Take a Chill

Sometimes, even after 20 years of guiding, I’m still amazed what I hear people say around the river. Mid afternoon today a couple gentleman quitetly motored around us as we fished some holding water. When they were going by he asked how things were going—a common question. I answered “Tough!” He asked why do I feel it was so tough? Leaving the entire chumming issue aside, I answered “Well, we lost quite a large percentage of fish in the high water due to optimal spawning conditions,” And honestly team igloo needs to chill the hell out!”

Background info: this gentleman was sporting a cooler that you probably could pack out an entire Yukon bull moose in and have room for beer! Yes, Michigan law allows for the taking of three steelhead per angler. This doesn’t mean you should. Yes, for the casual angler this doesn’t have much in the way of an impact on the fishery during a normal year, however commercial guides taking a limit every day does have a significant impact on the fishery.

We proudly practice catch & release fishing on our river. While this is certainly a choice, think about it, it really isn’t! These fish that we target whether migratory or native are our ultimate customer—kill your customer and then what do you have? Come on team igloo, take a chill!

Wow, that feels better! Maybe I should vent more often? Deep breath…..

We certainly have more steelheading coming this season. Be patient, fish hard, enjoy our beautiful river! Pictured is Bruce with a well earned hen this afternoon.

Capt. Steven Kuieck