Shop Hours 9am – 5pm Daily
November is not over….2/3’s in the books and 1/3 left to write. It has been up and down, but mostly up. A couple slower days due to low water/blue skies and/or the fish pushed through where we were that day, however we are getting opportunities everyday. That’s steelhead fishing on an un-dammed wild fishery. Personally, I love the challenge and daily “chess” game. Our wild migratory fish have a (some what) “endless trail”…pretty amazing and awesome when you think about it!!! We have been very fortunate this fall to have so many fish around considering our water levels.
Once again, given the conditions; we have “a lot” of fish in the entire system. Definitely, enough to maintain a productive winter. It looks like our weather is turning to more traditional late November weather…snow, sleet, wind. There is an old saying; “no such thing as bad weather, just bad gear”. Check out some our our winter outerwear and battery powered heated gear in the shop (it’s game changing). It was fun while it lasted, but Mother Nature is dialing down the thermostat for the next week to ten days.
We have been getting some rain the last several days, but it has not been enough to color up the river. The water level is up a touch and maintaining a good level/flow. The forecasted precipitation is about the same…great fishing conditions, but not going to stain up the river. Perfect! Overcast is great weather for fall steelhead and it will help the fish continue their migration.
We have been covering the middle and lower river with flies, beads and hardware. Making your first few drifts count without disturbing the water too much…stealth has been paying off! Natural toned egg patterns and beads have been the best for me. Both 8mm – 12mm beads have been getting attention. Egg patterns in #10’s – #8’s in pale pinks and oranges (plus, don’t over look chartreuse) are getting looks from steelhead and trout. Hot-n-tots and spinners have been getting some awesome grabs too! I have heard of some good streamers reports from Donnie and other guides, but I have not swung or stripped yet this fall. Thinner profiles in lower water tend to fish better on the swing and flashy creations on the strip.
The shop is loaded up on steelhead fishing gear. We have everything for your fishing needs….flies, tying materials, bait, hardware, fly rods/reels, beads, bobbers, centerpins, bait casters, spinning gear, waders, outerwear, swag….we got what you need no matter how you want to fish.
As stated above, I love November! I have been busy guiding and fishing a couple days while not working….It has been a blast. Our whole guide staff has availability in late November and December. We do offer full and half day guide trip at this time of year. Hit the prime/peak temps of the day for 4-5 hours and head in…winter 1/2 days are a great option. Guides and lodging can be booked by calling the shop….231-745-3529.
Just a friendly reminder…beads are NOT legal in the “Flies-Only” section (even if pegged above a fly). Plus, it’s a 1 fish (Steelhead) limit from Gleason’s Landing to Lake Michigan year round…1 fish per person per day.
From everyone at BBT, we wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving! We have a lot to be thankful for around here this year! It always is centered around our amazing clients, customers and world class fishery….we would not be here with out any of it! Thank you!!!!! This place is amazing…Please do your best to protect and preserve the Wild and Scenic Pere Marquette River.
Later,
John
