Shop Hours 8am – 6pm Daily
I had an unexpected day off today, so thought I would write a quick report to keep you updated on conditions. The weather has bounced back to “normal” late March conditions. Cooler nights and mornings, but very pleasant afternoons. They are calling for thunderstorms Tuesday and maybe snow later in the week? We will see what happens?!?! The water levels have dropped significantly and are almost back to normal levels in the upper river, but still a touch high in the middle and lower sections. Plus, the water temps have been holding consistently in the low to mid – 40’s.
There are still plenty of fish throughout the system, with new fish arriving daily. It has been a mixed bag of fresh spring fish, colored up spawners and even a few drop-backs. The trout bite fired up last week and we boated several very nice browns while steelhead fishing. I neglected to take any pictures (of the browns), but will from here on out! Traffic is increasing and will probably continue to as we head into April. Please be considerate of other anglers and their space! It’s pretty straightforward…”treat others as you would like to be treated”.
We still have some availability for guide trips and lodging…give us a call to make a reservation 231-745-3529. Personally, my openings are April 12, 13 & 15 and more openings the following week. We really should see an extended season with that cold snap we experienced…plus, streamer fishing is becoming a very good option with the warming water temps. I have heard of a couple very good reports from some friends that have been streamer fishing recently. Adjust your patterns to the conditions…small and natural in low water (or a bright day) and bigger & flashier in higher water (or low light). Starting in mid-April, we have lots of availability for streamer trips with some steelhead mixed into the day.
The nymph bite has been very good lately…fry patterns, black stone flies, hexes/wiggler patterns and PM blondes (in several different colors). Egg patterns and beads are always a must! Pale oranges, bright oranges, chartreuse, clowns and larger rag eggs in brighter colors have caught fish for me recently. Once again, adjust your tippett, fly sizes and color spectrums to match the water level/color. Same theory with beads…any where from 8mm to 14mm have been working. (Please remember that beads are illegal in the “flies only” section of the Pere Marquette River).
I have spotted some nice trout rising to black stoneflies on the warmer afternoons. So, it’s not too early to start thinking about some afternoon dry fly fishing. Once the weather stays warm, I will be tossing a dry fly rig in the boat. Trout season is right around the corner (a month out from the Official “Trout Opener”)…take a look at your schedule and start making plans for your summer trout fishing. We have some great dates still open for May & June!!!
I would like to thank everyone that has booked guide trips, lodging and supported our shop!!!! Because of your continued support and our amazing guides & staff; we will be celebrating 30 years in the business this July. An incredible accomplishment in this industry!!! We have been very busy this spring so far and truly appreciate the business….THANK YOU!!!!!!!
There are still opportunities to join our team….
BBT Fly & Tackle Shop is seeking full and/or Part Time Retail Sales Associates
Description:
We are seeking a passionate, knowledgeable individual to provide top-tier customer service, assist with rod, reel, fly, tackle and accessories selections, manage point-of-sale operations in an often fast-paced environment and take reservations for Guide Trips & Motel Rooms.
Requirements:
A solid foundation of knowledge in fly, spin and bait fishing as well as the equipment needed, experience with POS systems, and strong interpersonal skills. (Interpersonal skills is the only actual unconditional requirement as the right person could be trained on the rest.)
Responsibilities Include:
Assisting customers with gear, taking reservations, managing inventory, and maintaining a clean and inviting shop/work environment.
Experience Needed:
This varies a lot depending upon your work ethic, personality and ability to learn, but being “experienced in fly and/or spin fishing” is most certainly a major bonus as is some history in retail sales…
Benefits:
Employee discounts are nearly universal, alongside product discounts direct from many of our manufacturers and a very laid-back work environment despite the fact that it can and does get hectic at times. Pay raises will be quickly granted based on good performance as we are looking for long term employee(s).
“It’s the shop environment, spending time with quality like-minded individuals, talking hunting and fishing all day…, quality of life, low pressure work environment… the list is long!!!”
So, please call the shop and talk with either Jake or Jimmy if you have any questions about the position. Applications can be picked up at the shop and résumés can be dropped off there or emailed to [email protected]
(231) 745-3529
Good luck out there & “Let’s Go!!!”
John
