Shop Hours 8am – 6pm Daily
We have set a date for our Spring River Clean-Up…Saturday May, 3, 2025. Stay tuned for details and please save the date!
We received a big shot of rain yesterday and the river is responding accordingly. Big bump in water throughout the river corridor and still on the rise. The water was great this morning, but started getting really dirty by mid-morning and by the afternoon it was full of debris and murky in the upper river. I would guess the middle and lower sections are going to be tough to fish for a day or two??? Please exercise extreme caution while wading and/or floating the river for the next few days…safety first and live to fish another day!!! The great thing about our natural free flowing river is the high water only stays around for a short period…it is usually a “bell shaped curve” with water levels. We will do our best to keep you posted.
It official….officially spring!!! Another week of crazy Michigan weather and the roller-coaster of spring steelhead fishing! The river has been fishing well most days, but depending on the section and water conditions there have been some slower days reported. Water temps have been playing a big role in success. Right place at the right time with proper presentation and you will find some players. Pools, runs and pocket water has been producing depending on water clarity and time of day. For big fish, our wild steelhead, act like little fish once they are back in the river. They are very good at “dissolving” into structure, under-cut banks and other hiding places.
It has been typical spring weather for Michigan…unpredictable! Cold mornings and nice afternoons is the current trend. The water temps rose and the river is holding onto just enough color for good fishing. Currently, the river is in great shape still above “normal” levels and holding a nice stain in the upper and middle river. As the weather warms, fishing pressure will continue to increase. Please resect other anglers and their water…ask before you cast; if you think your too close.
We have been getting fish on nymphs, fry patterns and eggs. Don’t be afraid to try different patterns or your own “home-brew” patterns…they are opportunistic feeders! Fry patterns and cross-dressers are starting to become a staple for me. Small black stones have been hatching with the nicer weather. Pheasant tails, caddis, hexes and sparrows are great flies in the spring too. It’s kind of been the same story with eggs…pale oranges, pinks and creamy clowns have been very good, but chartreuse & OC are getting some attention too. Nukes, glo-bugs, estaz eggs and rag style clowns are all effective and proven patterns. Same theme with beads…soft oranges & light pink 8mm to 12mm have helped drain some bobbers (No beads in the “Fly Water”). Gauge your fly or bead size accordingly with water levels/clearity…low water = natural sizes and tones…higher water = bigger/brighter offerings.
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.
My guide schedule is pretty booked up, but I do have some good dates still available in April…4/15 – 18, 20 – 24. We do have a few guides with open dates available throughout April. Plus, availability for Lodging at our Motel…Call the shop to lock in a guide trip(s) and/or Lodging…231-745-3529.
It certainly is not too early to start thinking about late spring and/or summer trout fishing! I have heard of some good streamer reports during the brief warm-up. Plus, we saw an impressive black stone-fly hatch last Thursday afternoon…and some trout were looking up! Awesome to see the river come to life! It won’t be long unto the first brown trout is caught on a dry fly. Once the weather warms back up and stabilizes; I will toss a dry fly rod in the boat. Plus, I might mix in some streamer fishing if the customers want to mix it up a bit…why not!!!
The shop is loaded up on steelhead and trout 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.
Another amazing week in the books chasing wild steelhead on the Pere Marquette River!!! I am ready and excited to make some great new memories & stories this week! Good luck out there and have fun!!!
ALASKA 2025
We are looking for a few more guests to fill up our trip….Our Alaskan dates & rates are set for this summer! Please feel free to join us on this fantastic adventure in an awe-inspiring place, Alaska’s Naknek River Camp, August 9th – 16th, 2025
The “BBT Special” will be $4,995.00* per person for a week of fishing in some of the greatest water in Alaska! This rate INCLUDES the “Best of Katmai” Package; two fly outs throughout the week! $4,995 is the standard 2023 weekly rate without fly-outs so this is an incredible BBT exclusive deal!!! (We can also offer a no fly-out package for $3,995.00*, but fly outs are strongly encouraged during these weeks.)
*Rate does not include fishing license, airfare, guide/staff tips or alcohol. We recommend $100.00 cash, per person per day as a good starting point for guide tips as these guys work hard for ya! Any camp/staff extras can be done however you wish just prior to departure and alcohol can be purchased in King Salmon upon your arrival or picked up for you anytime during the week while you’re out fishing!
Here are a few photos from last years trip!!!
If you are interested in joining us, please contact the shop at 231-745-3529 for more details on this amazing trip!!!!
Later,
John
