River Conditions

Fishing Report - Feburuary 22nd

We were out the last few days and have found the fishing to be a little slower than we had expected. Tuesday we filmed a winter steelhead show for Hunters Exchange TV. This will air in a few weeks and I will also try to have links posted to the site. We are getting several fish a day but are finding that lighter lines and smaller flies or baits are tricking them. Cloudy days are fishing better,the sun has the fish off the bite big time.

Look for a good push of fish in the next week or so. March is only a week away.

We still have openings for the spring run......let us know if you are interested.

Please email or call for availability.

Fishing Report - Feburuary 16th

This coming week is going to warm up making it a little nicer to be out. I will be out over the weekend and a few days next week. I do still have a few days open next week if you are interested. The fishing has been good all through the cold weather. The river is really clear making the fish a little spooky especially on the sunny days. Nymphs are getting to be a little more important. Last trip out we did see a few tiny winter black stoneflies.

Spring is filling up...dont wait call now. Only till the end of the month to take advantage of the 200.00 1/2 day special.

Now is the time to book your spring and summer charters !

Fishing Report - Feburuary 10th

Well well well, the weather finally broke a little and we hit the river. It had been almost two week since the fish had been harassed by anyone so we went to give them a reminder of what a hook feels like. We had a pretty good day landing several and loosing a couple two. Lots of wildlife and great snow covered banks. Time is passing by, don't wait to long before you think about booking spring dates, as they will all be gone. Nymphs were the ticket today as the water has dropped and cleared quite a bit.

Fishing Report - January 29th

Steelhead count...Well if you look at click the link on the left "view all photos" you will see that I have photographed 347 Steelhead. Please keep in mind that we do not photograph every fish we catch. My estimate would be somewhere around 450-475 Steelhead since October 9 2006. An awesome year for sure!!! Is the best yet to come? Honestly, it doesn't need to get any better than it is now.

Well this is getting kinda repetative...go fishing catch steelhead, go fishing catch steelhead, go fishing catch steelhead. Although the weather has turned cooler this has actually helped the fishing. Most people think you need warmer temps and better weather to catch steelhead in the winter. Well this is totally not true. All you need to catch steelhead in the winter is to GO FISHING!! Less pressure on the fish means happy fish that haven't been pounded like they will be when it warms up. The truth is that the fishing remains to be great to excelent. Had a couple guys out on Sunday although it was too cold to pick the fish up for the pictures we decided to just lie the fish in the rod tray and snap a quick picture before returning them to the river. We did not see another fisherman and had the wwwwwbest day of my season! We only fished from 8am till 130 pm. Don't miss out.

Fishing Report - January 22nd

It look like winter is here to stay. The fish don't seem to mind though. Water temps have cooled down to about 35, which is a good thing this will slow the fish from spawning too early. Look for fish to be in slower runs and pools. We have noticed that the biters have been coming very quickly from each spot if they are going to bite they bite fast or not at all. Eggs have ruled this week. Nymphs have been slow the last few trips. We would love to teach you a new technique or refine one you already have. Our boats have hot coffee and heaters to keep the chill off. Give us a call to get on the water.

Fishing Report - January 17th

Winter Steelheading is here! Cold frozen fingers, slippery boat ramps, icy guides...and so on...but one thing it is not is slow fishing! Yes, the water has cooled a bit, the fish have moved into their winter haunts, but the fishing is very very good! Today we hit the river...the temp on my truck was a balmy -2 degrees! Yes, 2 below zero. What happened? We hooked up on our first cast and had 3 in the net within the first 25 casts! Today was no different from most of our season. This years run has been one of the best I have ever experienced. Lots of fish for those brave enough to go fishing. The water has dropped and cleared making smaller flies and nymphs more productive. We had the river to ourselves today.

If you are waiting for spring you will miss out! The spring will bring warmer temps for sure but will also bring the crowds and fish that are more focused on reproduction than eating! BOOK NOW!!! The fishing won't be any better than it is now. Half day trips are a great way to get out. If you are looking for spring dates they are filling fast so book now before they are gone.

The time to book your summer charters is NOW! Prime dates are available.

Fishing Report - January 5th

Well where is old man winter??? The mild temps have made it very enjoyable on the river. Although it has also increased the traffic making the bite a little tougher. Our guide service is still having some very very good days by covering lots of water looking for the biters on the busy days. Water levels are holding up and the water has a nice stain to it. Try brighter eggs and larger nymphs to get the attention of Mr. Steelhead.

Still lots of openings for guided trips...1/2 day trips only 200.00! Spring is booking up don't hesitate to call if you are thinking of getting on the river this spring.

Fishing Report - January 1st

First off I'd like to thank all of those that have fished with me and made my business grow through all these years. Without all of you I would not be able to do what I love to do. And would not be as successful as I am now,especially in our current economy. In no way could I have imagined way back in 1992 when I started that I would be where I am today in January of 2007. I hope this new year continues to bring continued growth. Happy New Year!

The fishing continues to be great most days. This past week the water levels stabilized at a very nice level. We continue to get new fish with each surge of water this winter due to the warmer weather. Egg patterns are still producing but nymphs are picking off some fish also.

This is the time of year where 1/2 day trips become popular. We have plenty of days open for guided trips. Multi boat trips are also possible if your group is large.

Fishing Report - December 24th

I'd like to wish everyone a very Merry Christmas!!! The fishing continues to be outstanding with a good mix of fresh fish and winter holdovers. Egg patterns still continue to produce the best numbers due to the colored water. Trips will resume Dec 27. I hope you have a wonderful holiday season.

Fishing Report - December 16th

Due to recent heavy rains and snow melt guided steelhead trips are as MUCH FUN AS EVER! Our guide service continues to produce great catches of steelhead even though the conditions are less than perfect. We have been on the water catching fish right through the high water on larger egg patterns...chartruese, brighter oranges, and pinks are getting it done for us. We still have days open before and after the holiday.

If you are sitting on the fence as to book a day or two...please don't hesitate, the fishing has been great this fall and early winter. Does it or can it get any better? Please call us to book a day...Maybe a half day is what you need to get a little relaxation? A day on the river will do the trick for those seriously stressed by the holidays.

Fishing Report - December 9th

Old man winters grasp has loosened a bit, The extended forecast is for much milder weather this next week...This makes it a little more comfortable to be out in for sure. This past week the fishing was awesome with most days seeing double digit hookups. The fish are not in every hole but are in most of them and also very well spread out thru the system. We have plenty of openings to get you on the river these next couple weeks before the big holiday. Please give us a call to get a day or two on the river. Don't miss out the fishing is HOT HOT HOT !!!

Remember guided trips make great holiday gifts. We do have gift certificates and can mail them to anyone any where you may wish. Payment can be made by cash, check, or MasterCard.

Fishing Report - December 5th

Just a quick explanation of todays pic's....... I had no one to fish with so I had to lie them in the rod tray and snap a quick mug shot of todays nicer fish. I fished only 1/2 day and had a blast. Much nicer weather than yesterday and still a great bite! The water is still up a bit, but has cleared some. Trips the next couple days. The weekend weather looks to be improving and I have open dates. Call or email if you are interested. The fishing is HOT. The river is so peaceful this time of year with a nice blanket of snow, the scenery is hard to beat.

Fishing Report - December 4th

HARDCORE ????!!!! Well today was one of those days where most sane people wouldnt even think of fishing. But...if your a river guide that has spent the last 2 months watching other people catch steelies, today was just what the doctor ordered. Fished with good friend / guide Andy Busch and I decided what the hey. We started around 11 am and fished till 3 pm. The fishing was very good, but the weather was terrible. We watched the snow pile up almost as fast as the steelhead count did. The recent high water has given the fish a new attitude. Happy fish, no crowds equal a great time.

Fishing Report - November 29th

Sorry for the lapse, I have completed my 30 days in a row with flying colors. The steelhead fishing continues to be great. This years run was very strong due to the increased water flows and nice warm temps. This winters fishing should be great with all the holdover steelies waiting for spring. Now is the time to get on the water, the crowds are gone and the fish are happy. Please contact us for a day of fishing in December. We are starting to take more fish on nymphs but eggs will get it done most days.

Happy holidays to all. Just a reminder a guided fishing trip makes a great gift idea and we do have gift certificates available.

Fishing Report - November 10th

I forgot my camera today...sorry no pics. The steelhead fishing has been good to great depending on the day. The fish are moving into their winter lies and taking position in the feeding lanes. This week we have caught some very respectable fish, including an awesome 36" buck. This is one of the longest fish I have seen in years. Eggs still taking good numbers of fish, but nymphs are getting noticed in the clear water.

Good luck !

Fishing Report - November 3rd

The steelhead are here in good numbers. Typical fall and winter lies are holding fish. The cloudy days are much better than the sunny ones. We landed two fish this week over 12 lbs!!! Good to see some bigger fish this year. Bring your warm clothes as the weather has been on the chilly side. Eggs in just about all colors are working.

Fishing Report - October 26th

The pictures to the side tell it all! We are seeing a decent number of steel head but the action varies everyday. You may hook several in a spot or you may fish 5 runs with out a hit. The key is to know lots of places and keep at it. Especially in the afternoon hours. The sun is making the afternoon bite very very tough. Keep moving and look for the biters. Pray for clouds and rain!! Eggs Eggs Eggs! Give them what they want.

Congrats to Ron Neil for his 14 lb steelie this past Tuesday. The biggest fish I have seen in at least 2 years.

Thanks to all my clients for making my business so successful since 1992 !!

Fishing Report - October 21st

The fishing this week has been good to very good. The steelies are here but you better know the spots because this has seperated the great days from the slow days. They are not in every spot, but the numbers seem to be here. The salmon are looking well past peak. There are still a few but my focus is now on the steelhead. Egg patterns and even a few small caddis and nyphs are taking fish. I will be on the water everyday for the next 30! See you out there. It looks as this winter will fish great with all these steelies here to stay till spring.

Fishing Report - October 15th

It looks as if the salmon run has peaked on the Muskegon. The numbers of kings is starting to look as if they are on the decline. The good news is that there are steelies coming in to replace the salmon. The morings have been the best time for chromers on the bright days. We had to hunt around for kings after 11 am today. Lots of traffic and pressure on the sunny days. Fish the crappy days to see less people. Egg flies,egg flies egg flies...oregon cheese,oranges and creams.

Fishing Report - October 11th

Time to move south. This week I have started guiding on the Muskegon. There are good numbers of Kings: some good and some bad. The water levels are running very good for this time of year. Bringing in a decent number of steelhead. Each day this week we looked for steelies mostly and found enough to keep us looking. There are some darker steelies in and also some very bright fish. The PM is still fishing well for the wading angler. The salmon fishing will continue for a couple more weeks on both rivers.

Fishing Report - October 3rd

Its October and all the local rivers are fishing very well. The PM has seen a great run this season with the good water flows. The Muskegon is going well now with a good run of kingsand a few steelies showing here and there. The salmon fishing on the PM has looked to reach the peek,but there are still lots of fresh fish in the river. The Muskegon should peek in a week or two.

Look for fresher fish in the pools below the spawners. Small streamers, nymphs, and eggs as far as flies go. For more excitement try casting hardware.(spoons,spinners and plugs)

Fishing Report - September 20th

I'm in the process of getting a new camera as I decided to take a swim with mine..............dooooohhhhhhh!!!
The PM is fishing great these past days. Lots of fish throughout the whole system making the crowds spread out as well. There are fresh fish in the pools and spawners on the gravel giving you a chance to sight fish to fish pushing 20 lbs. Several steelies have also been caught since the high water. The Mighty Mo is also rumored to have fishable numbers in it...I have not had a chance to explore as of yet. Still plenty of openings in October. The Pm and Mo will have great fishing thru Late October for salmon then its steelie time.

Much larger and healthier fish this year!

Fishing Report - September 12th

The salmon run has been pretty average thus far, the fish are very well spread throughout the system with several holes holding good numbers and others with just a few. The rain we got the last 2 days has gotten the fish moving again. Fresh fish should fill in the gaps by the weekend.The crowds have been normal this year also. Small nymphs and streamers still doing the job. A few fish on eggs this week.

The muskegon is still slow but this is pretty normal, this river is great in October!

Fishing Report - September 6th

Well...................... it has officially began ! "Salmonrama 2006 !!!!

The river has a decent number of salmon but they are well spread out from custer to the flies water. The big push of fish we saw about 10 days ago has spread out and thinned. Try small nymphs and small streamers to get fair hookups. Good numbers of fish 15-18 lbs. with the larger over 20 lbs finding the wood quickly.

The lake still had plenty of fish yet to come.

Sept openings Sept 29 due to cancelation

October has a good number of openings so feel free to contact us and get a day or two on the river. October can provide some of the best action of the fall.

November is almost full book now or you will miss out !

Fishing Report - August 2006

The smallmouth fishing on the muskegon has been great once again this summer. Small streamers and ultra light tackle have been providing plenty of action for my clients. The trout fishing on the PM has been great again this year. Now is terestrial time and the fish are eating big hopper imitations.

The salmon bonanza will be starting soon, the fish are staging closer to shore and packing on the weight. The baitfish population this summer has been great allowing the salmon to get much larger than last years adult fish. Look for the larger fish to be in the 25 pound range. Although we are pretty booked for September we do have openings in October. Call us, I'm sure that we can fit you in somehow.

Now is also the time to book your fall steelhead trips. November is filling very fast and judging by the size of the fish we took on the lake they will be good size this year also.

We will be starting salmon trips on the lower PM in the next week. These trips will be mostly throwing hardware and crankbaits for these fresh fish. Flyfishing will also be an option.

The rest of this month we will be splitting our days on the river and Big Lake.

We still have plenty of openings for river and lake fishing so give us a call if you are interested.