What do you think of an eighth grader who 1) bags a doe over the weekend during the youth hunt; and 2) out-fishes his dad by landing his first Chinook salmon with a fly rod and a stone fly neatly ensconced in the upper lip of the fish? So it was for Brian, who had a pretty special weekend and first day of the week. Rarely, have I witnessed new fly fishermen of any age cast, manage line, and fight fish as well as young Brian. He was in a zone and was rewarded with lots fish fast to his line.
Brian’s dad had his chances, too, but with his best opportunity next to the boat ready for the net, dad Brian just couldn’t resist clamping down on the King when it made its boat run. All in all, though, it was a great day for Bruce, son Brian, and me. Action was steady throughout the day with numerous hookups, but the Manistee helped fish escape as sundry stumps, logs, and limbs did their usual damage. Bruce was the successful bidder for the float trip I had donated to the Grand Rapids area Tim’s Tub auction. The auction raised money for a boy whose rare disease requires him to be suspended in water daily. He now has the tub and according to our local media, the tub has helped him deal with his condition. Thanks, Bruce, for your support of the auction!
Best wishes to you, Brian, for continued success with the whitetails and Chinook salmon. You did an outstanding job and have a great future as an outdoorsman!
Captain Tom Kuieck
As for river conditions, the Manistee has risen, though water clarity remains clear. When compared with fish numbers of last week, greater numbers of salmon are in the upper river. Hens are turning gravel and new fish are moving up the river. In short, fly fishing for Kings is excellent.