Bittersweet day today–perhaps the last two-handed swing until the fall run….who knows, maybe I’ll fall in love with the two-hander for trout? Joining me on the water today was Dave Smith of WS. Since the streamer bite remains a little soft and each of the last few mornings have produced a couple grabs on the swung fly, we decided to work the two-hander diligently for one of the ever slimming number of steelhead left in the system. Though the steelhead didn’t materialize, we were graced with a thick male lake-run brown mid-morning. These browns are super cool–nice job Dave!

The hatches are very close to breaking loose on the Mo’, each and every day I’ve noticed a few more drakes and a smattering of other bugs bouncing around the river–dry fly fishing is on the horizon!

Capt. Steven Kuieck

Trout fishing with Roger today we were rewarded with this great Brown.

Capt. Don Graham

The 2013 spring steelhead run has run its course, but you couldn’t have proved it by Gary’s success today.  The fishgods smiled on him all day as he hooked more steelhead than any reasonable calculation for the date would indicate.  Gary is an Ausable dry fly guy, but with the 28 degree chill of this morning and the extra 500 CFM flow pumping more color and higher flows into the MO, it just wasn’t a bug day.  But, find some steelhead, and “Bingo!” you have the makings of a great day, to the point where at one point Gary said I was “spoiling him.”  No, Gary, it wasn’t your guide— just one of those days on which all the stars align and shine dime-bright on the fisherman—in this case, you!  Congratulations!  You did a terrific job with the long rod today.

Captain Tom Kuieck

Bright and tight hen on May 13!

Steve and his wife BJ–fly fishing for steelhead. This was Bj’s first time fly fishing for steelhead, I believe she is hooked for life after today. Thanks Steve and BJ for a fun day on the river.

Capt. Don Graham

It looks as though the early summer weather is going to retreat for a few days with the passing of the first of two cold-fronts tonight. I’m kinda okay with it since I’ve been seeing grey drakes both of the last two mornings on the river–time to pull-in on the reigns a bit before this summer weather gets too carried away.

Joining me today on the river was a new friend to RQ–Ryan Dustin. Prepared with his new Switch rod and Abel reel, Ryan was “all in” for a day of swinging flies. Ryan’s passion for the sport of fly fishing was evident upon first cast, now all we needed was for the chrome to cooperate. Our wait wasn’t long and some pretty cool memories were made. Hopefully our new friend will be back for years to come–congratulations Ryan on some sweet fish.

Capt. Steven Kuieck

Fishing is just plain fun! This afternoon John brought out his uncle Bruce to hit the river and see what we could hook into. Maybe trout, maybe steelhead, it didn’t matter on a day as beautiful as it was. Bruce got us talking about the Michigan colors of  Spring as we motored down the river. There had to be 40 colors of green  as the forest was starting to breathe deeply, life exploding. We fished for steelhead and after hooking several, Bruce managed to land his first steelhead ever! Halfway through the fight the fish shot back at the boat and the line went slack, there was a silent moment in the boat,but then…”back on!, back on!” Bruce shouted and the fight ensued. The whole thing was so amazing it sent me to my chair doubled-over in laughter. We all got back our composure and Bruce put it in the net.  Shortly after, John finished the day nicely with a fantastic brown. We motored back to the landing satisfied and grateful.

Uncle Bruce giving a “thumbs up”, he thought it was kinda fun!!

kinda fun too!!!

Jay Allen, Riverquest guide

Today I had the chance to fish with long time customers Jeff & Brent. We couldn’t have asked for a more beautiful day. The sun was shinning, light winds were blowing and as the spring steelhead season slows, very light boat traffic. We did get a few nice steelhead throughout the day but the most action was on some very healthy trout, both browns and rainbows. It was very nice to see how well our residents made it through the long winter. On that note we still have quite a few dates available for spring and early summer trout trips. Give us a call!

Capt. Dave DeVries

Fantastic first day with the Radzis group–you name it, nymphing or swinging, it was a very productive day. The river is still running a bit above normal as far as the flow goes, however it is seemingly a trickle by this springs standards. Conditions are ideal for just about everything now–bring your entire aresenal of fly gear.

Capt. Steven Kuieck

How refreshing it is to see youngsters  on the river with their parents. While John is no stranger to the MO, Megan only makes a few “flashy” special appearances a year. She always brings a smile and an attitude ready to fish. It’s always great to have her in the boat. Although she has fished plenty, this was the first time she had gone after steelhead and she did a great job. Of course John had to catch another steelie on his 3wt as well. Fishing was complimented by a crazy lunch prepared by chef Heather. Good fishing, good food, and great weather made the day a true pleasure.

Jay Allen, Riverquest guide

Megan duked it out with this magnificent steelhead

another steelie goes down to the 3wt

might as well enjoy lunch too!

Family friend Marshall and his two sons Jay and Chris joined me on the Muskegon river to fly fish for steelhead. This was Jay and Chris first time fly fishing for steelhead. Marshall said it best, this is what its all about, spending time with family, enjoying the great outdoors and catching steelhead.

Capt. Don Graham