Opening Day - the Rivers are Swollen, BE CAREFUL

Almost 50 years has passed since that yard sale fly rod fell into my hands. I believe it was metal and it had the action of a yard rake. The Bristol #65 reel is still in my tackle box but few  memories of those days are still with me. Even  though my high school girl friend, Carolyn, and that rod are long gone.  A good guess is neither are  still in good working condition.

My skills in those days were actually developed by pictures of casting you would find in a book. My cast was honed at the Larry, Moe & Curly School of Fly-fishing, or so it would seem. In those days, leaders, floating lines, and in season flies were harder to get than parts for the space shuttle. The invention of the credit card and Internet has change all that. A computer lesson ( in color ) could have saved me a quarter of a century of fumbling.

Today you can put together a fly fishing outfit and trip from your work  computer while the Boss is at lunch. Yet the main ingredient is still Desire! That I have. Wadders, vest, rod n' reel are neatly stored in the trunk of my car...for the next 6 months.

I am...Combat Ready! This season the entire State of Michigan has high water. Your river choice will have to be well planned.  River head waters are over their banks and food and silt makes fishing difficult. I look for bigger rocky and gravel laden rivers that offer clear water. However places you fish all season will still be high and the fast current will offer a challenge to safe and successful fishing.

All things considered the weather in Northern Michigan is pleasant but hatches are few and nymphs, streamers and leach patterns are the choice. The big trout and challenges are there if you plan. The season constant is...Nature's beauty still permeates my being and the rivers ambiance will be driven deeper into my soul.
Richard

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