Monkey Business on the MO

8:30 am, 2 deg/f , and we are cruising up the MO. Steam is rolling off of the 33 deg/f water telling of arctic like conditions. Stopping periodically to remove slush that is clogging the jet intake. Man card in tow. A story that could have been told many times this winter but not by many. We love it! Mink on the banks, eagles study us from the timber, turkey forage and then nervously fly across the river…they are on to us. Steelhead emerge form the icy depths…

Jay Allen, Riverquest guide

worth cold hands!

Drew making neoprenes look functional and stylish!

Lake Michigan Gem

like downtown

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making this winter easier….

There is a distinct sense of desperation in voices of most when talking about this WINTER. To that end I say make the most of the days that are “possible” to fish. Everybody has their limits but I find that this limit can be over come by a few trout brought to net…such was the case w/ Dr. Whetzel. A week before the trip from Indy to Michigan he was determined to get here for some much needed fishing. The only thing that was going to stop him was the driving weather to and from Indiana. While the daytime high was meager, it was well worth the effort to endure a few longer sessions around the propane heater. Dodging icebergs on the river was and added thrill!

Jay Allen, Riverquest guide

MO Bow???????Either way, a turbo trout

Jay certifying his 4wt for a steelhead permit!

imitation…its whats for dinner

No photo enhancement needed….

variety is the spice of life

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Things are heating up?

In spirit of friendly competition John and Josh headed out for round 2. When the boat hit the water the temperature gage in the car was reading 1 deg/f. Cold weather was no match for the anticipation of another day of winter trouting. Rod guides slowly started to freeze w/ less regularity and fish were cooperating, what a great time on the water. Fish, laughter, and a bit of ribbing are all part of the fun.

Jay Allen, Riverquest guide

A man with “style”

all for the love of TROUT

Josh has become too comfortable with this pose!

dinamite goes KABOOM!

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Hazing on the MO – Winter Trout Premier

I always feel privileged to accompany a new initiate on his/her first winter trout trip. The reactions are usually similar but with a different twist, based on each persons unique nature. It is fun to watch. Today  was one of those days. While Tom is no stranger to the MO today was his first go at winter trout. I think Josh was also eager to see his reaction to such an exciting way to experience trout. A day filled with tight lines, sunshine, good food, and laughs. A truly blessed day!

Jay Allen, Riverquest guide

Josh showing who should be doing the guiding!

even the average sized trout can blow you away

first successful trout head transplant…Tom poses w/ a 14″ trout head attached to a 18″ trout body

mmm…mmm…mmm!

preparing the patient for liposuction

fishing stud

once a year we have to indulge…DNR Mystery Hold-Over!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Along for the Ride – Fishing in a Winter Wonderland

The holiday season would just not be quite complete without a bit of fishing…Well at least not for my Dad. An excursion in the jet boat was necessitated, even at this time of year. After my Dad got me and my sis AKA Mak into the act we prepared for Old Man Winter’s worst. We embarked from the launch at about 10:00 and had two hours to give the trout a run for their money. We were cutting it close as is usual with the Allens. My Dad wasted no time in maneuvering us into a position from which we could ferociously bombard the enem-er, catch those trout! I must admit, it did hurt a bit being out-fished by Mak but, at the end of the day, I’m just glad I was along for the ride! Happy Holidays!

Hudson Allen, son-of-a-fly-fishing guide

First catch of the day.

Mak making quick work of those rainbows.

I had to pull my weight… Someone’s gotta catch those brownies.

Beautifully colored rainbow.

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embracing the cold – winter trout fishing early on the MO

With the hard hitting early winter we have been getting, things have started up a bit early this year for winter trout fishing on the Mo. Today was just a half-day w/ John but it was good enough to consider charging for a full day. Water temps having reached the 30′s a week or so ago has caused the early migration of trout  to their winter lies. Not all fish appear to have made the transition but MANY have. With the overall health of the trout high it seems we are in for a great winter of fishing…embracing the cold.

Jay Allen, Riverquest guide

I’d rather have frozen fingers…if one of these is cradled in between

John has officially been admitted into the “winter trout veterans club”

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The weather man will steer you wrong…

Got a call from Jack late last week who had a trip booked for the 9th. He was bringing his son-n-law Kyle with.  ”do you think we should still do the trip? Will the weather be a problem?”, is something like what he said. To which I replied,”it is fishing, but…it has been good and if you can hack the weather I think it should hold on, the only concern I have is if Kyle is hardcore enough”. At that he said,”He’s gotta learn sometime; man up or learn to golf!  I’ll see you on monday”  The problem with the weather man is that he is only worried about being comfortable. He has no passion or drive like those of us pursuing the awesome steelhead that inhabit the Muskegon River. He has no problem with looking at the nasty weather outside and could be no more excited than cozying up on the couch with his favorite pair of slippers and watching the favorite sit-com…not on my watch! We ended up having a great day on the water, lots of snow, and good conversation, as well as some exceptional steelhead. Weather man…you have no power here.

Jay Allen Riverquest guide

Kyle was patient and was rewarded w/ a fantastic 1st steelie on the fly!

When jack released this gargantuan the river level went up noticeably

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