Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Baldwin Bait & Tackle!!!! It has been a very challenging year, however we have a lot to be thankful for this year. Thank you all for the support and business this year…all the guide trips, Motel reservations, visiting the shop and your kind words on our social media feeds. All our hard work is well worth it when we see smiles on your faces and the memories created on the river. I have many, many things to be thankful for…my family and friends, excellent staff, great clients, our health/wellness and the wonderful resource the Pere Marquette River! Please respect and protect this valuable waterway, so the next generations can experience it and cherish it!!!
We are offering our “Holiday Special” as a thank you to everyone…20% off Gift Certificates from now until December 24, 2020. Redeemable for shop merchandise and Lodging (not applicable for guide trips and sale items in the shop). This has become a tradition and a great way for us to say thank you! Phone orders can be taken and we can mail the gift certificate to your home…give us a call 231-745-3529.
We have trimmed back the shop hours to 9am – 5pm everyday. The river is back to low and clear conditions. There are steelhead throughout the whole system and still on the move daily. We had some epic fishing in the last bump in water, but the fish have spread out and moved into woodier lies. It has been critical to make the first few drifts count in this clear water…yet, don’t be afraid to change flies and work through the run again. Most action has still been on egg patterns, but we have caught a couple on bugs too. Larger clowns, rag eggs, estaz nukes in pale orange blends, classic clown and grapefruit tones. Hexes and fry patterns have fooled a couple smarter steelhead. It is time to start fishing more bugs as the fish settle into the river and become more “Trouty”…pheasant tails, green caddis and stones will get bit too.
The streamer action is also picking up on both browns and steelhead. I have done some stripping and Donnie had some good days swinging. Bright flashy patterns will snap them out of their trance sometimes, and smaller & more natural patterns in the clear water. Change patterns and strip speeds to see what they want…the colder the water = the slower the strip. Same with swinging…slow and low! The swing bite will get more looks as the winter conditions develop and the water cools off. We are still holding in the low 40’s to upper 30’s, which is perfect!
We have some milder weather holding on in the extended forecast. Plus, a big rain front coming thru this afternoon and evening…that will help the water level bump up and regain some color. Give us a call to book a guide trip and/or lodging…231-745-3529. We are ready and there are fish in the river! We have boats available daily for full or half days. Want to try a new technique or you are a beginner…no problem!!! We have the capabilities to accommodate your needs…both fly and spin fishing are available options. Chuck-n-duck, indicators, swinging, stripping or tossing plugs and spinners…it is all a blast!!!!
Things are slowing down here is Baldwin, but we will keep our finger on the pulse. Look for updated reports until things get too cold. Stay safe and healthy!!! Once again…THANK YOU for everything!!!! We get to do what we love for a living and sharing it with you is what makes it work. We are very thankful!!!! Have a happy Thanksgiving!!!!
Later,
John
