Interesting - Walled Lake Michigan

We were waiting for our table at Bayside Sports Grille when we spotted these:

A talented entertainer who sang, played keyboard, electric guitar, and even blew a trumpet. Our waiter told us that the musician's name was Rick.

Also, we saw a group of ladies being trained at Mercer Beach in stand-up paddle boards.

 Then they proceeded to paddle their way around the lake. I think they made it about 1/3 of the way around, then they returned to the dock the way they had come. they were all dry, so I assume none went overboard. I found this: http://bit.ly/13z7dFG

Portage Lake Michigan - an evening view from Flook Dam.

I Caught this image on Sunday evening while returning from my Huron River fishing expedition. Portage Lake is between Dexter and Pinckney, Michigan. There are not many things more calming than watching a sunset over a Michigan lake! 

Bell Road Bridge - Bridge Out!

These shots are of the Bell Road Bridge near Hudson Mills Metropark at North Terretorial and Huron River Drive. If you look closely, you can see that the bridge has been removed and is sitting on the side of the trail, covered in vines and bushes! I wonder how long ago that happened. Anyway, this is the upper limit of the so-called "Book Section" of the so-called "Upper Huron River" and is a popular fly-fishing destination. Except after heavy rains, when it becomes un-wadeable. 

Huron River Rapids at Zeeb Road

This shot of the Huron River was taken from the Burns-Stokes Preserve, at Zeeb Road. It is a popular fly-fishing destination, especially during the Hexagenia and Ephoron hatches,  and on opening day for Smallmouth Bass. Looks quite fishable to me!

Boyden Creek - Huron River Tributary

According to the Huron River Watershed Council, this creek has recovered well over the last few years following a breech to the dam that can be seen in the rear of this photo. Apparently lots of soil washed down the creek, wiping it free of all insect life. Just a few short years later and most of the bugs have returned. Looks like a nice little place to toss a flyline!

Depot Town - Ypsilanti, MI - Hex and Ephoron on the Horizon

I paid a visit to Depot Town yesterday to attend a fly-fishing seminar at Shultz Outfitters. It was a nice evening in the Riverside Park and at a Depot Town eatery for a quick burger. I even got to witness one of Shultz's guides doing some Spey Casting before the seminar began.

Here is what Shultzy was talking about that was so interesting to me:

"Hex & Ephoron on the Horizon. While the bugs haven't appeared yet, the Hex should be popping on the Huron any day now, followed shortly after by the Ephoron (White Fly) hatch. These often blizzard hatches are a great way to experience "up north" Hex fishing without the three hour drive! Smallmouth from Dexter to Ann Arbor will be looking up and feeding eagerly, making for some of the best topwater fishing of the year."

The bugs that Shultzy was mainly talking about at the seminar were those which we have in abundance in the "Upper Huron" (from Barton Pond to Portage Lake Dam)- the Hexagenia Recurvata and the Ephoron Leukon. He also mentioned the Isonychia hatch and the Caddis hatch. Huron River Smallmouth love eating these insects, so I say bring on the bugs!

Huron River - Hudson Mills Metropark, Dexter MI

A nice day of fly fishing - Wet-waded upstream on the Huron River at Hudson Mills Metropark. Met 4 or 5 fly fishers on the river, and about 100 tubers and kayakers. Was only run into by one tube - no casualties. Started the day with a #6 Blue Shenandoah Popper on the end of a 12' bonefish leader. After my first few casts, I shortened the leader to 9' and added a short 3X tippet. Casting was easy, and the popper went where I wanted -- but the fish didn't notice it. I switched to a black #6 Parachute Ant with brown rubber legs. Again I was snubbed. After spotting a couple of bass cruising past (including one hefty 15" smallie who swam right under my fly and kept going) I decided to switch to a sub-surface rig. So I tied on my biggest nymph, a #6 Yellow Stonefly - and added a bit of indicator putty about 2' above the fly. Again, the rig cast nicely, but this time it paid off by giving me a few hits from curious bluegills. After dodging a few more tubes, I decided to call it a day.

The Boss - Ford Field, Livonia MI

Ford Field in Livonia, MI.

Check out the boss. She ordered all of her minions to line up on the grass, and to be sure and face to the south. Most complied. The latecomer will comply also.