As you are finishing up with the last of your turkey dinner, you keep running through that “Black Friday” list in your head. 
Everything seems to be good to go except for that hard to find gift for your Dad, Son, or significant other.  Instead of finding that really good deal on a drill that does less than a hand driven screw driver, get them something they really want or may actually use!  

Ask any fly fisherperson what they really want and they might respond with a few days fishing in the Bahamas.  Unless you were the latest lottery winner, that is probably not on top of your shopping list.  There are several items that they can really use without having to spend a small fortune to obtain them.  Small but essential things like flies, leader material, nippers, pliers, or even next year’s fishing license are items that anglers need no matter how long they have been fishing.  If they like to tie their own flies, simple things like thread, hooks, tying materials, or even a vise to replace their old semi still working one. 

There are several more ideas if you want to spend a little bit more too. Waders, wading boots, wading jackets, wading belts, and wading staffs all can be needed at some point for most anglers.   The fishing vest has become more of a relic from the past now and have most anglers have converted to smaller chest or back packs to carry their gear with.  Rods, reels, and even a new fly line are all god ideas, though you would probably want to ask first just to make sure on the right items they need or want.  A guide trip is not a bad idea even if they have been fishing since you can remember. A trip can provide a different experience in that all the angler has to worry about is relaxing and fishing instead of finding the right spot and tying knot after knot after knot!  Lots of guides offer casting lessons as well if they may be considering fly fishing and aren’t ready to dive in all the way.  

Some of these things can seem confusing but there are plenty of sources to use to find the right gift.  You can contact a guide or stop at your local shop and get the help without feeling lost. All you really need to know is what they like to fish for and where they like to fish and they should be able to point you in the right direction.  For more advice on gift ideas or to find where is the closest shop check out www.flyfishingmichiganrivers.com.



 Steelhead Action is Hot While the Weather has Been Not!


 Despite colder than normal temps for the months of October and November, the steelhead fishing has been pretty good this fall.  With lower than average numbers of fish last fall, 2013 is trying to make up for it with above average sized giants!  The steelhead this fall have followed suit from that of their Big Lake cousins and some very big fish have been landed already.  So far, quite a few anglers have accomplished the 15lb mark, with a couple of rumors milling around of fish pushing 20lbs!  It is the year of the big fish and there is a chance of seeing the 20lb mark attained before the end of the run next spring.  This winter should be a fun one with plenty of holdover steelhead to keep everyone busy!  So put on your long
johns and grab a hot cup of coffee and get out and enjoy.  For more information on guide trips, casting instruction, fly tying, or the latest fishing report, check out www.flyfishingmichiganrivers.com and don’t forget to like Fly Fishing Michigan Rivers on Facebook.

There are many outdoor activities to try during the summer in Northern Michigan.  Golf, fishing, swimming, camping, barbecues, toasting marshmallows over a campfire, or even
chasing lightning bugs as a kid just to name a few.  But after the lanterns dim and the last log of the fire slowly burns out, some are out deeply engaged into another activity that most do not know even exists, Mousing. Fly Fishing in the dark waking rodent like patterns has become quite popular with the diehard trout enthusiasts over the past decade.  

Guided by the moonlit starry sky, (and sometimes not), anglers
cast away at the banks in hopes of fooling the next big trout.  And big fish are what you can expect when trying this midnight method.  The fish size can range anywhere from 12 to 30+ inches depending on where you fish.  You never know what you may pull in sometimes.  On one trip we managed a few brown trout, an 8lb steelhead, and even a snake!  Mousing can be done just
about anywhere as well.  Lake or stream, there is a fish swimming that will take a swing on your mouse fly. 

Fishing after dark can be done by anglers of all skill levels.  Whether you are a seasoned fly fishing veteran looking to try something new or completely new to fly fishing looking for your first fish, mousing offers an excellent chance to bring one to hand.  Mousing is a great way to get a “feel” for casting a fly rod while often catching some nice fish in the process.   

There are a few things to think about before heading out on a night adventure.  If you are wading make sure to walk a section that is familiar to you or scout out the river bottom before dark so you can fish safely at night.  Rowing a boat is much different in the dark as well.  It’s best to stop and fish different spots and turn the lights on for navigation in between.  Booking an experienced fishing guide is the best way to avoid all troubles and make the most of your night time fishing experience.  
 
For more information on guided trips, fly patterns, or updated area
fishing reports check out www.flyfishingmichiganrivers.com.