Party on a River

Many Bachelor Parties can be counter productive, this one however was class "A". The setting was a century old log cabin lodge on the Pierre Marquette river near the town of Walhalla, Michigan. The Pierre Marquette is a world class trout river, loaded with Salmon, year 'round Steel Head and Browns. The area is very rural and secluded. The river is large. It drains an area of mid Michigan's lower peninsula, flowing west to Lake Michigan. It is just one of many rivers that gives Michigan the distinction of the best trout fishery in the continental United States if not the world.
The close knit group grilled out, drank fine wine, smoked imported cigars and fished all weekend with no casualties. Fly fishing was on the agenda. The river was high, slightly muddied, but no one seemed to care. Many guests were new to the sport of fly fishing yet caught some nice trout. The secret to success was an experienced guide. The morning started out with freezing temperatures, rising to  50 F by late afternoon. It was sunny. Steelhead spawning season was near its end. Temperatures were cold but hearts were warm, anticipation high.
Brad and his friends faced tough odds, but their guide was up to the challenge. I have often said that different rivers require a local guide. Steve of Indigo Guide Service was just that guy. Generations of experience with Steve who also tied his own special Pierre Marquette River flies got the job done. He knew the river, he knew the flies, he knew the trout that was the easy part. Helping a novice to the sport catch a trout was a challenge.
My knowledge of the Pierre Marquette is small. My expertise was the ability to recognize who did know the river. It was fun to watch a master like Steve work the river. Their success was in his hands. They caught beautiful Steelhead and Brown Trout. Their excitement at dinner that night was as exciting for me as it was for them. Pictures of trout ruled the evening.
I hope Brad will have a chance to work in his river adventures in conjunction with his new domestic duties...along with his young Bride. Congratulations to Emily & Brad.

Photo of Brad with king he got in the Fall.

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