May 2, 2007

 

 

Hi All

 

Spring weather is here. Yesterday I took the heater out from under the front seat, and put it away. I have had a busy, busy Steelhead run so far to date. It is starting to switch gears over to Trout fishing even though there are plenty of new and old Steelhead left in the system. We have been having a good amount of dries popping off the P M. I was out last evening listing to the sipping by the swing. There are plenty of guys out throwing streamers as well looking for that big Brown Trout bite and the water conditions are perfect here for that. I was up on the Manistee a couple days ago throwing streamers and hardware with a couple friend Frank and Chris. We did good. The streamer produced the best fish it was around 20" along with a 16" and some smaller trout. On the hardware side best fish was around 17" and many others in the teens.

 

On the Pere Marquette we have had some decent rain over the last day or so. The river is at the top of it's banks for the moment with it clearing and dropping soon. This will keep the Steelhead coming for a while longer giving the late arrivals to the run plenty of good opportunity's at some fresh fish in 50+ deg. water = butt kicking fish with some trout mixed in on streamers or dries. This time of year our river boats look alot like a porcupine with about 6 or so rods in the boat and rigged. 2 for dries , 2 for streamers, 2 for steel you just never know witch rod to grab until your there.

 

Turkey season is upon us as of April 23 rd. I had the second week hunt this year April 30 th. - May 6 th. First mourning clear sky's, blue bird day. The Gobblers were on fire called in 2 different Tom's before 7:30 and game over for the second bird. The first was a Jake tall and skinny no beard could be seen at 30 yards or so. The second bird was a 21 1/4 lb.  9 1/2 " beard 3/4 " spurs. Just a little better than last years bird. It was a fun hunt he strutted, fanned out , gobbled a couple times in close around 15 yards and Wamm'O. The best part is I don't have to get up at 5 A.M. the rest of the week. Even though they are fun to chase and call. 

 

Going out Walleye fishing tonight with a friend John for the second time this year. First trip we had a couple teeth marks in some of our bait and some light bites but no fish in the boat. My friends have all been out getting their fare share of mushrooms. They are picking Black Morels.The guys I know have some very good spots and are getting a pounds or two each time out. Which isn't all that great to these guys that pick them by the bushel when it's time. I'm more of a late season White Morels picker. I have a hard time seeing the blacks and they are generally much smaller and blend in better.

 

A Big Thank You goes out to all that made it up to tough out the cold portion of our spring Steelhead run. Keep us in mind this Spring/ Summer to do some trout fishing, mushroom picking, turkey hunting, dirt biking/ ATV riding, mountain biking, hiking, or just come up to relax and get away from the hustle of the city life and breath in some fresh air.

 

Tight Lines and Shoot Strait

 

Clint