I recently went up to Baldwin, MI to pick up my new Stealthcraft drift boat, and was able to hit the Pere Marquette with guide Steve Cornetet from Baldwin Creek Lodge and Guide Service. The purpose of the trip was to get a crash course on the new boat from a pro, but the steelhead were in the river as well. Steve did a great job of getting us on some fish. We were floating through the flies only section just outside of town.
Overall we went 3 for 8 on steelhead. Steve also netted a nice resident brown trout. Here are the two fish I landed:
Conditions:
It was about 27 degrees out, and we floated the river during the warmest part of the day… 12-5. 8 takes is a pretty good day chasing winter steelhead, and we wondered if the weather system moving in was the cause for the hot bite.
Flies and Tackle:
We were fishing a chuck-n-duck rig with all 3 landed fish.
We were using an Omega reel from Allen Fly Fishing in their size II. This is a great reel, super smooth and incredibly strong drag. And the best part is that it is made in Detroit.
A Mystic 9′ 8wt rod was able to easily subdue these powerful fish. Another Michigan made product!
The first two fish came on a small hare’s ear nymph and the last fish came on a small egg pattern.
Resources:
Baldwin Creek Lodge – http://www.baldwincreeklodge.com/lodging.htm
Stealthcraft boats – http://stealthcraftboats.com/
Allen Fly Fishing – http://allenflyfishing.com
Mystic Fly Rods – http://mysticoutdoors.com
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