I took full advantage of the nice weather recently and spent some time on our local waterways. Steelhead are around but not in great numbers, you will still have to cover water and hunt for them. Luckily for us, the trout continue to be more than happy to fill in the voids and help fill the days. I would expect to see the steelhead fishing continue to improve as we move closer to March. Nymph fishing continues to be the go to method with hex, stones, eggs, and alevin taking fish. As we move closer to spring don't forget about the fry patterns.
The shop is still offering some winter tying classes. We also have two more brews and bugs coming up - Lance Nelson tying Au Sable Dry Flies on Tue Feb 20th from 6-8pm and Matt Grajewski covering streamer design on Sat Mar 2 from 9am-12pm. We also have Cole Devault discussing advanced Steelhead tactics on Thur Feb 29 from 6-8pm. Follow this link to RSVP for classes!
As always the shop is here to assist in any questions you may have or gear you may need and we thank you for your support. Enjoy the outdoors and get out when you can.
Nomad Crew
]]>Truth be told, I’m terrible at keeping logs, notes and records on my fishing excursions. I’ve tried and always fail miserably by the time the spring hatches start rolling. However, the current weather reminds me of the year I experienced in 2017 when we were fishing the early black stone fly hatch on local water by Valentines Day. Could this be a similar year? As a dry fly angler, will you be able to find solitude away from the crowded steelhead rivers this February / March? Time will tell, but with this weather pattern we are currently experiencing, my mind can’t help but wander off to those old memories of happy winter time risers…
Early last week we were experiencing some especially large flows in the Rogue River. However, at this point the river is dropping steadily and trending its way into safer wading conditions. I have heard reports over the last few days of a mixture of winter holdovers and a couple fresh fish being caught in this system. I even talked to a guy who swung up a sucker and if I remember the story correctly, it bumped him on three separate presentations for an obviously disappointing conversion. If you’re planning to fish the Rogue carrying flies like hex nymphs, wiggle stones, steelhead buggers and caddis patterns is a great call.
Personally, I have been spending much of my time on the Pere Marquette over the past week. The inflated flow from the snowmelt helped set up for some great trout and steelhead fishing over the few times I was able to visit. Nymph fishing was the name of the game, with a large majority of fish being caught on alevin imitations. Stonefly and caddis patterns caught fish too, but the alevin accounted for probably 75% of the bites. Flies like the bruiser sac fry and chicken little are very simple to tie and incredibly effective once alevin are present in systems that see large salmon runs.
If you’re heading up there soon, definitely carry a selection of egg flies along with you. I haven’t noticed any active spawners, nor caught a drop back yet, but did see a few fresh redds sprinkled about last week. Targeting large brown trout below active steelhead can be an exciting game to play once the next round of egg buffet really begins. With this weeks air temp trending upwards, I wouldn’t be surprised to see some of the fall fish start cutting gravel and begin spawning.
The fly shop is well stocked with plenty of tying materials, flies, gear, lines, etc. We hope to see you before your next fishing excursion. Have a great February!
-Lance
]]>Steelhead fishing has been consistent enough for the folks who have been getting out and looking for them. However, as I am sure some have noticed, this hasn’t been the greatest fall run by any stretch. Playing with a fish or two can be considered a good day at the present time. Swung presentations and indicator tactics have been the best way to chase our great lakes visitors. On the swung fly front, it is best to slow the swing speed down as the water is starting to get cold. The big water folks should be considering intermediate skagit heads, while the small river folks will be fine with a floating head just so they consider the mend as their friend. Don’t be afraid to switch flies up if you find a non-committal player. Do so by either dropping fly size or picking a different fly option with less bling. Flies like Feenstra’s grapefruit leech, Senyo’s Stray Dog in black and Senyo’s AI in Copper/Green are great go to options.
If you’re heading out with the big nymph rod it is time to consider packing the box with some larger sized trout nymphs. As the egg buffet dwindles our fish will resort to more of a trout based diet. Large hares ears, pheasant tails, stoneflies, hex nymphs and flies like copper john’s are great consideration. Don’t give up on the egg entirely as it is a great fly all winter long, just don’t be afraid to mix it up. Clown eggs, pale pinks, white, pale yellow and chartreuse (in low light periods) are good ideas to have readily available. Local streams like the rogue do not see gigantic numbers of fall fish. So be on your A game, these fish are pressured constantly. I’ve been pushing 4x cortland fluorocarbon a lot lately as I feel confident in its strength and durability on these pressured steelhead.
In regards to trout, this is a fun time of year as there are many fun and exciting ways to target them. Be it czech nymphing, streamer fishing, sight nymphing, indicator nymphing. There is no better streamer color in clear winter water than a black fly. Jiggy options like circus peanuts and peanut envy’s are winter confidence patterns that no streamer box should be without. The czech fanatics should consider tungsten weighted eggs, attractor patterns such as the red dart and natural options like the walt’s worm or Pat’s rubber leg.
As we move into winter, consider that 90% of the fish are going to live in 10% of the water. As the temperatures continue to drop, trout and steelhead will commonly be found in the slower pools in any given body of water. Even though the lip of the pool may have been your best friend a month ago, start to focus in the slower portions of the pool, even the tail out.
The shop is stocked up with plenty of great gift ideas, tying materials and plenty of awesome gear and flies. Hope to see you soon. Have fun on the water!
-Nomad Crew
]]>River levels are once again falling, but there is rain in the forecast so I am optimistic about the upcoming week. If you are headed out this weekend focus on making your first drift your best, and covering a good amount of water to find fish. Remember half the battle with steelhead is whether there are fish in the river. They are around, but you may have to cover some real estate to sniff them out. Eggs are still very much on the menu, if your are nymphing. Swinging is also producing some fish. Water temps are dropping but haven't plummeted, so the fish that are around are likely to chase.
Trout fishing remains consistent and can be a great way to spend the afternoon if you want to focus on getting fish in the net. Euro nymphing is paying the bills , but streamer fishing this time of year can also be very good and often provides solitude from the crowded steelhead streams.
Whatever you end up doing this weekend, get out and enjoy the fall weather. Snow will be here for good before we know it.
]]>It looks like the cooler weather will settle in for good by the end of this week. The cooler water and air temps will hopefully bring a few more steelhead up. The steelhead are around in our local rivers but you are going to have to put in your time, cover water, and search them out. Salmon are still in the river systems if you have not gotten enough of those battles.
The trout fishing has continued to be productive. As usual for this time of year make sure you have some egg patterns and Stoneflies with you. The shop is offering a wide array of upcoming educational classes so if you are interested in learning something new check out our class schedule.
]]>Warm water bite has still been good and plenty have been getting out and capitalizing on these local options and ducking the crowds in last weeks warm weather.
The fall is arguably the best time for fishing with so many viable options, it can be hard to pick.
Trout fishing remains consistent as we press into the fall proper. Egg patterns and nymphs behind spawning kings have produced some fine trout in the past couple of weeks. Euronymphing is a great way to catch trout this time of year, if you are curious about Euronymphing check out one of our Free Euronymphing 101 Classes.
Steelhead will be here soon, especially if we keep getting some good rainy days. Check out our upcoming class schedule, we have got plenty of options to get your fly boxes dialed for steelhead, get started fly tying, learn to euronymph and more.
]]>If salmon are not your jam, the trout fishing has been phenomenal despite the low water. Egg bite is all systems go, and it is prime time for some of the most technical sight fishing for trout that Michigan has to offer. Whether you are euro nymphing or running indicators, fall trout fishing can be truly magical.
If your minds are already on swinging flies for steelhead, come see us next weekend at the Muskegon River Spey Fest in Newaygo and get all you gear dialed in for the season. We will be there with plenty of rods, lines and other gear, and there may even be some show specials to sweeten the deal. Come see us at Henning Park Saturday September 30th 9:30am - 2pm!
]]>In the mean time, the cooler weather has been great for the trout bite. Low water requires light line and fine tippets, but their are plenty of willing participants around. Eggs will become an increasingly important menu item in the coming weeks, but for now stonefly anchors and smaller euro nymphs have been productive.
Steelhead are on our minds and before we know it we will be swinging flies for our aggressive silver friends of fall. If you are interested in learning about swinging flies for steelhead, or looking to further hone your skills, consider joining us next Saturday September 23rd at our Grand Rapids location for a class led by local guide and author Kevin Feenstra. He will leading an in depth discussion on the finer points of swinging flies for steelhead as well as sharing some of his favorite swing fly patterns. Class cost is $75 which includes $25 of store credit. Space is limited so be sure to RSVP below.
Additionally, if you are interested in learning more about the spey casting, mark your calendars for September 30th and come and see us at the Muskegon River Spey Fest at Henning Park in Newaygo MI. More details can be found here on the Muskegon River Spey Fest Facebook Page.
]]>Shop staffer Drew got out for an early morning of Euro Nymphing and found a few nice players. Small nymphs and light tippet has been the ticket. But soon enough the egg buffet will be back open and the trout will be the first in line.
Reports have been rolling in of King Salmon in the lower river. Over the last week I have heard of a few fish caught downtown as well. The lake should flip with the north winds from the past couple days which ought to push a batch of fish upstream across the state. A big shot of rain would be helpful, but it doesn't look like we will be so lucky in the near future anyway.
In the mean time, focus on the early morning bite, and enjoy the last days of summer this holiday weekend!
]]>Locally the bass fishing has been pretty good, despite the low water on the Grand River, Rogue River, and Flat River. Bite windows have been most consistent early in the morning and late in the evening on top water flies (zudbubblers, gurglers, mr wigglys, boogle bugs, etc). As the sun comes up, focusing on deep subsurface presentations have produced some consistent bites.
Despite the low water, nymphing has been productive for trout as well in our northern rivers that are running a bit cooler. Small flies, light tippet, and stealthy presentations have rewarded some nice fish in the past week.
Swing by the shop this weekend for the latest information, and get geared up. If you are interested in getting out with a guide, we have trips available. Call the shop (616-805-4393) or send us an email for available dates.
]]>Top water has been the name of the game for bass on the Grand River. Gurglers, poppers, mr. wiggly's, etc. If its on top its been good. We just got a load of Zudbubblers in this week, swing by the shop to pick some up and tie up a few for yourself if you're into that.
Nymphing for trout in the morning has been producing some good fish before the sun takes over and water heats up. And hoppers continue to find a few willing participants for those who are persistent. (Or try both at the same time!)
We have some rain in next weeks forecast which should help bring temps down a bit and hopefully river levels up as things have been quite low as of late.
Good luck out there this weekend. Let us know how you do!
]]>Over the weekend shop guide Christian Gradowski took a trip with Ed Mccoy up north and had some absolutely awesome fishing! He was frogging Ed's new fishing frog/mouse fly the amphibious assualt and proved the pattern is very effective in catching trout once the lights go out!
--> CHECK OUT HOW TO TIE ED'S AMPHIBIOUS ASSAULT HERE <--
If you head out in the morning get those hoppers tied on and start beating the heck out of the wood and grass near the bank. As the sun comes up fish get wary and tuck under cover. We recommend throwing hoppers in the 14 to 10 size range, and don't be scared to change colors till you find what they are eating.
If the water temps get to hot in your area to fish trout don't worry the Smallmouth bass are always willing to bite! The Smallmouth game has been on fire still with tons of fish being caught on the surface with poppers and Mr. wigglys. Make sure you are fishing the grass and the sand edges next to the grass when that sun gets high, a lot of fish this time of the year sneak into those weed beds to hide from that high sun. Just make sure you fish over those weed mats a couple times, it has been taking a few casts over to get those fish to react and jump up to the fly.
There are a few open dates in the coming weeks for local Smallmouth Bass trips. Call the shop (616)-805-4393 for available dates!
]]>Nymph bite has been good during the mornings and evenings for trout. Euro nymphs in standard variations have been producing well. Don't be afraid to downsize a bit when things get slow, you might just surprise yourself...Terrestrial fishing is starting to take off as well. Dry dropper is always a good option to cover both bases.
'Mousin' aficionado Robby tells me that this weekend is the time to get out and mouse as water conditions are prime and the moon will be setting around the same time as the sun. Next weekend the moon won't set until after midnight. So get out there and take advantage of the darkness while you can. Here is some inspiration:
Bass fishing has been consistent around town as well. Poppers and top water bugs have been producing, and numbers have been high. Weather looks perfect this weekend, get out there and rip some lips.
]]>Now, what if you're not a night time person? Well you're in luck because it’s also hopper season. Once the sun gets high, look for shady wood piles, over hanging trees, cut banks, and most importantly tall grass that over hangs next to the water! With hopper fishing sometimes it’s about drawing them out to come take a swipe at it! Don't be afraid to twitch a bigger fly for the bigger fish, but sometimes sizing down will produce numbers.
We finally got some rain and when it rains that means the bass become happy because there’s more water and a rush of colder water in the river system. We have still been absolutely hammering fish on poppers in the morning hours and streamers as the sun gets high up in the sky. Poppers and topwater flies like mr wigglys in green, black, white and yellow have been putting the most fish in the boat for me right now. Streamers have been a little more inconsistent with different colors producing on different days. Focus on the water color and try to find something that will stand out and get their attention.
Plenty of other options for warm water going on as well, don't be afraid to target some different species as we roll into the dog days of summer.
I am running 6 hour bass trips for $400 right now, if anyone one is interested in these trips feel free to reach out to me via my cell (248-875-4143) or my email Christian@nomadanglers.com
Have a great weekend everyone and Good luck out there!
-Christian Gradowski
]]>Iso fishing remains consistent before the hatch, and as we roll into the summer day time terrestrial fishing will pick up as the weather permits as will the late night mousing if you're into that sort of thing...
Just like the trout eating surface flies during the night we got bass eating on the surface all day long. For the last 2 weeks have been some of the best fishing days I have had personally and with clients, doesn’t seem to matter what you throw out there all you really have to do is make sure it floats and pops! Last week Wednesday was a day I won’t forget, Phill called me up to book a trip a couple weeks ago we figured out a day and while talking on the phone phill asked me one thing and one thing only. “Can we only fish top water” as I guide I never like to live and die on a pattern or way of fishing but I said to him we will throw top water till your arm falls off. Well guess what, we did exactly that, we met at 6:45am hopped in the boat and started fishing, while in the first 20 minutes we were 4-4 on smallies nothing huge but good teen size fish. At 7:35am we hooked what I call a grand river giant l!
After that phill and I both didn’t care what happen for the next 5 hours, well I did matter because we ended up losing count of how many fish we caught and missed the fly. I’ll stop blabbing about our fish stories just know if you are headed out bass fishing this weekend you better have poppers on deck!
I am running 6 hour bass trips for $400 right now, if anyone one is interested in these trips feel free to reach out to me via my cell (248-875-4143) or my email Christian@nomadanglers.com
Have a great weekend everyone and Good luck out there!
-Christian Gradowski
]]>
If you plan to head out this weekend to get in on the action make sure you are stocked up on heavy leaders and big bugs. Blind fishing Isos has been great lately as well, especially in last weeks cooler weather. But don't overlook this bug as you wait for the big ones in the evening.
For all you Bass lovers its been so much fun right now with the top water bite being the key to all of our bites right now. My guide program right now is easy and simple.. Throw a popper to the grass, throw a popper over the deep hole, and last but not least throw a popper at the wood pile... I think you get the point, the popper bite is taking a cake right now. When times get tough out there we dive deep into the dark scary holes and throw craw fish patterns bouncing off the bottom, those really high sun days we have had to slow way down and get deep to get bites!
I am running 6 hour bass trips for $400 right now, if anyone one is interested in these trips feel free to reach out to me via my cell (248-875-4143) or my email Christian@nomadanglers.com
Have a great weekend everyone and Good luck out there!
-Christian Gradowski
]]>
Around the Grand Rapids area we are still hitting Sulphur's pretty good and there are a few grey drakes showing up on our rivers like the rogue, if you are heading out this weekend locally here's what you need to know. Fish early morning or late at night there's not much activity in-between right now, Bugs are showing up later into the night and going till the morning with a lot of fish still eating bugs on top around that 6am time period. Sulphur's in 14-16 size are my go to right now with how the bugs are playing out, for grey drakes those size 12 or 10 are working really well for me right now.
For bass just keep it simple... Throw a popper at them and watch the fish just blow them out of the water, this is my favorite time of the year to chase bass with them being down to blow up on top water it makes fishing for them even more fun than on streamers. If you want to catch bass on streamers small is better right now, the lack of rain has really put a effect on the bass bite only due to the water levels being low so its forcing those fish into the main river channel.
I am running 6 hour bass trips for $400 right now, if anyone one is interested in these trips feel free to reach out to me via my cell (248-875-4143) or my email Christian@nomadanglers.com
Have a great weekend everyone and Good luck out there!
-Christian Gradowski
]]>For the most part Grey Drakes are still the main bug popping off during that dusk time period and there are trout still looking up to eat those bugs. Plenty of sulphurs on the Muskegon as well. Brown Drakes are around further north, and with the warm weather we will be seeing Hex in no time.
All the trips I have been running for bugs has been early morning targeting those bugs that are hatching during that morning cool before the sun gets above those trees because once the suns up the fish are shut off and go into hiding. For this weekend I would do one of two things, One being just focus on the morning bite being there before first light has been the ticket. Now number two just go do some bass fishing till this weather figures out what it wants to do, Smallies and largies have been eating top water like crazy.
For the bass fishing right now its been an all top water game out there right now. On Monday I was able to sneak off and do some fishing of my own and let me tell you it was lights out on top water. This time of the year before it gets too hot and bass become a morning only thing the mid day top water bite becomes a lot of fun around here for Large Mouth and Small Mouth. Everything I have been using is super natural to fit along with the low and clear water we have right now, So get those poppers and deer hair frogs out and go have your self a day!
I am running 6 hour bass trips for $400 right now, if anyone one is interested in these trips feel free to reach out to me via my cell (248-875-4143) or my email Christian@nomadanglers.com
Have a great weekend everyone and Good luck out there!
-Christian Gradowski
]]>Let me give you the Guide program run down of what I have been doing on the water to stay so successful.
First for trout - Sulfurs, grey drakes, caddis, BWOs, and a couple hennies left around GR are what’s flying around across the state! The sulfurs and caddis are taking the crown for lower west Michigan rivers like the rogue river in Rockford. Now for a little more north sulfurs and grey drakes are going insane, last night on the PM is was a absolute blanket hatch for grey drakes! So relax and sleep in the night bugs are here and ready to get trout to play!
Now for bass fishing waters starting to drop and clear up which isn’t a bad thing since the grand river has been so dirty. We have been spending a lot of time on the upper Grand River doing very well on bass! Every fish seems to be chasing streamers still with a few blowing up poppers here and there which tells me the post spawn bite is on! Post spawn is a great time to get some of those bigger fish to chase streamers after a long couple weeks of spawning. So if you are heading out over the weekend I would stick to streamers in the 3-5 inch range and make sure you are throwing something they can see. the brighter the better it seems!
Shops will be closed on Monday. Have a great weekend!
Guide Trip Info -
I have some June dates left for smallies and for dry fly trout action! If you are interested in learning the grand river for smallies or dusk dry fly fishing for trout!
Text or email me to book a trip -
(248)875-4143 or Christian@nomadanglers.com
]]>Smallies are firing right now! With a little pit of pre spawn smallie fishing left over before they go full spawn mode and we wait for the post spawn bite its the time to get out there and look for a big one! They are eating big baits right now which makes life so much more fun targeting them! If you are heading out over the weekend think big and bright! Game changers this time of the year can be the best way to get a big fish to eat. Bright colors and larger profile bite wont last for long so get out there and chase those bronze backs!
Like Always good luck and have fun!
-Christian Gradowski
Anyone else been small mouth fishing lately? The Smallie bite has been absolutely fire and I mean absolutely fire, every client I have taken out as of late has boated 10 or more. The smallies are full pre spawn mode eating everything that hits the water, it’s been a struggle finding those bigger fish but the 15-18 inches are absolutely hammering the fly which has been a lot of fun. If you are heading out this weekend throwing bigger 5-7 inch flies has been crushing them all over west Michigan!
So get out there this weekend there’s early summer fishing is in full blast!
May dry fly trips available. These are mostly afternoon till dark trips. Also Bass fishing has been absolutely fire right now, now is your chance to catch your biggest bass of the year!
Contact me for availability and take advantage of discounts for booking multiple days.
Cell - (248)875-4143
Email - Christian@nomadanglers.com
May the 4th be with you and good luck this weekend .
-Christian Gradowski
]]>Heading out this weekend it seems its going to set up really nice for streamer fishing again like last weekend! All the fish we have been catching on streamers have been on 4-5 inch jig style streamers in the colors Black, White, Olive and Tan. Those have turned the most fish for us in the last couple trips with clients.
For all my Dry Fly lovers don't worry the wait is over! We caught tons of fish in the last couple days on dries, mostly BWO's, Caddis, and some Hennies have been seen flying around Grand Rapids rivers! All the BWO fish are being caught on size 18 and 20, for the caddis it has been tan caddis in the 12 and 14 size range. Fish have been happy to feed on dries and we don't see that stopping any time soon!
Join us at Third Nature Brewing Company on Saturday April 29th for our first ever Trout Opener Party and Gear Swap! It has been a long winter, but trout season is finally here and we are ready to celebrate. Come out to Third Nature between 1pm and 4pm for lunch, a few beers, door prizes, discounts, gear swap, demo rods to cast from Scott and Echo, demo lines to cast from Scientific Anglers, and an opportunity to win raffle prizes from Simms, Cortland, Echo, Orvis, Scientific Anglers, Third Nature Brewing Company, Nomad Anglers, and more!
Do you have a closet full of gently used fly fishing gear that you are ready to part ways with? Well, we have great news. We will be hosting a Gear Swap at our Trout Opener Party! Here is how it works:
We are looking forward to seeing you all at Third Nature Brewing Company on Trout Opener!
I do have a couple dates left for Streamer fishing just out side of Grand Rapids. This is the most productive time of year for streamer fishing for trout and bass. I also have May dry fly trips available. These are mostly afternoon till dark trips. Contact me for availability and take advantage of discounts for booking multiple days.
Cell - (248)875-4143
Email - Christian@nomadanglers.com
If you are heading out this weekend chasing trout it’s going to be a cold one Saturday so break out those jig style streamers and start flinging some meat around wood and drop offs. The streamer bite has been consistent for everyone across the state. Streamer reports from the Pere Marquette have been quite good, there’s a bunch of guys still “chasing” steelhead, with no one really chasing trout so it’s a perfect time to knock the rust off the old shoulder and start stripping streamers. A lot of fish are being caught on blacks, browns, and olives as of late in a range of sizes from 4-7 inches in length.
Bass bite has been slow, but the dedicated anglers have been finding a few here and there. Expect the spring bite to improve as temperatures start to creep up again next week.
Join us at Third Nature Brewing Company on Saturday April 29th for our first ever Trout Opener Party and Gear Swap! It has been a long winter, but trout season is finally here and we are ready to celebrate. Come out to Third Nature between 1pm and 4pm for lunch, a few beers, door prizes, discounts, gear swap, demo rods to cast from Scott and Echo, demo lines to cast from Scientific Anglers, and an opportunity to win raffle prizes from Simms, Cortland, Echo, Orvis, Scientific Anglers, Third Nature Brewing Company, Nomad Anglers, and more!
Do you have a closet full of gently used fly fishing gear that you are ready to part ways with? Well, we have great news. We will be hosting a Gear Swap at our Trout Opener Party! Here is how it works:
We are looking forward to seeing you all at Third Nature Brewing Company on Trout Opener!
My end of April is basically full but I do have a couple dates left for Streamer fishing just out side of Grand Rapids. This is the most productive time of year for streamer fishing for trout and bass. I also have May dry fly trips available. These are mostly afternoon till dark trips. Contact me for availability and take advantage of discounts for booking multiple days.
Cell - (248)875-4143
Email - Christian@nomadanglers.com
Sooo what to do now? Well with high flows and warming water the streamer bite for trout is heating up! A lot of fish are being caught on bigger streamer patterns (5-7 inch range) with dirty water and high flows you are able to pull the big stuff out to grab their attention. White, black, and olive has been the color to throw as of the last week or so.
Now the question everyone has been asking....Is it time for dry flies!? Well ladies and gentlemen I am here to say the olives are in the air and hennies are right around the corner!! With this week's warm weather, things are going to start moving fast! So break out the 5wts, the light tippets, and the aquel it’s time to party!!
Join us at Third Nature Brewing Company on Saturday April 29th for our first ever Trout Opener Party and Gear Swap! It has been a long winter, but trout season is finally here and we are ready to celebrate. Come out to Third Nature between 1pm and 4pm for lunch, a few beers, door prizes, discounts, gear swap, demo rods to cast from Scott and Echo, demo lines to cast from Scientific Anglers, and an opportunity to win raffle prizes from Simms, Cortland, Echo, Orvis, Scientific Anglers, Third Nature Brewing Company, Nomad Anglers, and more!
Do you have a closet full of gently used fly fishing gear that you are ready to part ways with? Well, we have great news. We will be hosting a Gear Swap at our Trout Opener Party! Here is how it works:
We are looking forward to seeing you all at Third Nature Brewing Company on Trout Opener!
-Christian Gradowski
Now where does that put the steelhead season? Well, it’s safe to say we are nearing the end of the season. The Grand is raging high right now, but the Rogue has a ton of fish. Fish on the Rogue are doing their thing up on gravel (please leave them to it) and drop backs are starting to make their way back to the lake. All that being said I do think we have at least a week or two left of good steelhead fishing in the GR area.
The Rogue is still very high and dirty today and on the rise again. If you are heading out exercise extreme caution while wading. Hopefully levels will drop by the weekend. If you are heading out this weekend to the local steelhead holes make sure you have some bright and big eggs tied up! Think blob eggs and rag eggs in orange and chartreuse! All the water is stained up real bad and to get the attention of the fish right now you need some bright stuff to draw them out. Our rigs are staying the same with just your normal Indy Rig set up!
Now we move onto my favorite time of the year! Oh Mr. Brown trout how I have missed you, and your willingness to eat a big nasty streamer. We are headed into streamer season boys and girls, get your 8 inch mean nasty meat out of the closet and your hard hats! It’s freaking streamer season!!!!!!!! Streamer season has already started with a 26 inch monster brown being caught up on Au Sable, which means it could be a great spring streamer season! Waters high and dirty so get those big streamers dusted off, colors we see a lot of success are on black, black and white, olive, and brown and tan!
Nymphing has been productive as well, with temperatures starting to creep up, fish are on the feed. Egg patterns continue to be the best producers on any river with steelhead, as well as big stoneflies.
Bass fishing and dry fly fishing for trout is just around the corner as well. Now is the time to get your gear in order and ready for the next season. Swing by the shop and we will get you set up.
Finally, mark your calendars for April 29th, we will be holding a Trout Opener Party and Gear Swap at Third Nature Brewing! More details to come, stay tuned and sign up for our emails if you aren't already.
Guide Trips available -
I have a couple April and May dates open for anyone looking for last chance steelhead
Dates are April 13th, 14th,
Streamer fishing trips are filling up quick! I have these dates still available
Dates are April 17th, 18th, 19th, 24th, 25th, 26th and 27th
Feel free to reach out
cell - (248) 875-4143
Email - Christian@nomadanglers.com
like always good luck and have fun
- Christian Gradowski
]]>If you are looking to head out here are my key guide choice flies to have ready! First for eggs - Rags and nukes are a must have with dirty water. The eggs provide a bigger profile in the blown out water. For nymphs - I’m a true believer in the stones and fry patterns, black and golden stones have kept my net filled with fish all year. Along with fry patterns becoming very productive just before this hard rain hit us.
Trout fishing has been great in the high water, especially up on our Northern Rivers. There are a huge number of browns stacked behind steelhead beds. With free food flowing down stream from the gravel beds those trout know where to go and get a free meal till they are too fat to swim. Go to patterns for trout right now are standard mcflyfoam egg and fry patterns, those trout are no stranger to what fills the water this time of the year! So if your heading out any time soon go find some gravel and fish behind it, I will bet any money there’s some browns sneaking around eating those eggs!
Euro Nymphing 101 April 12th - 6-8pm
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Opening Day Trout Flies April 20th - 6-8pm
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Fly Fishing 101 April 16th - 1-3pm
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As the steelhead start going back to the lake it is about the time Smallmouth and Trout fishing with streamers start to really pick up! Pre Spawn Smallies are some of the most fun all year, the feeding window for Smallies is starting to heat up as the days get warmer. So if you are interested in getting out there contact me, I have a couple Small Mouth bass days open!!!
For local trout fishing the streamer bite is going to start getting really hot once those eggs are out of the system. I only have a few April days left for trout so if interested contact me.
Email - Christian@nomadanglers.com
Cell - (248) 875-4143
Like always have fun and good luck.
- Christian Gradowski
Click here to Learn how we rig our indy rigs
For all you Brown Trout lovers, now is the time to get out there!!!!! With Steelhead starting to spawn the trout are really starting to get EGG CRAZY out there. Target the areas behind steelhead, browns love to hang out and eat eggs there. Typically the most natural egg patterns you have are most effective. Steelhead Orange, Golden Orange, and Mccheese in small sizes.
If you are itching to get out the dry fly rod, there are stoneflies around. Break out that light tippet and try to remember how to cast a floating line. It can be rewarding.
I have a couple spring steelhead dates left! If you ever wanted to fish down town Grand Rapids and catch Steelhead now is the time to do it!
The dates I have left are March 27th, March 29th, March 30th, and April 4th!
Feel free to contact me
Email - Christian@nomadanglers.com
Cell - (248) 875-4143
Like Always have fun and good luck!
- Christian Gradowski
Steelhead fishing has been steady throughout the state, for the most part the fish being caught have been there a while, not a ton of new fish showing up yet but that should change this weekend. With heavy rains forecasted for tonight and tomorrow there's going to be a huge push of steelhead from the lakes up into the rivers. So if you plan on fishing this weekend it should be very good, so get out there!!!
The Grand River is running at 6,500 cfs right now, which is going to change after friday so be careful if wading out there. The Rogue is at 300 cfs right now, which is a great wadeable cfs to be out there!
Trout bite is been warming up quite nice in the last week. With some steelhead spitting some eggs out the trout have been back on their egg grind. So if you are heading out to trout fish make sure you have a egg or two!
Good Luck this weekend -
Christian Gradowski
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