Let the Hunt for Chrome Begin

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October, November, and December are the months to hunt fall steelhead.  Let the games begin!  I have the itch and the next three months are by far my favorite months to be on the water.  I’ll try to do my best to update and take some unique photo’s over the following three month period.  For more pictures and information , follow the river reports via hawkinsflyfishing.com and or find us on facebook for updated reports, and information.
Tight Lines,
Capt. Jon Ray

Northern Michigan Salmon Pursuit

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With a mixture of Chinook and Coho here in Northern Michigan we have many opportunities as a surf or river fisherman.  A very short teaser clip from the past week.  As water temps where about perfect and the beach as a great place to be.

Enjoy this video at Mangled Fly’s You-Tube page – http://www.youtube.com/mangledfly

Erik Rambo with Snap T Pictures

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Thank you Erik Rambo from Snap T Pictures for taking the time and shooting a little short video of Ed McCoy and Russ Maddin in the dark.  This video will give you a small glimpse into what Ed and Russ both love, fishing after hours for the big boyz of the Manistee.  Nice job guys!

To watch this video in a larger format go to http://youtu.be/FsPrRUFD7QA

Thank you again Erik Rambo!

Start of my favorite fall colors

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As the predominate southern wind turns into the northern wind, this initial change brings with it the  smell of fall.  Driving down the twisting turns of Northern Michigan or floating down a narrow trout stream.  You will start to see the sugar maples are turning already to the bright hues of red, orange, and yellow.  Fall is on our doorstep and our native brook trout and brown trout are starting to change as well.  September is a wonderful time to take an adventure out on the water.  Only one way to truly enjoy all the colors of fall.  Get out and fish!

Loving the hopper this year

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Need I say more?  Foam body, deer hair body, I don’t care what kind of body as long as it’s a hopper body.  Hoppers are working on all  Michigan trout streams this year and I’m loving it!

Lost and Found Software

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Had a interesting situation this week.  Step 1.  Take a bunch of pictures of a recent trip.  Step 2.  Wait a couple days as life gets busy and forget to download pictures right away.  Step 3.  Try to download pictures, and images are not on the CF (compact flash).  Step 4.  Panic!!!!  Step 5.  Find out about San Disk Recovery Software  Step 6.  Amazed.  Step 7.  Send off images to happy client of the images from his trip.

This software was very easy to use and taught me a couple things about my CF.  If you ever get into a pinch and you need images off a flash drive you accidentally erased check out google for image recovery software and depending on the flash drive your using there is software out there to help.

Hex Hatch a test of your patience

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Cold weather, multiple days of overcast and rain, and no bugs in sight will test the will of any die hard hex fisherman!  Well this years start to the season is testing the patience of all those that love the chase and enjoy watching the midnight sky.  As I talked about last year is it a Hex Hatch or a Hoax Hatch  , this year it’s living up to it’s billing of a Hoax.  Not to say the bugs are not going to come, and the trout are not going to feed heavily one them.  But as headlamps droop and the patience wanes when will the hex finally come to the Manistee?

Carp on the Flats

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B&W of a Grand Traverse Bay Carp

It’s that time of year again, time for the Golden Bones of Grand Traverse Bay.  Carp fishing on the flats is one of the most unique sight fishing adventures that a Michigan fisherman can experience.  While hundreds to thousands of carp can be seen in a days adventure, the secret to the adventure is finding the player in the schools that you are hunting.   Getting the correct angle for presentation and making the cast so the carp can find your meal that you are offering.  Just as my belief in all fishing its the presentation that matters most, not the fly!  One must learn how to present your offering properly.  While carp give us almost endless opportunities to practice our cast and our presentation.  Carp fishing is another great fishery in our outstanding state.  

Video link to a video from last year if you have not watched it yet.  Enjoy!

Citrus Month – Sulphurs and Orioles

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Seems like the month of May has a Citrus Flavor to it.  Orange is the theme with Baltimore Orioles and Sulphurs filling the rivers banks and shores.  Baltimore Orioles have made there migratory return and you can hear there calls along most of our northern michigan rivers.  Their tear drop shaped nests are not hard to spot, but if you ever try to photography a Baltimore you have your hands full.  They are not the biggest fans of the long lens.  Make sure to pay attention to the trees next time you float down the river, as their voice gives out a clear and flute-like whistle.  Notes are short and distinct.  At least try to listen in between the trout that are rising to the emerging sulphurs. 

Sulphur’s and Brown Trout

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You almost have to feel sorry for the bright yellow red eyed size 16 Sulphur Dun, they are almost like bright neon signs on top of the water. That Michigan browns can’t help it and pick them off one by one as they float along.  May dry fly fishing is picking up and the Sulphur hatch is one of the best for early season dry fly enthusiast.