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Marv Miller - 24 1/2 - Nov. 26, 2011

Bob, I just wanted to let you know that I really enjoyed Streamer School last Sunday. We didn't land any monsters, but we moved a lot of fish and I learned more in one day than I've figured out in twenty years on my own. A big part of the learning was seeing some of my favorite wading spots from the perspective of a drift boat... I'll never fish them the same again.  
Thank you, 
Dave Shotwell

2012 STREAMER SCHOOLS

Our  spring 2012 Streamer Schools will be on April 15 and April 22. These dates will allow students more time to apply what they learn and really enjoy the peak of the early season streamer bite. We limit enrollment in our schools to 8 students to ensure personal attention and a high quality experience, so please reserve your place as soon as you can. The cost is $275 per student and a 50% deposit holds your spot.

The school consists of a morning classroom session and an afternoon guided float on the Au Sable Trophy Water.

Check our Schools and Instruction tab for details on the program.

Current Conditions: January 14

Believe it or not, the streamer bite has been very good so far and there is only very light pressure. Fish big flies slowly

Baby Ditch Pigs

 

After a long wait, the smaller Ditch Pigs have arrived. They are about 2/3 the size, lighter and easy to cast with a 6 weight, but still have all that great wicked action. All four colors are in stock.

STREAMER RODS

Here are three fine rods at different price points for your consideration.

At the top of the list is the amazing Hardy Pro Axis 9' 6wt at $685.00. This rod is fast and powerful and will punch out big flies through rough weather all day long without beating the angler into a fatigued and twitching pulp. It is a saltwater design (Hardy engineers and famed angler Andy Mill) with oversized titanium "recoil" guides and a flawless, bulletproof finish. 

Some folks prefer a medium-fast action streamer rod and the Mystic "M" series 9'3"  6 wt. at $399.00 is perfect for those who prefer a more relaxed and forgiving action. Mystic is a Michigan company and this rod is proudly made in the USA. It is beautifully crafted and finished and has several features that are usually found only on more expensive rods. 

The Mystic Reaper 9' 6 wt. is a bit quicker than the M and does not have all the deluxe nicities but is an excellent value at $199.00

 

***If water temps below Mio are at 70 or above a very good alternative is the stretch from McMasters downstream. This can be divided into various, productive floats where the water will be considerably cooler - McMasters to Parmalee (about 9 miles), Parmalee to Whirlpool/Cherry Creek Rd. (about 4-5 miles), Parmalee to Camp 10 (about 7 river miles plus commute across pond), or Whirlpool to Camp 10 (about 3-4 miles).***

Most of the photos we receive are a bit dark this time of year,
but here's one of J.R. Hartman with a fine fish from the 4001 float.

Click thumbnail to see larger image.

A white streamer fooled this giant at Comins Flat.

New York angler, Steve Pensinger, caught this great smallmouth on a Ditch Pig below Comins Flat.

Steve with a handsome 22" brown that sucked in an egg-sack Hendrickson spinner. Marv Miller assisted Steve with a great net job.

Oops!

Detroit Tigers starting pitcher, Rick Porcello, caught this great 24 inch brown on an olive woolhead sculpin near McKinley while fishing with Chris Reister, President of Mystic Fly Rods.

Paul Morand and pal, Bernie caught these two - a 26 on a baby rainbow and a 23 on black & yellow Ditch Pig -  last weekend.

Jeff Kenzie caught this 25 inch beast on an olive Circus Peanut on April 22nd. He was assisted with cheers, prayers, and net by his crack staff - Andy Adamo and Chis Mitchell.