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Welcome to RiverQuest Charters/Muskegon River Lodge
Greetings!
As we stand on the brink of that ever so appealing season of the year-fall, perhaps it's appropriate to take a moment and reflect how fortunate we are to have been drawn to the outdoor sports, especially so in a state so laden with Nature's bounty. Hikers, kayakers, wing shooters, archers, and, yes, we fly fishers realize pulses are quickening as fall's curtain calls-crisp, golden daybreaks and amber-crimson hues seeping leaf to leaf-stir us to get out and experience that which we love. We RiverQuest guides savor fall. Whether along with our clients we witness the very story of life as hen Chinook turn redds and alpha bucks charge lesser hopefuls or resident browns and rainbows sidle in and out among the salmon snapping up eggs adrift, Nature's story stands revealed in narrative rich and evocative. Thanks, too, to all of you, our loyal customers and friends. You make our forays astream all the more enjoyable and memorable. We value you and are privileged to experience Nature along side you, all the while helping create memories with family and friends. So, here's hoping you, too, embrace life this fall with whatever outdoor pursuit suits your need and fancy.
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Muskegon River Lodge I am fresh off a fishing "high" from the Kenektok and Arolik Rivers located 500 miles due west of Anchorage, Alaska. My normal role of a host was traded in for a role as a guest-something I can say was a real pleasure. Three different rides in three different types of planes landed me in a piece of fly fishing heaven that everyone should experience. Since this trip was to be all about the experience, I thought I would take the time to get to know some of our wines we offer at the lodge back in Michigan. Flown in by helicopter (the village of Quinhagak is "dry" which includes the airstrip) our wine and scotch landed softly on the gravel bar in front of camp. The 2006 Flora Springs Cabernet from our lodge wine list was perfect for the evening autumn air in Western Alaska; it exhibits all of the characteristics of a classic Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon. Ripe flavors of black cherry and cocoa envelop the mouth and flows into a soft lingering finish. Chef Robert's creatively prepared meals only enhanced both the wine and the fly fishing experience. Guests wishing to add a bottle or two of this wonderful cab to their next stay at the lodge or perhaps sample one of our other great wines or thoughtfully prepared dinners, give us a call at 616.293.0501 or drop us an email. |
RiverQuest Charters
It's hard to believe summer is over, though unofficially. Certainly some of the nicest weather of the year comes in September so we guides prefer to see it as a pleasing start of fall. A morning chill will freshen as we slip downstream to pools of fresh-run chinook salmon making their way upstream. Morning streamer fishing for chinook gives way late morning hatches of blue-winged olives and afternoon caddis. September and October provides the fly fisherman with numerous options for fly fishing all in one day! While salmon will certainly get the bulk of the attention throughout the month, some of the year's best trout will show themselves as they seek an easy meal drawing them from the security of their daytime hides to dart among the caviar buffet provided by spawning salmon. Bring your 10 wt. salmon pushing 30 lb. plus have already been caught this year in Big Blue, but don't retire your trout rod; one last 20" plus brown or rainbow may only be a drift away!
To be sure, the sometimes oppressive heat and humidity throughout the country this summer has made it hard to think about fall fishing, but fall is indeed here. All of us at RiverQuest Charters have a few dates available, so come enjoy a day on the water! For information on available dates, simply give us a call at 616.293.0501 or email.
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 Benthic Buzz - September  With water temps finally dropping this month, the fish will breathe a sigh of relief. Along with conditions for trout improving, we should also see a resurgence of good feeding activity on both cinnamon(#16-#18) and little green(#18-#20) caddis. As the water temps stay cooler, look for feeding activity to push back to mid/late afternoon. Along with the caddis, also keep an eye out for fish feeding on baetis (#18-#22). These flies also hatch in the afternoon and can at times bring up some fine fish. Carry emerger, dun, and spinner imitations for them since trout can become quite selective on them as the month goes by. It is quite common to find only certain areas on the Muskegon that will have fish feeding on baetis, but when you do find one of these areas you can look forward to some great dry fly action. Nymph fishing should also continue to improve with caddis pupae and larvae (#16-20) being top patterns to fish. Salmon, which have already begun to show up, will also make their way up the river this month and will certainly start getting some attention. Fishing deep runs with sink tips and bright streamers can at times turn up a bright king that will test your skill and your equipment to the max. After the past few months long spell of warm water on the Muskegon, this month is a great time to be out on the water. Pleasant afternoons and favorable conditions for trout make September one of the best times of the year to get out and fly fish. -Jay Allen |
 Re-Cap Alaska West 2011  What an experience! Our nine day foray into the Alaskan bush was extraordinary-fly fishing so spectacular that one needs to live it first-hand to understand and appreciate. We fished silver salmon (Coho) so fresh from the sea the sea lice on them still had tails, which our guides told us typically fall off within hours of entering fresh water. Most of the time, though, we sight-fished resident rainbow trout. The game here is to stalk through the bear bush, praying that a bruin doesn't decide to make a people sandwich, all the while spotting 20inch+ leopard rainbows to which one tosses top water mice on 6 wt. rods. Simply as good as it gets! Seemingly everywhere, too, were Dolly Vardon and Arctic Char with the ever present Chum and Sockeye salmon. Want a change of pace? Grab the 3 wt. and dries to rising grayling. To top it off, we made fast friends with any number of guys from all over the country (and South Aftrica [36 hour plane ride!!]. Our hosts were professional and despite the fact that the tent camp was accessible only by air and sea, the camp was comfortable and the food exceptional. The guides at Alaska West are some of the best in the world and a real privileged to be guided and instructed on the river. Whether is was Skagit Master Ed Ward, National Spey casting champion Whitney Gould, Barry, KP, Jeb, Zack, Nick, Rick, or Trevor all brought a wealth of fly fishing knowledge that was a privilege to be shared. Let the photos tell the rest of the story! The dates for our 2012 trip are August 17-24, arrive in Anchorage, Alaska on August 16. For information on this trip of a life time, please send me an email or call 616.293.0501. A photo album of our recent trip may be view on our RiverQuest Charters Facebook page. A $500 deposit holds your spot, don't miss it!
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The Earth is Enough
By Harry Middleton
Said Emerson to twelve year old Harry, "Get your mind off trout, if you can. I know they've got you. I can see it. Every fraternity of sufferers knows its brothers. Trout hook men; men don't hook trout. Better try and throw the hook while you can."
And so it goes for Harry, newly ensconced in a hermit's cabin high in the Ozarks with aged curmudgeons, Emerson and Albert. A brilliantly written coming of age chronicle, The Earth is Enough, recommended to me by Bob Braendle of Great Lakes Fly Fishing Company, fairly brims with grace, wisdom, and wonder about all things natural.
Inspired by Emerson and Albert and awed by their semi-bonkers Sioux neighbor Elias Wonder, Harry watches and learns; his mentor is Mother Nature; his love and passion, fly fishing. No cutting corners here, though, as Wonder reminds, "There is a serious side to this code business, too, you know. No worms. No salmon eggs. Not even pretty pink ones. And no tender, sweet niblets of corn. You don't bait what you love. You tempt it, lure it, get under its skin."
The Earth is Enough evokes smiles, thought, and reflection. Any number of passages are memorable and worthy of rereading time and again. I loved it and think you may well, too. If you treasure nature, ponder life and living, and like us at RiverQuest are intrinsically fascinated by trout, this is a book you will hold close. I can't recommend it highly enough.
The Earth is Enough is available in paperback at the Great Lakes Fly Fishing Company in Rockford Michigan for $18.00.
616.866.6060.
Captain Tom Kuieck
RiverQuest Charters
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,"Fly Box" by
Micheal Schmidt
Mike's GHB |
Thread:
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UTC140
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Front Hook:
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Daiichi 2220, size 6
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Trailer:
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Daiichi 2553, size 6
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Bead:
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6mm Chaser
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Tail
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Marabou
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Flash:
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Magnum Holographic Flashabou
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Body:
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Schlappen
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Head1:
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Senyo Laser Dub
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Head2:
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UV Ice Dub
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As the summer winds down, the water is generally a little low and clear, and we start to see migratory fish coming in to our Michigan streams. Most people will target only them during this period, but it would be a mistake to forget about the resident trout. Swinging or stripping a smallish streamer by undercuts and through deeper pools can be a very productive tactic. The GHB (Gotta Hot Butt) Sculpin employs multiple triggers meant to entice the fish to strike. With a slender sculpin profile, this fly is easy to cast, and the head pushes plenty of water to kick the tail around. Throw it on a sink tip and see what you can tease out of hiding. To see more of Mike's innovative patterns, visit his website. |
Great Gear--The BUFF Cyclone
The Buff, originating from Spain, was the idea of a keen off-road trials motorcyclist who realized the need for a multi-functional garment to be worn on and around his head while out riding in all conditions. Having worked in the textile industry for over 25 years manufacturing knitted collars and cuffs for the most popular football brands in Europe, Juan Rojas set about creating a functional garment that could be worn in all manner of ways, replacing the need for separate items of head and neck and head wear. Experimenting with different designs and processes, Juan eventually found a high performance microfiber that was breathable, moisture wicking and wind resistant. Juan then set about designing a proprietary knitting process that could manufacture the Buff in such a way as to ensure enduring comfort and durability. The manufacturing process, which takes place on a specially developed tubular loom, achieves a unique seamless construction resulting in a particularly comfortable garment that is extremely durable. The use of a sublimation process to transfer designs onto the product ensures that the material retains its soft feel without the fabric fading when either exposed to the elements or during cleaning. Then, in 1998, Buff entered a team into the Eco-Challenge adventure race and by the end of the event most participants had either requested or were wearing a Buff and were totally "Buffed up." Since then, Buff has become a standard accessory for all adventure racers and athletes, and has been worn by contestants on the CBS Survivor series, Raid Gaulouises and Southern Traverse events. Adventure Racer Louise Cooper says: "I can't imagine being without my Buff. It's without a doubt the most versatile accessory anyone can wear." Buff and has since become popular with millions of outdoor enthusiasts who benefit from its versatility: the garment has multiple uses and can be worn as a scarf, bandanna, headband, hat, facemask or wristband. Put simply: Buffs are uniquely versatile garments designed to achieve a high level of comfort and protection from the elements, WITH FUN! Bottom line, do you need a BUFF? The Answer, Yes, its bound to be crappy out there in our great out-of-doors, a BUFF will help you through!
To purchase a BUFF, please visit one our regional fly shop affiliates.
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"Like Us" on Facebook Most of you have heard about Facebook by now.Some of you undoubtedly have your own Facebook page. RiverQuest Charters and Muskegon River Lodge both appreciate the fun and benefit of offering "Fan" pages to our clients. The fan pages offer discussion, forums, photo albums, and, of course, a place for you to share that experience or fish tale with fellow fans. To join one or both of our fan pages, please click on the above links and give it a thumbs up! If you are not a Facebook subscriber, you will be prompted to open an account to join the fun. These accounts are free! |
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