Current shop hours are 8am – 5pm seven days a week, but will probably be extended very soon.
We are still taking applications for shop employee(s)! Please stop in or send a resume to: [email protected] Attention Jason, if you are interested in joining our team.
I would like to re-introduce myself…..my name is John Karakashian, I am a steelhead addict and a fishing guide on the Pere Marquette River. I have recently come out of winter hibernation and guiding again…ha, ha. Seriously, I have been spending lots of time with my family, fulfilling inventory orders for the shop, tying tons of flies and even some fishing…sorry for the long break in reports. I have officially started my 2020 spring guide season this week and will be posting reports weekly again.
It feels really good to be back in the boat and on the river. I had some awesome trips this week and back at it tomorrow. I have a very full schedule over the next couple months, but still a few prime openings…THANK YOU for keeping me so busy!!! My current open dates are: March 9, 10 & 17 April 5, 10, 12 – 14 & 19 – 23. Please contact the shop to reserve a trip and lodging 231-745-3529. Plus, we have Steve, John Robinson, Donnie and Kam available on many other days…give us a call!
The weather has been pretty mild which has been pleasant fishing conditions for early March in Northern Michigan. The river is very, very clear right now which has added to the challenge of steelhead fishing on the Pere Marquette River. Each fish is earned and creates a lasting memory for the angler. Clear water, bright skies and light leaders are not the best combination for landing wild PM steelhead, but a hell of a good time! We have tangled with some very large fish and should catch some trophies this spring. Over the next 6+ weeks we will be making memories and I can not wait to be there with the net!
There are some batches of spawning fall/winter fish and some that are already gone; but no worries new ones are on their way. I received a couple great reports from the lower and middle river yesterday. The water temps have been fluctuating in the upper 30’s to low 40’s on most days. Cold nights and sunny/warm air temps will impact the PM water temps much more then some tail water steelhead fisheries in our great state. Bug activity is increasing on the warm sunny afternoons. The nymph bite has been really consistent… stones, sparrows, hexes and fry. Eggs are getting bit, but I would not run a double egg rig at this point. Clowns, cream clowns, early girl glow bugs and assorted nukes should be in your boxes for spring steelhead fishing. Try matching size and color to the water conditions…big & bright in dirty water and small & natural tones in clear water. We already caught a fish on a salmon fry pattern this week, so it’s not too early.
The shop is loading up on inventory with more on the way. Simms, Sage, Redington, Echo, TFO, Wapsi/Hareline/Montanta Fly Company fly tying materials, Fish Pond bags & nets, SA and Rio fly lines…just to name a few. We are stocked up on flies, leaders, running lines and terminal tackle. Please stop in and/or call (231-745-3529) for river condition/reports…Jay, Jake and Leo would be happy to help. Thank you for your continued support and looking forward to seeing you around the Shop, Motel or on the river.
Streamer fishing should pick up as the water temps and flows increase. Same advice for streamer fishing…match the color and profile to the water conditions. Strip speed is directly correlated to water temps also. We have a nice selection of swing streamers and stripped patterns in the shop. When streamer fishing please respect other anglers space and be seated when floating past fellow fisherman. The fish are spooky enough without a large profile/shadow floating bye…let’s all get along and catch fish!
Just a friendly reminder BEADS are not allowed to be fished in any manner in the “Fly Water”. Please respect your fellow angler…”ask before you cast” is always a good policy. Please catch and release our wild PM steelhead! Enjoy yourselves and see you out there!!!
Save the date..May 2, 2020 – BBT will be hosting our Spring River Clean-Up and that same day will be the PMTU Annual Banquet!
Later & Fish-On!
John Karakashian
