Thursday, December 4th, 2008.
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow! 1-2 feet will have fallen according to the staff of our NWS located on Otsego Lake, between Wednesday and Friday night, adding to an already significant base and solidifying the arrival of winter throughout the Headwaters Region. Ouch...
I've been walking on Otsego Lake for two weeks and area snowmobile owners have put their sleds to use in advance of the December 1st start date for the second consecutive year. That's welcomed news to the recreational industry as resorts have had ample help from the elements and the cost of gasoline has tumbled; now below $1.80. We're reverting to conditions that many consider "normal" and the forecast going forward calls for temperatures that will support winter-snow enthusiasts but dampen my ability to fish the afternoon bite... So an update and recap seem rather appropriate.
Of interest to many will be the annual fly-tyers expo this Saturday at the Mason County Fairgrounds... http://www.fffglc.org/index.html
A couple conservation topics that made national news this week include the appointment of Governor Bill Richardson, New Mexico, to the post of Commerce Secretary. This is the same guy who made diversion of Great Lakes water a primary part of his early platform during his run for the Democratic ticket last year! Ouch... This makes me very, very nervous friends~!
Another dissapointing but not unexpected turn invloved the EPA's approval of mountain-top mining and the permission this granted to fill neighboring valleys within 100 feet of a creek, stream or river. Something that has happened to 1200 miles of Blue-Ridge Mountain streams already... without the consent of the EPA! These leveled mountains and filled valleys end up creating springs were once thriving river-bottoms existed, in order to gather coal more economically; reminding me of plans to drill for oil and natural gas immediately adjacant to small creeks or rivers like the Au Sable South Branch; when the same could be accomplished through directional drilling beyond the river corridor. The news nationally wasn't all bad though... Leases were pulled from the Green River in Utah and a second wilderness area known as Desolation Canyon. These have been points of contention as plans to drill within and along the 11-Mile Canyon have stirred up protest enough to see the BLM terminate the applications that would allow these wilderness regions to be pummeled!
And what about the fishing? Well... It's been a week since Chicago Joe landed his inagural steelhead while piloting his craft along the Pere Marquette one day before Thanksgiving. A few trout made the day a successful one indeed! At the rate the snow is falling that day may become the benchmark until spring. We'll have a December or January thaw, probably days prior to Christmas and the New Year break, but right now the next 7 days look like more cold, wind and snow, so work can get done and wood will burn in the stove my friends... All in anticipation of that next balmy 30 degree day and a single trout willing to eat a properly presented imitation. Until then... Check out a frineds new web-site! http://www.thirdyearflyfisher.com/index.html
Tightlines!
Sunday, November 23rd, 2008.
Consider these numbers my friends... -5 on the 21st. 12 at 10:00am on the 22nd and 6 at sunrise on the 23rd. Starting temperatures for morning excusrions this weekend in northern lower Michigan. It must be steelhead season!!
These forty-seven year old extremities get so cold that I feel I'm walking on feet that have been anethisized despite two pair of smart wool socks and other quality gear. But what's a guy to do when winter actually arrives and the fish are making their annual pilgrimage to favorite rivers? Grimace and bear-it! I know of three parties that fished hard this weekend, including ours, covering one side of the State to the other without landing an adult steelhead; but we're pumped about the calendar and the seasonal opportunities presented by Michigan in late-November. And December this year will bring a fresh dose of opportunity for me professionally...
I'm joining the firm known as Homewaters Recreational Real Estate www.Homewaters.net
There's plenty of excitement and lots to do before another summer rolls around so stay tuned! I plan on continuing regular updates regarding fishing and conservation news and the ownership-team at Homewaters has been supportive of the work we've done creating this web-site. This journal ranks well and there's a new generation of technology ready for incorporating our lifestyle into this forum. A happy Thanksgiving to all of you...
Tightlines!
Veterans Day, 2008.
A moment to pause; in honor of those in service to our Country... Thank you!
A week after the bedlam that was the 2008 campaign cycle. Is it over? *****
Snow settled over the Headwaters Region Sunday evening with accumulations of six-to-eight inches. Heavy, moisture laden, lake-effect snow still blanketing the ground around much of Gaylord. Heavy moisture and cold winds were cause for driving concern this Monday; as passanger traffic was greeted by morning light, cloudy and white. Early winter in time with the rut... and late-season river excursions.
The annual opening day festivities I've come to enjoy will be interrupted this year; a sign perhaps that change is indeed in the air. I'm referring to November 15th, on the Muskegon River in the presence of several friends during a couple fun-filled days floating the waters somewhere below Croton Dam. These have been a real joy despite some challenging conditions. I'll miss this greatly my friends. So a new tradition begins...
A word regarding one fantastic afternoon in late-October with John Guliani of Soo, Ontario, in the fabled St. Marys' Rapids! Salmo salar, affectionetly known as Atlantic Salmon! What a riot... Here's a link to John's web-site. http://www.worldsites.net/riverfishing This fellow has an entire class of Atlantics' named after him by the Aquatic Research Lab at LSSU! http://www.lssu.edu/arl/fishcam.php He's great to spend an afternoon or morning with in a world-class fishery and has been a big supporter of our local TU Chapter! http://www.headwaterstu.org This is something you should aspire to while we're still able to wade difficult currents and algae-covered boulders. It isn't easy by any stretch but the rewards can be enormous!
That same river separating these United States from Canada has been as frustrating as it is gracious! But that's the reason we call this fishing; and I've long-since reconciled myself to this ridiculous pursuit of piscatorial frivolty! And then there are those special moments...
Like a friend landing a fish that dwarfs anything he's yet caught in the Brown Trout family... Enter my buddy Tanker, last Saturday on the Manistique River! The same guy who's caught two fish this summer that were his prior largest Salmo trutta. How about a fish of 28 inches that has a girth of 20 inches and weighs 12 or more pounds? Guides talk about living vicariously through their clients and I've taken some great photos of friends with marvelous creatures seldom encountered using equipment like fly rods and tippet of 4x. That too is why we call it fishing! You can check out the photo gallery for more photos of this ugly mug than you'll really want to see by visiting this portion of the web-site... http://theriverspecialist.com/drake.htm
The road may be long and indeed there are winding turns leading to who knows where? Who knows where? From the Headwaters to Homewaters . Change, it's in my immediate professional future. Stay tuned for updates of another sort as we wind into this new land of risk and reward , hope and challenge. Be mindful of what we wish; for you just might get it!
Tightlines!
Tuesday, November 4th, 2008.
History in the making or a major upset??
The St. Marys River last Thursday was incredible... I hope you voted!
Ain't this a great country... Tightlines!
Tuesday, October 28th, 2008.
What a difference a day makes...
Extrapolate that by twenty this time of year and you're likely to see every form of weather pattern known to Michiganders. Beginning first with a spectacular dispaly which peaked the second weekend this month. Simply astounding colors highlighted afternoon highs in the 70's while evening lows crashed into the realm of freezing. Our night-time skies shown brightly the double-helix called Milky and planets sank quickly in the southern horizon... the cold preparing maple foliage for the following day's vibrancy. All very good stuff while waiting for October rains and stiff north winds... A seasonal collison course ushers in regenerating moisture, the nourishing nectar of piscatorial life. Cold, bitter rains ... and spawning trout respond.
The dry fly season has run its course as four-weights lie over my current bookcase. Fleece and foul weather gear dried during the heat of last nights fire. Snow and boisterous rain raised by nearly 80 cfs the Sturgeon; making it dark, forbading and irresistibly tantalizing. Drake shivered, muddy and wet. A sinking tip and streamer or nymph and egg supported by a bobber? Lousy weather matters not once attention is turned to anadromous fishes.
The Rogue on Friday and the Pere Marquette last Saturday. The North Branch for a walk and the South Branch with a friend; last week signaled the absolute change of my seasons. Small blue wings paid little attention by brown or brookie, matters of procreation foremost in their minds.
The St. Marys and Ontario's Sault have been on the docket since last April. A half-year later and it's time to go. Steelhead thrive within the shadows of the ore and electric generating plants on either side of this friendly border; just a few hours due north of north. A new seaon is certainly underway... glorious in its own rite.
Tightlines!
Thursday, October 9th, 2008.
10-09-08... A correction and an apology to start this particular update.
1). To the Federal officials for their bail-out of AIG. Had I done the proper research there would have been no need for this re-cant. Even though they now need an additional 30 billion. It seems that only equates to $500 per american tax payer. So much for my time as Treasury Secretary!
2). To my parents for failing so miserably at managing all those zeros and simple mathematics. At least I didn't abscond with some poor meat packers pension fund... * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *
Olives have made afternoons a joy though we sure could use some cold, wind driven rains. A front brought overcast moisture yesterday out of the nations mid-scetion but that did little to induce area rivers to rise. An update today with some photographs will pay-forward my self-imposed responsibilities until weather and fishing conditions warrant another update. Meanwhile, days are spectacular with autunmal color everywhere one travels!
Tightlines!
Friday, October 3rd, 2008.
So we've had a couple weeks of economic turmoil amidst an already surreal national campaign. We've also ushered in the third season with spectacluar color throughout the Headwaters' Region... it's time for fishing.
We'll have reports later this morning of the first snow flakes and likely measurable amounts as evening lows tumbled into the 20's; especially those places like river valleys in the peninsula interior. These dynamics will help support a vibrant tapestry as flora and fauna are responding to shortened days and colder nights. We're suddenly looking at the peak of our color tour season just as olives are announcing the close of the state-wide general trout season. Oh how I enjoy those special regs like numbers 4, 5, 6 and 7!
I finished the final day of September in wind, rain and intermittent sunshine on the skinny waters above the Sheep Ranch, north of Lovells. The Au Sable North Branch has become a favorite and these waters hold an undeniable charm for me. The steady flows encourage a healthy mix of gravel and grasses while citizens have done great work providing habitat along the rivers' upper portions. Insects have responded and offer dry fly anglers wonderful surface opportunities for six months each year. And the trout use the waters like a freeway; particularly when precipitation provides addtional flow in spring or fall. Baetis begin the foley in early April and end it, often in November.
There are a couple additional layers of clothing stuffed in the duffle bag together with a seven weight and its sinking tip. The Sturgeon is still open down-stream of Wolverine and I've become rather familiar with that portion of the river. Resident trout are all I've landed so far this fall but we've just started realtive to this anadromous fishery. Dry-fly enthusiasts can wait until noon to string up their 9 foot - 6x leaders. You'll have insects emerging for several hours once they've started despite wind, rain, sleet or snow. You'll also have dimpling trout reacting to October Olives in sizes 20-24.
Mornings on foot are well-spent in the woods right now in pusuit of grouse and woodcock too. I really should put more effort into securing a double-barrel 20 gauge! T'would be great exercise if nothing else and Drake would probably enjoy the time as well.
Debates and debacles aside... North is a great place to be in October.
Tightlines!
Monday, September 29th, 2008.
Something wicked this way comes!!!... 700 billion may not fix what is ailing US...
Friday, September 26th, 2008.
Summer's Back! At least until this Sunday when more Autumnal-like weather will roll into the region. Meanwhile ponder the following while you're sitting streamside wondering about the state of our State; our Nation or the globe we inhabit...
Hi Pals,
I'm against the $85,000,000,000.00 bailout of AIG.
Instead, I'm in favor of giving $85,000,000,000 to America in a We Deserve It Dividend.
To make the math simple, let's assume there are 200,000,000 bonafide U.S. Citizens 18+.
Our population is about 301,000,000 +/- counting every man, woman and child. So 200,000,000 might be a fair stab at adults 18 and up..
So divide 200 million adults 18+ into $85 billion that equals $425,000.00.
My plan is to give $425,000 to every person 18+ as a We Deserve It Dividend.
Of course, it would NOT be tax free.
So let's assume a tax rate of 30%.
Every individual 18+ has to pay $127,500.00 in taxes.
That sends $25,500,000,000 right back to Uncle Sam.
But it means that every adult 18+ has $297,500.00 in thei r pocket.
A husband and wife has $595,000.00.
What would you do with $297,500.00 to $595,000.00 in your family?
Pay off your mortgage - housing crisis solved.
Repay college loans - what a great boost to new grads
Put away money for college - it'll be there
Save in a bank - create money to loan to entrepreneurs.
Buy a new car - create jobs
Invest in the market - capital drives growth
Pay for your parent's medical insurance - health care improves
Enable Deadbeat Dads to come clean - or else
Remember this is for every adult U S Citizen 18+ including the folks who lost their jobs at Lehman Brothers and every other company that is cutting back. And of course, for those serving in our Armed Forces.
If we're going to re-distribute wealth let's really do it...instead of trickling out a puny $1000.00 ( "vote buy" ) economic incentive that is being proposed
by one of our candidates for President.
If we're going to do an $85 billion bailout, let's bail out every adult U S Citizen 18+!
As for AIG - liquidate it.
Sell off its parts.
Let American General go back to being American General.
Sell off the real estate.
Let the private sector bargain hunters cut it up and clean it up.
Here's my rationale. We deserve it and AIG doesn't.
Sure it's a crazy idea that can "never work."
But can you imagine the Coast-To-Coast Block Party!
How do you spell Economic Boom?
I trust my fellow adult Americans to know how to use the $85 Billion
We deserve the We Deserve It Dividend more than the geniuses at AIG or in Washington DC
And remember, The Birk plan only really costs $59.5 Billion because $25.5 Billion is returned instantly in taxes to Uncle Sam.
Ahhh...I feel so much better getting that off my chest.
Kindest personal regards,
Birk
T. J . Birkenmeier, A Creative Guy & Citizen of the Republic
PS: Feel free to pass this along to your pals as it's either good for a laugh or a tear or a very sobering thought on how to best use $85 Billion!! And now we're discussing 700 Billion more... Pretty soon we'll be talking about REAL MONEY!
--
When told the reason for Daylight Saving time the old Indian said...
"Only a white man would believe that you could cut a foot off the top of a blanket
and sew it to the bottom of a blanket and have a longer blanket."
Tightlines!!...
Wednesday, September 17th, 2008.
Blue-bird brite... Afternoon temps in the high 60's or low 70's right through this weekend should produce fine evening spinnner falls of cahill, Isonychia, olive and caddis; not to mention possible flights of flying ants in search of new territory! All on the heals of significant rainfall as a result of Hurricane Ike last Sunday in the Headwater's Region.
While the bottom two-third of the lower peninsula rivers are in flood those located near the 45th parallel are fishing very well. The moisture associated with Ike inundated the southern half of the lower and our soils have drained nicely the needed rains in time to usher in the third season. Simply put... It's On!
I spent the later part of a gorgeous afternoon sitting along the banks of the Au Sable North Branch last evening awaiting some form of evening insect activity and was pleasantly surprised. A wide array of insects including a water-borne miller and gnats helped entice several resident fish to the surface; in conjunction with those insects mentioned in my opening paragraph. This sure makes the ride home something remarkable! And Drake doesn't seem to mind the lay-over either.
Those rains mentioned earlier will trigger more fish passage as anadromous species follow the instruction inherently encoded in their genes. Friends have fished waters in the Soo on the St. Marys and the Garden too; as pinks, Coho and Chinook make their way into natal waters. The U.P. could use the rains we've enjoyed as portions of these watersheds rely upon seasonal rainfall to enhance their flow. Something that can make all the difference in the fishing quality on a spate-like system; and that's going to matter a great deal this year with several trips slated for October and November. Let's hope the moisture isn't absent as it was in 2007!
There's a Dam Summit later this morning in Grayling that should be worthy of attending. I can imagine the talk of green energy, dam removal, fish passage and restitution between 9:00am and lunch today. There are also a dozen rivers or creeks that should be fished before the general season ends two weeks from now. The season is quickly turning and my next update will likely be after the autumnal equinox...
Tightlines...!
Thursday, September 11th, 2008.
It's been seven years since that sky-blue morning over New York City... and our world hasn't been the same.
So the campaign for this Countries' highest office kicks into over-drive while moments like 09//11/01 will remain with our generation until it passes from the planet... The effects of that day will linger in our social fabric long after these witnesses have been silenced.
*** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** *** ***
Three of us traveled to Lake Michigan on Monday looking for an opportunity to land a coho or chinook from the delta at the mouth of the Platte River. The opportunity was there as several fish were landed by veterans of this fishery... But the gear used included spawn and spoons and could be tossed several hundred feet into a brisk on-shore wind. So another trip will be necessary to redeem our psyche and bolster our confidence. Fortunately the upper Manistee River lies between my home and Lake Michigan, so a stop at an old favorite helps remove the sting of an otherwise fishless forray!
We're likely to see 30 degree fluctuations in our evening lows and daytime highs going forward. These may be enhanced by seasonal flows of tropical moisture as systems like Gustav and Ike arrive along the central Gulf Coast. Conditions that are good for encouraging late season olives and renmant swarms of ants, beetles and other remaining terrestrials. Fall is in the offing my friends and Cincinati will play host to the next round as the USFS, BLM and Savoy Energy all opted to appeal the Mason Tract drilling case to the US 6th Circuit. Oh! For a drill-free river corridor... Such a price!
Despite this recent disappointment we're fortunate to have supporters that dig into their pockets or give of their talents. No better example of this than last Saturday as 250 gathered to collect the debris left by others on the Au Sable system through the Anglers 14th annual river clean-up. Plans for expanding the gala are underway for the Upper Manistee too!
There's something special in the air... and water this time of year. Enjoy it friends!
Tightlines!
Wednesday, September 3rd, 2008.
We're three weeks from the official beginning of fall and the autumnal equinox but something has changed in my day-to-day pattern. Warm, dry and down-right hot weather has settled over the Headwaters' Region for most of summers' second half. We saw temps in the mid 90's during the Labor Day Weekend and little rain for most of August. Somewhat reminiscent of 2007... but change is in the air this morning and remnants of Hurricane Gustav may actually bring significant rainfall to the entire region.
While I prefer those portions of area rivers that support wading; I'll occasionally travel to tailwaters for hatches like those below Mio. This time of year for the white fly known as Ephoron luekon... and at times I don't know why! The damn thing can be such a frustrating fiasco that I have to remind myself it's simply called fishing and not catching. This was the case for Wednesday and Friday nights on the 20th and 22nd of last month when we waited for evening and watched the late-August sky... A sight really worthy of it's own fan club; and thousands of small Baetis spinning over riffles without a single feeding trout. And the thought from a fishing buddy that the waters west of the Rockies and their piscatorial inhabitants would simply delight in this small olive insect... But not those currently found here. But why?
Probably because of an abundance of other food-stuff or the larger probability; wild versus planted salmonids? The question is an interesting one and this particular river system could one-day support an incredible wild, trophy fish population. Special regulations, dam removal, fish ladders and several huge social questions would all need to fall favorably... and then there's the money required for dam removal and implementation of an accepted division on this fabled watershed between anadromous and resident populations. And cool or warm-water populations too. But how cool would it be to sit along a small back eddy watching 20 inch trout sip #22 olives under August twi-light in advance of falls' color?
That change referred to earlier are three or four minutes of sunlight disappearring into the next hemisphere. Gone for half a year ... For others, a lifetime.
Friends and supporters will gather at Gates Lodge this weekend to join in for the 14th annual Au Sable River Clean-Up. www.GatesLodge.com All the hope encapsulated in opening day festivities are repaid during an afternoon paying homage to this wonderful fishery. The season may be dwindling but it's far from over! Listen closely to the banter and you'll garner knowledge and see a spring in the step of those grateful for this season and its bountiful harvest.
Cool and overcast this morning and a quick walk with Drake. Heavy clouds but no rain. Come Gustav; come...
Tightlines!
Tuesday, August 19th, 2008.
White flies and big lies... Ephoron are now in the tailwater section of the Au Sable. So are Trico's on places like the Jordan and the colder reaches of our area blue-ribbon rvers. And big salmonids are nosing around near harbors or river mouths around our great lakes. It's that time of year in the Headwaters Region.
Tightlines for now...
Saturday, August 9th, 2008.
A couple weeks have passed and we're looking at three more before the recreational end of summer... and the nite fishing has been good!
A cool front with needed rain is moving through the area this morning; so it's time for an update. Morning hatches of Trico's and olives have produced well for early risers and set the stage for evening spinner falls. Area creeks and cold, tiny rivers have become fader for afternoon forrays afield. Large impoundments and smallies are garnering the attention of skilled craftsman too. It's August in northern Michigan and there's an air of inevitability about the place.
A wonderful evening spinner fall followed need rain on Thursday. That should have been reward enough; but the night sky alight from the glow of her Milky Way... Leaves me refreshed despite a shortened night's sleep.
A correction is necessary regarding the Mason Tract issue... The appeal period for the USFS will be 60 days versus 21, meaning we could be discussing the US Court of Appeals and life in Cincinatti around the middle of September. Stay tuned!
The great expectations surrounding April have fizzled with the Tigers pitching staff and Pudge is now a Yankee! I'm still excited about my inagural trip to Comerica this Tuesday but a pennaant race is what I had in mind when purchasing these; not a club that's 56-59 and free-falling out into nothing. 9 games back!
No Matter... Tightlines!
Friday, July 25th, 2008.
The trend we've witnessed all spring and summer continues through this week in the Headwaters Region of northern Michigan, as plenty of moisture fills area creeks and rivers before heading to those great lakes. All very good for happenings where trout and salmon are concerned.
The USFS has through the months' end to appeal the decision from Judge Lawson regarding the Mason Tract and proposed drilling beneath the Au Sable South Branch. There's no word yet whether the appeal will occur but Crawford County will still see more than 200 new wells over the next year while oil and gas development through the region tops 25,000 active wells... and 28,000 dry holes looking for the same.
The MDNR and MDEQ have been relatively quiet regarding the assessment along the Pigeon River system since the fiasco at the Golden Lotus / Song-of-the-Morning Ranch. Public outcry for dam removal has reached all the way to Lansing and Washington D.C., asking how and why a premiere river like the Pigeon can be denegraded for the benefit of one property owner? Twice in 25 years!
And how about the worlds largest ferris wheel and an air-craft carrier near 4-Mile Road just south of Grayling? Michigan Representative Joel Sheltron is prepared to sponsor legislation that will require the MDNR Director to sell nearly 1800 acres of State owned land to a bankrupt businessman and his firm known as Axion Entertainment. The plan calls for selling several hundred of those acres for other forms of development and then building what he couldn't complete in Indiana a decade earlier. I guess I was dead-wrong in my support of term-limits during that same time frame!
And we wait for the appeal to begin on Kolke Creek... now slated for September.
Nationally, we've just seen a huge bail-out and assistance package work itsway through the US House to save a failing housing market. And I'm reminded every day that we're at war once I see a national news broadcast; or hear a plane called the wart-hog fly in tanden over Crapo Creek. I'm simply looking for Tricorythodes and Baetis before summer's over. And some quality time with friends or loved ones before winter reminds me of all the missed opportunities encapsulated in each day. Yea, it's been a very difficult time and I expect this is simply the beginning for folks like the author... But there's fuel in the Jeep this morning and dimpling trout and tiny mayflies ease these concerns for awhile.
Go Fish... Tightlines!
Thursday Evening... July 10th, 2008!
Judge Lawson released his ruling from the bench this afternoon... The Anglers of the Au Sable and plaintiff partners have won a major decision regarding potential drilling near the Mason Tract!! Here's the full opinion:
http://www.theriverspecialist.com/https___ecf.mied.uscourts.gov_cgi-bin_show_temp.pdf
To paraphrase Anglers' President Rusty Gates; " It isn't a home run but it's a solid triple". The ball is back in the defendants court and there won't be any drilling near the Tract anytime soon!
The USFS Decision Notice and Finding of No Significant Impact didn't hold up in the view of the Judge so Savoy Energy will need to consider other alternatives for their proposed exploratory well and production pipeline. Here's an opportunity to create a drill-free corridor throughtout one of this nations finest trout streams and recreational areas. His Honor should be commended!
Hex are now weaning their way through the final vistages on the Manistee and Au Sable system while points north await the arrival of limbata. The Jordan and Rapid Rivers are colder runnning sytems that will still offer quality, nightime shenanigans and significant Hex opportunities. They also are known to attract large Salmo Trutta that make there way up from Skegemog and Charlevoix Lakes.
Meanwhile closer to home there's the South Branch that's shaped up nicely after record June rainfall; and little direct fishing pressure. We'll be chasing hogs and swinging nite-flies as August approaches... great fun as those hog browns cruise in search of large portions of protien.
Olives are sprouting their wings on the North Branch around favorite runs near Lovells and the main stream still has Isonychia in advance of the splendid morning event known as Trico. While the upper Manistee still has fish willing to eat left-over yellow bugs at twi-light; be prepared for those voracious mosquitos that engage in their evening blood-fest. One will need deet and a sweet smelling cigar for your evening foray through this piscatorial paradise. We're settleing into that sweet-summer rythum throughout the Headwaters' Region and for tonight all seems very well indeed.
The battles aren't over but a major altercation broke our way today. "Thanks" to all those who have contributed time, talent or fiscal resources to keep the wolves at bay.
Tightlines...
Monday, July 7th, 2008.
So we're officially at the halfway point of the summer... and portions of it have been a bummer. But not the 4th of July weekend!
More to follow...
Friday, June 27th, 2008.
A Good Week... and A Very Bad Week.
Hex and Iso's everywhere on river systems that support healthy acquatic insect populations. Water levels without human interference are coming down nicely. And then the bad part...
The Pigeon River below Sturgeon Valley Road, in the Pigeon River Forest, is virtually dead after a "human error" at the Song of the Morning Ranch last week. The chart below shows you the beginning of a four or five day event that truned this river into a drainage ditch that looked like an industrial pond or oil patch. There'll be plenty more to come on this one. And the news just got worse as the week rolled on...
The Michigan House simply agreed to the provisions in the Michigan Senate allowing 21% reductions in cold-water stream flows; up to 40% in warm water bodies and 3% fish reductions per withdrawal. No permits or oversite for withdrawals of 2,000,000 or less; and worse yet; no inclusion of water as a public trust, thereby treating all water as a commodity.
Sure, we're part of the Great Lakes Compact now but we've been sold-out by organizations that should know better! You expect this from lobbyists representing multi-national corporations but MUCC?? Now that big business has carried the day let's see how much better the Michigan economy really gets... at the sake of our rivers, lakes and streams.
Tuesday, June 17th, 2008.
Maybe with the end of the most recent drought I should no longer be concerned with terms like: withdrawal, , minimun flow, acquifer and the like.
Our legislators are deciding the fate of future groundwater (ALL WATER) regulations this week and the prognosis isn't very good. It looks as though big business concerns and lobbyists like Farm Bureau, Michigan Manufacturer's Association and Chamber of Commerce will carry the day in Lansing. Now imagine what 2,000,000 gallons per day coming from your favorite trout stream might look like. IF you need help imagining such a thing then look at what one unregulated dam can do to a blue ribbon trout stream... I wonder if the steelhead eggs will survive this fiasco?
Friday, June 13th, 2008.
We joke about the weather in Michigan and often suggest that "if one doesn't like it; just wait five minutes and it'll change"... And change it has!
Severe thunder storms and tornadic activity in mid-Michigan through the Eastern U.P. have streams running high and some are flash flooding as I post this update. Nearly 8 inches fell last night in Missaukee, Wexford or Manistee Counties while a couple more fell over Crawford, Antrim, Kalkaska and Otsego Counties. The thunder and lighting moved from the south and west up through the region last evening while chasing brown drakes on the Au Sable main stream... ending any thoughts of fishing an evening emergence. It probably signaled the end of any dry-fly fishing for the entire weekend too!
Our long, yet normal winter has segued into a cool spring and now a very wet summer. Area swamps and creeks are full as they drain toward any of these dependable trout streams. And though the arrival of surplus moisture can upset some fishing plans; it hasn't been destructive until now. More showers and severe winds are forecast later today.
We've been more fortunate than the neighboring states of Iowa, Wisconsin, Indiana and Illinois but we're not out of the proverbial woods yet either.
Up through last evening area rivers have been full of drakes, sulphurs, cahills, caddis and stones. Add grubs, worms and all form of terrestrial now that these waters are out of their banks. Just in time for the next acquatic announcement of H. limbata around June 20th.
The Michigan House and Senate have yet to reconcile their differences in the water withdrawal packages. That and ill-conceived plans for an amusement park near Grayling still are cause for concern amoung area conservationists. One could almost forget that two cases are before state and federal courts regarding oil and gas development near the Au Sable River too. How sweet it is to simply fish and talk about the weather!
Tightlines!
Friday, June 6, 2008
Muggy and volatile conditions have helped welcome E. simulan to the Headwaters Region. We'll see dramatic weather today on the heels of decent rains last night. Area systems should get a nice bump from this much-needed moisture and the fishing should be spectacular.
I've got to find a way to do more with less but that can wait for another day. The big bugs are rolling and summer sure is sweet!
Tightlines...
Friday, May 30, 2008
We've come to the end of another month, or nearly so... With insects about and spring in full bloom, there's always plenty of reason to ignore your chores and chase the evening spinner fall or day-time hatch. But that doesn't pay the bills or place me in the good-grace of those around me. So we pick our spots and fidget about the place when we're certain this is the evening that those spinners are going to fall... or the hatchers are going to come and trout are certain to chase them; even if we're not there to witness the event.
So we watch the weather; check the calender, look over ones work schedule and then hope nothing comes up during the half-day sojurn to a favorite run or river.
Insects make this time of year so special; and we've got a boat load of quality rivers with fish and bugs ready to cooperate. Sulphurs and stones and caddis and cahill; March browns and Great Speckled Olive Duns... some big others small. Emergers, subimagio and mating dances galore. It's a crazy mixed-up world this time of year so make things simple and stick with patterns like Adams, Borcher and Roberts Yellow.
The mercury fell to 20 degrees just three mornings back after our first day of 80 during Memorial Day weekend. The weather swings remind me of my own poor-fitting temperament. Today we're seeing showers in advance of thunder storms. Winds and rain with a little electricty to boot and we'll have stories of great fishing before one's run off the river by lighting bolts. The vegatation is green and new-life is all about us... stumbling forward on shaky legs. Spotted innocence tucked beneath the one that bore her. The dipper has tipped and drenched the hemisphere with good. Fish friends while we can...
Tightlines...
Wednesday, May 21, 2008
There's been far too much politics and legislative news within this journal of mine...
I'm pleased to write this morning about mundane topics like snow, wind, rain and the rivers of the Headwaters Region. A forest called Pigeon and a river by the same; a rapids on the Black or a valley known as Sturgeon. Great places to spend a day exploring these environs. In search of morels or morsels; I'm fortunate indeed to journey here in this fantastic water wonderland!
Howling winds and sleet accompanied me late yesterday while stalking trout in the PRF. Caddis and an assortment of mayflies have made life interesting in every sector of the Headwaters Region. Stenonema vicarium or the March Brown have made their appearance as have E. dorothea, commonly called the Sulphur. Another mayfly branded "sulphur" has been active on the Au Sable system; E. invaria or light hendrickson. And trout are looking up!
We're on the door step of our first summer holiday. The weather is more reminiscent of early April than the beginning of summers' travel season. Nearly every weekend is booked for customers or family gatherings, so I'm judicisously guarding my time performing market research. We'll get reports of cold fisherman and dis-enchanted visitors through today and tomorrow; but the tide will turn and the jet-stream will lift. Once that happens we'll welcome the sweet season in all its raptured splendor... Get out there and fish friends. The fish are already wet!
Tightlines!
05/15/08
http://detnews.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080513/METRO/805130382/1409/METRO
05/16/08 A REPORT DOESN"T MATTER... This does!
Water bill gets OK from Senate
Goal is to limit large-scale withdrawals from waterways
LANSING (AP) -- The state Senate voted Thursday to change how Michigan manages large-scale withdrawals from the state's lakes and inland waterways, over objections that the legislation would not do enough to protect trout streams and other resources.
The 24-14 vote in the Republican-controlled Senate capped more than two years of work, but more talks remain to resolve differences. The Democratic-led House may vote soon on a competing plan.
Until new water rules are approved, Michigan will not give final approval to a regional compact preventing Great Lakes water from being sent to dry regions.
Sen. Patricia Birkholz, a top negotiator on the legislation, said the key component would be a new point-and-click computer tool measuring the ecological effects of water withdrawals. Golf courses, wineries, ski resorts, dairy farmers and others could use the technology to find out if their water usage would have an "adverse resource impact."
"This is truly landmark. It's never been done in any other state," said Birkholz, R-Saugatuck, arguing it makes sense to use science as the yardstick to determine if a withdrawal is harmful or not.
Democrats, though, said the bill would set too-lenient thresholds on when the approval of state environmental regulators would be required to use large amounts of water. They also questioned whether withdrawals could affect thriving trout populations and water flow in streams.
"What percent of the fish population are we willing to write off?" asked Sen. Michael Prusi, D-Ishpeming. "Our cold-water streams and small rivers are world-class resources, the jewels of northern Michigan."
Republicans favor allowing withdrawals reducing certain fish populations no more than 3 percent. Democrats want a 1 percent limit.
The legislation would require the Department of Environmental Quality to implement the assessment tool one year after the law takes effect.
Democrats warned the delay could cause a rush of new water withdrawals before revised rules kick in, but Birkholz said it would take time to start the system. She said new or expanded water bottling plants already have to get state permits for withdrawing more than 250,000 gallons a day.
That threshold would drop to 200,000 gallons a day under preliminary legislation approved by the House and Senate earlier in the week.
The Michigan Farm Bureau and business groups backed the Senate plan for water withdrawals. Environmental and conservation groups opposed it, expecting Democrats who control the House to pass stricter standards. It looks increasingly likely the rules will have to be resolved in a House-Senate conference committee.
"Both sides should move to ... bridge that gap," said Sen. Michael Switalski, D-Roseville, one of three Democrats to join all 21 Republicans in supporting the bill. "I'm embarrassed we call ourselves the Great Lakes state but we're practically the last state to sign the compact."
Wisconsin soon will be the fifth of eight states in the region to sign the 2005 agreement.
Michigan law now requires permits if a company wants to use more than 2 million gallons a day from inland waters and 5 millions gallons daily from the Great Lakes. The Senate bill would make it 2 million gallons for both inland waters and the Great Lakes.
Environmental groups prefer a threshold of 1 million gallons in House legislation but might be willing to bend if lawmakers approve more protections for sensitive headwater regions.
They complained that under the measure, up to 25 percent of parts of rivers and streams could be pumped out without needing a permit. Republicans responded that the bill would protect vital areas while letting the business community quickly get clearance for withdrawals where water is plentiful without going through a drawn-out permitting process.
The two other Democrats to vote for the bill were Sens. James Barcia of Bay City and John Gleason of Flushing.
We'd better hope that the House plan get adopted folks or we are SCREWED!! Be sure to thank your Republican Senators for giving away our most precious resource... The Farm Bureau, Michigan Manufacturers Association and Chamber of Commerce carried the day in Lansing!
Dam!
Thursday, May 8th. 2008.
Bright and Cool! We're looking at afternoon black caddis hatches and minor Hendrickson activity over the next several days. We're also seeing a couple species of stone flies as the sun performs its magic on afternoon water temps. The local forecast isn't calling for afternoon temps higher than 60 degrees so we'll see little evening spinner fall activity. The morning low hit 30 in these parts after another cold-front pushed its way through the Headwaters Region of lower Michigan. Spring is slowly moving north and portions of area rivers are just waking from their long winter slumber. Tuesday eveing provided temps in the 60's and ample Hennies hit the water after 10 days of hatching. Moving north you'll see evidence of recent rainbow spawners and the first signifcant may fly hatches; but it's still early for dry fly enthusiasts on many area streams after three inches of rain at the end of April.
We're still awaiting some form of reconcilliation between the Michigan House and Senate regarding language for water withdrawals... HB 5069 and SB 860. It wouldn't surprise me if the current bodies left this one for the next term to decide upon!
Meanwhile; I've already had a great dry-fly season and I'm still jonesing for those anadromous fishes known as steelhead... so a trip to the UP may be in my immediate future. Lake Superior is beckoning my friends. Never mind $4.00 per gallon fuel prices or a local real estate economy that's far past cause for pause! It's that time of year where life is exploding all about us and a pleasant peninsula seems like a fine destination. Until next time...
Tightlines!
Thursday, May 1st, 2008.
Contrasts... Spring brings to mind that adjective; where our folly is played out on rivers like the Rogue, Manistee, Muskegon... Or the Rifle, Au Gres, Au Sable. Travel north and you'll encounter the Black, its East Branch, the Pigeon and Sturgeon. Further east you'll encounter creeks like Hunt, Gilchrist and the Thunder Bay. North and west lie the Jordan and Green and rolling terrian framed by waters called Little and Grand Traverse. Wonderful places worthy each in their own right of special care and attention. Betsie, Platte and Boardman provide ample angling opportunities to the regions only urban center and the 45th paralell plays host to many of these river systems.
Opening Day... a tradition that rivals major holidays or sporting events, has ushered in another magical season in the Headwaters of northern Michigan.
Henricksons on those rivers running south made this week a memorable one. So did a raging ground fire adjacent to Grayling last Thursday. But those long-overdue rains brought needed relief and much colder weather to the area on Friday. It also signaled a significant change that held back further spinner falls ... but the hatchers have been pretictable. Late afternoon between 3-6pm have been fantastic on the South Branch in the Mason Tract. The trend may change beginning today as cloudy, moisture laden windy whip from the east at 25mph. But that's fishin' this time of year.
Runs of anadromous fish on the Muskegon treated a buddy to 30 hook-ups on Monday while another saw few adult steelhead on the Rifle on Tuesday. That same friend landed a couple board fish on the South Branch last evening at 5:30pm. And yours truly has retired another fly to my well-worn fish cap in honor of the Hendrickson.
We'll see afternoon spinner falls on the Au Sable system beginning today and those other rivers mentioned in the opening paragraph? They're calling my name! Go Tigers and Red Wings and Pistons... Our plate is indeed full.
Tighlines!
Thursday, April 24, 2008.
It's apparent to many around me that the calendar is tilted; and the beginning of my year floats somewhere between the first strong emergence and twi-light spinner fall... It's another year. Welcome to it!!
E. subvaria will make this opener one to remember. So will the abrupt change in our weather. This morning low will register 45 degrees in our favorite river valleys and blue-bird bright will best describe the expected conditions this day; with highs climbing into the middle 70's for a fourth day this week. Red flag warning and burning bans will welcome trout camp visitors but the big news will be bugs... and rising trout on favorite waters throughout the Headwaters Region!
While the aquatic world sees insect activity those environs are also playing host to annual visitors returning to natal waters. Steelhead! Those chrome invaders that make much of winters woes so manageable. They too are busy with the matter of creation though these trophies play second fiddle once my favorite streams are alive with morning emergers and twi-light mating swarms. We've turned the page on fall and the solstice has segued through another equinox. The song of birds or drumming grouse accompany dawn, reminding us that there is no cure for that wonder-lust known as "Spring". Warm breezes carry reminders that tickle the sensory somewhere between youth and tomorrow. Breathe deep friends and you'll notice... A dimple in the bubble-line. A serenade in the heavens. A river running through us. It's opening day weekend and our lives are good!
Tightlines...
Thursday, April 17, 2008.
Temps in the 40's this morning are headed to the 60's with intermitent sunshine. Tailwaters are high and will remain so for several days or weeks but we're fishing those free-flowing bodies known for their resident trout and anadromous fishes. The first reports of Hendrickson's started trickling in on Monday afternoon; black-stones and #20 olives are also making their presence felt. Spring has arrived in the Headwaters Region just in time... and on schedule.
We'll see rising trout in the next few days but we're still throwing sub-surface streamers to coax fat browns from their woody lairs. Bright flies on sunny days and dark uglies on overcast outings. Nymphs are always an option and warming waters will see renewed action in favorite runs, shelves and pools. The new year is finally upon us.
Once waters recide we'll find favorite stretches holding those fish we've dreamed about during this long Michigan winter. And maybe those Detroit Tigers will be roaring as we've expected!
I heard a national report yesterday regarding Great Lakes Water and the growing South-west and Southern sun-belts. The issue isn't going away and Michigan Legislators are pushing forward with comprehensive plans. The Senate and House need to hear from us! Our water should be considered a "public trust", not a commodity available to the highest bidder! See the March 14th update below...
Tightlines for Today!
Wednesday, April 2, 2008.
Rain of an inch Monday with temps near 40, complimenting snow melt and right now we're seeing spring cleaning on creeks and rivers in the Headwaters Region. Just Perfect! Though, there are flood warnings for rivers like the Rifle near Sterling as it's expected to crest tomorrow nearly 2.5 feet over flood stage.
Two days of rain, snow and general calamity have segued toward general clearing. We're forecast with plenty of day-time warming and crisp nights, 40's during the afternoon and teens at night; the type of forecast that fans of maple syrup love to see in late March and early April. The sap rises and falls like clock-work. And we fisherman consider our options as the dry-fly season stumbles ever closer... Streamers, nymphs, home or travel? The big lakes fare or the adaptive creatures that have wintered over in our natal waters? Wade or float; bobber or none? All these choices as waters throughout the State usher in the start of another spring season. Fresh gravel and silver-crimson fish.
Right now your Michigan Representatives are on spring recess and in their homes districts. They'll be joined by their Senate counterparts next week. IF you enjoy the bounty encased about us... Contact these folks and insist "that Michigans' water be treated as a Public Trust"! You'lll find contact information in the update from March 14th... Do your part friends and let's get back to fishing! Call, write, e-mail or visit then go fish!! Get well JOR!
Tighlines!
Sunday, March 23, 2008.
More good news broke last week in the battle to save the last of Michigans' wild coaster brook trout: From US Fish & Wildlife Service...
Good Afternoon,
On March 1, 2006, the Service received a petition from the Sierra Club
Mackinac Chapter and the Huron Mountain Club asking the Service to list the
coaster brook trout as endangered under the Endangered Species Act. In
response to that petition, on March 20, 2008, we will announce in the
Federal Register that we found that the petition contained substantial
information indicating there may be a need to list the coaster brook trout
under the Endangered Species Act and that we will begin a formal review of
the status of the species.
Coaster brook trout are a form of brook trout that spend all or a portion
of their life cycle in the Great Lakes. Our finding initiates a further
evaluation of the status of the coaster and opens a 60-day public comment
period to provide an opportunity for agencies, conservation organizations,
scientists, and other interested parties to give us any information that
they may have. After reviewing all of the available information, we will
make a decision whether to propose that the coaster brook trout be listed
under the Endangered Species Act.
Attached is a news release about the coaster brook trout finding and a fact
sheet about the petition process. Additional information about the coaster
is on our web site at
contact Jessica Hogrefe (517-351-5467) of our East Lansing, Michigan Field
Office. If you have information or other comments that you wish to submit
for our consideration, please use the Federal eRulemaking Portal at
comments. Or, comments may be sent to:
Public Comments Processing
Attn: FWS-R3-ES-2008-0030
Division of Policy and Directives Management
U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service
4401 N. Fairfax Drive, Suite 222
Arlington, VA 22203.
To ensure that new information and comments are considered in our final
decision on this petition, we must receive them no later than May 19, 2008.
Sincerely,
Jessica Hogrefe
US Fish & Wildlife Service
East Lansing Field Office
2651 Coolidge Road, Suite 101
East Lansing, MI 48823
Phone: 517-351-5467
Fax: 517-351-1443
Wow! The work performed by members of the Mackinac Chapter of the Sierra Club made this potential reprive possible. The organization has become an invaluable ally of our local conservation clubs and some of their administration are now fans of wild trout and fly angling. Check out the time lines in this administrative review process...
http://endangered.fws.gov
The Michigan Legislature is on spring break and we've welcomed the official arrival of another season, but it still looks and feels an awful lot like winter. Two fresh inches of snow fell today and the thermometer dipped below single digits several times this week. The stuff is hard on the fingers and equipment.
Stay Tuned for spring temps and breaking news from the river... Tighlines!
Friday, March 14, 2008.
Current conditions... Partly sunny & 38 degrees @ 2:45pm. Variable winds. 18 inch snow-pack and two-feet of ice on area lakes. Shanties must be removed by tomorrow and it's now dark after 8:00pm. Sunshine today with rain or snow tomorrow and evening temps in the 20's. Early spring in the Headwaters Region... and I'm counting votes instead of chasing trout.
The Michigan House passed HB 5069 yesterday. The Senate is going to do the same with 860 next week. Then all bets are off as the differences in each will go to conference committee. Our heirs will be forced to live with the bastard off-spring produced from this legislation. If cold rivers and healthy trout populations matter to you; then call your State Senator. http://senate.michigan.gov/SenatorInfo/find-your-senator.htm
If not... DON'T BITCH about the lack of insects, trout or water once found in your favorite river.
To Do Something... Read This Over and follow the prompts. I'd prefer NO FISH KILLS and NO DIVERSIONS on Blue-Ribbon Trout Streams but INDUSTRY IS IN THE EAR of your Senators. No Royalties, No Permits, No Local Controls, No Good, NO SHIT!
Negotiations have been underway during the past several months to develop legislation to regulate new large-volume water withdrawals in