Turns out I beat the last two years I looked at in client days for March and April even with spending the first part of it in Florida, going to the show and taking a few days off on purpose to recharge during the season.

A HUGE thanks goes out to all my clients this season! It was an odd one to be sure, but I can only think of one day during the entire time when we rolled the dice to get out of some heavy traffic where we never got a shot at ‘em and fortunately, that was with a guy that did great the day before with me!

All the guys that got to go gang busters last March had to work for them this year with some seriously cold weather in the mix, but we hooked up numerous times almost every day and put fish in the net almost every day as well. On the flip side, those clients who are usually picking up scraps later in April were treated to some cold weather also, but some fantastic fishing once the water came up and “blew out” (My favorite kind of water!) to finish up strong!

We are still seeing Steelhead on every float and finding a few fresh ones mixed in with drop backs in the holes. We are seeing trout rising every day to Stones, Hendricksons and BWOs among other things and the Streamer bite has been solid most days if you find the right color and presentation. The weather is nice and we’ve got openings, come on up! 1-231-745-3529

After my trip on Friday I headed over to John’s place for “trout camp” and a festive evening then on Saturday our usual crew hit the water five boats and seven dogs strong! I hung out with Tess and Ginger for a while waiting on the others to launch in the first few bends below Green Cottage and managed to go two for four on Steelhead from those holes along with a half dozen or so Trout. My day was made and I spent the rest of it just chillin’!

Made it back to John’s place late and after a fantastic feast this boy was done, sheets, out, etc… An awesome way to spend a few days! The others managed to rally for a while so when I woke up early I just headed home to hang out with my girls. A good plan never did develop for Sunday so I did my chillin’ at home, but John, Charlie and Scooter made it out for a while in the afternoon and did very well on Streamers including a big brown that John and I have been eyeballing for quite some time… Congrats Scooter! Photos and more to come in John’s report I’m sure…

Took the dogs for a nice long walk and swim on Monday along the river before having their vet appointments and snuck in a bike ride. Tuesday found me on the river for a quick float mid river with John and Steve from Barski’s before our first “Tuesday night ride” of the season.

Didn’t fish too hard or long, but ate well and we each caught a number of smaller browns like the one Steve is pictured with below. I lost a nicer fish and John caught a very cool Steelhead on a streamer that I took a photo of with his camera and I’m sure he’ll post. Very relaxing as well as productive for a short trip and our ride went great that night as well!

Didn’t do much at all on Wednesday but ride my Harley a little more and put off some things that really need doing, but on Thursday it was all business with the Forest Service and others for our first “navigational clearing” float of the season. Here’s a few shots below, but basically we took care of M-37 to Gleason’s clearing the two major trees that were down as well as a number of other potential problems.

The next scheduled navigational clearing is for the May 14 and is currently set for Upper to Walhalla, but I’m going to push for Bowman’s to Sulak instead. There are two bigger problem trees in that section that I know of and Upper to Wally is basically passable with just a few tricky spots. Either way, rest assured all will be clear before Memorial Day weekend

I’ve got to get off here now and get ready to have some fun, give us a call and book a trip if you’d like to join us! Either way, we’ll be out there and will try to keep you up to date…

Tight Lines All,
Steve

Announcements/Destination Travel Info-

Argentina 2014

We will be hosting two separate weeks in 2014. The dates are January 11 – 18 (Only 3 spots left) and January 18 – 25, (6 spots open!) 2014…we are taking deposits ($1,000) now to hold your spot! Treat yourself to a trip of a lifetime! The package price per person based on double occupancy is US $3,450.00 and includes:
• Six full days guided fishing (with expert, local bilingual (Spanish-English) fly-fishing guide)
• All your lodging, meals and beverages (including beer & wine with meals).
• Transportation to and from the Airport in Bariloche

Alaska 2013

Our BBT Alaska Dates for next year are August 3 to 10 and August 10 to 17, 2013. Anyone booking (placing a deposit) now will get this year’s rate ($2,295) until we hear otherwise, so lock your spot in now!! If you are interested in joining us, please contact John, myself or the shop for details. It is an amazing trip!!!!

Also, please check out our new Baldwin Bait and Tackle Facebook page.