I'm dreaming of a fishy Christmas - 12/27/11

Hudson w/ a hefty dusk steelhead

scud eating brownie

Noah w/ a fine fat rainbow

late season rainbows never get old!

surprise eagle lake rainbow holdover!  

Amidst all of the Christmas festivities I did manage to get out for a couple of fishing spurts around the holiday.  Hudson, Noah, and I got out for a couple hours one day and while the fishing was mediocre we did manage some nice trout.  The weather was nice and it was a great time in the boat with my boys.  Water levels are starting to hit some form of regularity and the water is in great shape!  Hope all had a reflective Christmas and look forward to a fishy New Year!

Muskegon River - 12/18/11

Gavin w/ a nice bow

Released to fight again

He didn't quit smiling like this the rest of the day

Hello lady!

Muskegon River Trout - 12/14/11

This buck ate a small copper bugger

Fished late this afternoon for a quick fish planning on only fishing for trout.  Water levels were at about 2,200 cfs when we got on the water and then dropped to about 1,700 cfs late in the afternoon.  Water temps were still just below 40 deg/f.  Didn't take any samples but did see a smattering of midge on the waters surface.  Trout fishing was a bit slower but still not bad considering the water movement.  Fished a couple runs for steelhead after fishing for trout and caught the fish pictured above on a small copper bugger(body and tail 1.5 inches altogether).  Took us around the bend; not giving up easily.  Scuds and various other nymphs drumming up the trout.  Still hoping for the midge to kick it up a notch and get some sippers on top!  

Muskegon River Trout - 12/11/11

Let the games begin; winter trout fishing getting good

Hit the river this afternoon for a slow-paced, down right relaxing fish.  Water was in great shape having dropped significantly in the past few days.  Water level was at 1,440 cfs and water temp was about 39 deg/f.  When water temps start to get in the 30's excellent winter trout fishing on the Mo is around the corner.  Seine samples revealed massive quantities of scud and good numbers of caddis larvae.  Fish hit a variety of patterns including: #16 AB gammarus scud, #18 caddis larvae, midge larvae.  This was the first day that I've seen good numbers of trout near or in wintering holes/runs.  Didn't catch any monsters but numbers were good and fish average size(length and girth) is up and looking good!  I have a few days of solid tying but will be back on the water shortly after; hopefully with  more good news.

Recent Steelhead Feats

John w/ a plump egg eater

This buck took us way down

Steve w/ his first Fall Steelhead; Nice!

Chad and a Happy Birthday wish come true(assist by Kurt)

early morining fish

Josh w/ one for the road!

Hit the water at daybreak this morning w/ good friend Josh.  As always, wish we had had more time.  Purple and black leeches/streamers and still a few fish on eggs.

This buck hammered a purple and black streamer

guide trip and fishing w/ friend

Jim w/ first landed steelhead; nice work!

Joe and Jim during a streamside business meeting; hold all calls

Josh's first Steelhead expressed his emotions as it jumped numerous times