. 

The parking lot was better than expected and as I launched the Hyde an angler on shore hooked up with a hot Chromer just above the ramp.  This was certainly a confidence booster and soon I was making my way down towards my first destination of the float.  The river had bumped up a couple of hundred C.F.S. from the late evening rains and the visibility was prime at approximately 3 ft.  The suspended leaf litter was nothing to be overly concerned about.  As my voyage progressed I fished run after run with little to no luck. 

I continued to recount past successes at each destination I stopped at and managed to keep my focus but still there was no reward.  Each boat I passed spoke of marginal successes and I couldn't help but think I had missed a decent morning bite.  The traffic was heavy but as I made my way down river I managed to get to fish each and every piece of water I wanted.  The second guessing began to set in.  Was my leader to bulky?  Was my shot pattern adequate?  Was it just too sunny now?  Did I have the right colour bags?  and Has all of the boat traffic put the fish down?

We have all been there...It's a Steelheaders curse.  We all know better but we all seem to fall for the same mental trap when things go south.  It's part of the mental game and  I managed to shake it off convincing myself that the next run or hole would see my vindication. I set up on the second last slot of the float and recounted the success we had experienced in this locale.    I continued to fish it hard and push my luck trying to get closer and yet closer to the wood and make a tight parallel drift convinced a fish was awaiting my offering.  Still no reward. 

I was contemplating pulling anchor when I lobed a short cast tight to the boat in the main current seam. Much to my disbelief the float dropped and I set up on a welcomed and familiar thumping sensation.  The GLX loaded up nicely and soon the water exploded with a giant slab of chrome.  After a series of short and sharp runs the fish bolted down stream and across the river.  By now another boat was coming down river and as a courtesy dropped anchor just above me so as not to interfere with my success. 

With an audience I had to pull anchor twice, row the boat to keep position, and eventually lead the angry hen into the awaiting net all with my left arm.  It was a great moment and the reward certainly outweighed the effort.  I was now exhausted but all the second guessing was instantly put to bed with a short lob cast into the main seam accompanied by some determined perseverance and dumb luck.    It certainly is a mental game and defiantly never over until the rods are broken down.  The season is in its infancy and it only gets better from here on in.  As the days grow shorter and the nights colder the rivers will continue to fill with fish on the heels of cold Fall rains.  For a Steelheader its a wonderful time to be alive.

Kickin off Ontario

 Last  weekends torrential downpours left the Huron Rivers running large and proud.  I monitored the situation from work all week in anticipation of an opportunity to fish the home waters.  I watched the graph like a hawk and what I thought would be Tuesday turned to Wednesday and then Thursday and realistically... Friday.  I already had Friday booked off of work to head over to the cabin with the family for Thanksgiving weekend so Thursday was my only shot.  I booked it off of work with a contingency to go in if conditions didn't better themselves.  I wasn't overly confident that the visibility would be prime after a late Wednesday photographic report from a friend so I decided on a game time decision. 

Wednesday evenings data was predicting a fishable flow but just on the upper limits.  When I awoke Thursday morning my prediction was on the money so I loaded up the truck and made my way to Tim Horton's for some morning fuel.  The ride up was relaxing and I had almost forgotten how much I enjoy the quiet that comes with the downtime of  early morning travel for fishing.  My timing was a little off and I arrived 15-20 mins later than I would have liked.  There was already a car at the access but I didn't let it dampen my spirits.  The fair weather fisherman bite has yet to be squashed by the driving winds and bone crunching cold that comes with this passion so a single vehicle spoke to river conditions on the edge or dumb luck. 

I geared up and started the long trek back to the river.  The morning sun was beginning to light the sky on fire as it threatened to rise off on the horizon.  The only tracks I could make out in the bean field were from what appeared to be rather large Coyote.  We seemed to be headed in the same direction so I kept my eyes peeled as I followed them back towards the bush.  The forest trail was overgrown with lush green foliage.  It had been a rather long time since an opportunity to fish this early in October had presented itself for me. I didn't expect to have to lay down a new trail.  As I made my way down into the valley I could hear the roar of flowing water.  I was initially alarmed by the intensity but reassured myself that graph data and past experience dictated a fishable flow. 

Finally I pushed my way through the last tall grasses to reach the waters edge.  I was marginally disappointed with what lay before me.  To be quite honest I knew all along that the river was going to be on the negative side of fishable but it was my only shot at her for this rain event.  I had been here before and watched her come into shape before my eyes so I kept an optimistic outlook and started to cover water.  It wasn't long and I hooked a 4" river chub.  I had forgotten about those little demons but took it as a positive precursor. 

If this little guy found my offering certainly a genetically superior Great Lakes Steelhead would have no issue.  Another three or four drifts and my float dropped in the slack water and the GL3 loaded up nicely.  It had happened...my first Fall Steelhead of 2013 was on the line.  It wasn't a huge fish but certainly validated my efforts and  rekindled my confidence.  After a decent battle the juvenile chromer came to hand.  It was a couple of pounds of confidence and after a quick pic was released.  I was certainly excited and proceeded to pound every inch of decent water with determination as I made my way down river. 

Every effort brought no further reward.  I made my way down  to a well know bend in the river we frequent.  I waded out to the center and worked every inch of the outside bend to no avail.  After overstaying my welcome I decided to further my travels to the final destination of the morning.  This run holds a special place in my heart.  If I had to choose one spot on this river to fish this would be the place.  I can only honestly recall being shutout here once so I was eager to get positioned and make the first throw.  The first 20-30 drifts didn't turn a fish.  I was starting to think about cutting my losses and making the hike out when I noticed the river visibility was showing signs of improvement. 

The visibility went from 6-8" to 10-12".  I had to remind myself that this was going to be one of those days that fish better later on as the conditions improve.  I gathered my thoughts for a moment and repositioned my footing to alleviate a minor lower back ache that was surfacing from standing stationary for so long.  I found myself marvelling at the reflection of the golden fall foliage on the waters surface and becoming hypnotized by flowing water and falling leaves and the ultimately the true splendor of Autumn.   I started to recount all of the fish we had turned and all of the adventures we had shared in this very spot. 

So many good times and fond memories.  Truly sacred water and a place near and dear to my heart. After regrouping my thoughts and coming back down to earth I concentrated my efforts on the lower far side of the pool.  I made a very long drift to towards the tailout when I lost sight of the float.  Instinct took over and I set up.  Surprisingly the GL3 loaded up and a giant chrome buck erupted from the pool. I was in complete disbelief as I made every attempt to handle the angry beast.  After a few more acrobatic leaps he made a long run to the far bank and held his ground deep in the pool.  Then, as if in cinematic slow motion, the orange 8 gm Drennan loafer broke the surface and shot back to the river bank behind me.

He had won.  I was alright with it.  I experienced a incredible battle while he put on an acrobatic show that only a hot October fish could.  I frantically collected my line on the reel and checked my leader.  Not only did he win but he won because of purpose.  The hook was gone and the  bottom 6 inches of the leader was severely frayed.  He wrapped my line on some rocks and ground himself free.  Certainly a conscious effort on his part and well played.  I retied my rig and wondered how many more opportunities I would get.  Once done I excitedly made a cast to the top of the pool and mended the slack line when the float dropped.  I set up, the surface exploded,  and it was game on again. 

The very next cast and I was into another chromer.  This time a hen.  I was taking no chances with this girl and put all my faith in the gear.  Soon I was holding a magnificent silver slab in the shallows.  It was a great moment and another gift from this amazing river. I fished for a bit longer and lost another giant chrome  missile on my way out at the first run of the morning.   I chalked that one up to early season rust.  It was now shortly after 12:30 and the sun was warming things up. 

I had a long hike out and decided to take my time.  The hike out was tough.  It doesn't get easier with age.  Unseasonably warm temps and steelheading gear make for a tough hike.  I was certainly glad to reach the truck and crack a cold reward for the days efforts.  Life is good I thought to myself as I geared down.  The best days of the year are before us.  Fish are in the rivers and the steelheading season is here.  This time of the year is what its all about.

Salmon Camp 2013

It's been a long time since I wet a line in pursuit of a finned adversary.  Aside from a couple of half-hearted summer trips on Tippy Dam Pond it has been months since I had last fished with  any conviction.  This was all about to change this weekend with the third annual Salmon Camp at the cottage. 
Arn and Red were more than eager to do battle with some giant kings in pursuit of our yearly supply of Roe for the Steelhead season.  I have mixed feelings about the Salmon Run.  On one hand one of the greatest spectacles of nature unfolds before us. 

Thousands upon thousands of majestic King Salmon navigate countless miles in hopes of reaching the sacred headwaters.  Once their destination has been realized their only mission is to spawn and ensure the longevity of their species.  It truly is an amazing spectacle to witness and one can be nothing short of moved by the size, number and fortitude of these mighty migratory fish.   Then comes the bad...While this magnificent event is unfolding people from all walks of life gather in great number along the banks. 

For many its an annual tradition, for many its the only fishing they know, and for many there are no holds barred when it comes to catching the almighty King Salmon. 
The "evening bite" as many will tell you is where its at.  The river sees more traffic at night and under the cover of darkness non stop splashing and tail slapping can be heard for miles.  A surreal spectacle of headlamps line both sides of the river for as far as the eye can see.  The Salmon stand little to no chance as they get winched in backwards and sideways under fouled intent. 

It's reminiscent of a train wreck and one can't help but be mesmerized by the seemingly organized chaos that unfolds.  A slaughter is unfolding but under the cover of darkness and the multitude of white lights flickering along the banks and through the forest trails can be hypnotising. 
This fishery means a lot to these people.  It means a lot to this community, and it certainly means a lot to the local economy.  They travel from as far away as Indiana, Ohio, Iowa, Missouri, and the list goes on and on...Who am I to judge.  This is a put and take fishery.  These fish will die and line the banks of the river rotting once they do their deeds. 

These fisherman keep and eat what they "catch" and I'd bet good money not an ounce of it goes to waste.  It's been going on since the Salmon were introduced into the Great Lakes and snagging was once a legal activity.  A time honoured tradition I guess.  For the most part I think the DNR turns a blind eye to it within reason and even if they wanted to they could never fully enforce something of this magnitude.  Until you are there and witness it in its entirety one cannot even begin to understand it.
For us the King Salmon provide an opportunity to harvest a small amount of Roe to keep us fishing throughout the season without having to harvest any Steelhead.  Salmon Camp has always been about  camaraderie and tom foolery with a little bit of fishing thrown in for good measure.  It's always good times and an event I look forward to annually. 

Salmon camp officially kicks off the Fall fishing season as well and the Season is officially before us.  The Rains have come and the Steelhead are entering our rivers. As I type this the rain is falling hard on my roof.   It certainly is going to get interesting in the coming weeks.  If the rains and river levels dictate I hope to be chasing my first fall Steelhead of 2013 this coming week.  It's game time and my fishing is going to kick into high gear.  Keep checking in as the blog should be updated regularly with fresh photography and writing.

Ahhhhh Memories...

Well some things never get old and the classics remain as such. Going through some video achieves this morning I ran across this beauty. It really doesn't get old... LOL!  I had alot of fun putting this one together with my two girls one Christmas break. 
Things are about to start kickin into gear and the blog will return to life in the coming weeks. My apologies for the extended absence but it is a necessary evil. Summer allows me to recharge the batteries and refuel the passion. It only gets better from here on in so keep stopping by and enjoy.
Life as Norland II from Brian M on Vimeo.

God bless America but...

This ones for you Ricks!  and yeah... God bless Yoga Pants...

Cool Video

I ran across this very cool footage today. I can't wait to return...

Shift

I’ve had the opportunity to demo some very cool offerings from Rapala as of late. I have to say the people I have had the pleasure of working with have been nothing short of top shelf and are extremely open to feedback and input from the guys waist deep. I had all intentions of running this combo hard in AK but the conditions and circumstances dictated otherwise. I felt really bad about it but the Rains…man the Rains… On my return I was anxious to get some river time on the gear. I finally had an opportunity to run the new SHIFT offset pin along with the R-Type recently while up at the Cabin and have to say it’s a sweet production level reel that will get the job done in style! I have always liked the look of the offset reel mountings and this arrangement doesn’t disappoint. The reel is super light and the ABEC 7’s see that the startup is essentially effortless. The 5” design affords quicker line retrieval and the quick release spool covers off any impromptu streamside reel maintenance considerations. The clicker is one of the strongest in the industry. As with everything there are a couple of minor improvement opportunities that they have received feedback on. I am told their R&D Team are currently addressing these items. This reel will certainly give its competitors a run for their money and I’m sure we will see a fair amount of these reels on the rivers in the coming seasons. Check them out here at SHIFT 5" OFFSET CENTERPIN Some of the key features include: • Contoured palming ring. • Durable and secure click-check. • Machined stainless steel spindle. • Custom reinforced off-centre reel foot for better rod balance. • Ported and balanced for reduced weight and smooth balanced operation. • Quick release spool allows for quick streamside maintenance. • Large 5” diameter spool provides low inertia spool startup for greater sensitivity and quicker line pick-up. • Drift control adjustment knob. • “EZ Twist” Clicker Knob • Includes custom neoprene case.

400

Wow time flies... It's hard to believe that some 7 years later and nearing 80,000 hits I am throwing up post number 400. I mean seriously...I'm just some Steelhead bum throwing pen to paper and firing away on my point and shoot like a mad fiend. The Internet...go figure...
It can be a curse at times and a lot of work but the ends some how seem to justify the means. This little piece of the world wide web has put me in in contact with some pretty cool people that I now consider friends, afforded me great opportunities that I would have never imagined possible, and has continually challenged and fueled my creative spirit. It has become somewhat of a personal commitment. If for nothing more than an achieve of my own travels, adventures and accomplishments I plan on being around for a while. It is so nice to have been able to capture the memories and go back in time and relive them with the click of a button.  We live in great times...
So...if you are so inclined...keep stoppin by