|
Welcome to RiverQuest Charters/Muskegon River Lodge
Greetings!
It won't be long before we will be gathering around tables laden with bounty with family and friends joining in thanksgiving for the lives we are so blessed to enjoy. In anticipation of that day and with sincere appreciation, we guides of RiverQuest and the staff of the Muskegon River Lodge thank you, our clients and friends, for your friendship and support. We count it a privilege to share in your creating treasured memories with your colleagues, friends, and family. We celebrate those times when you are able to step back from the often frenetic pace of life, to recreate on the river and in the comfort of the lodge with us and those whom you love. Happy Thanksgiving to each and every one of you!
|
|
 Muskegon River LodgeThe first snow of the season should arrive sometime this month, as it canvases the forest floor in a blanket of white. The coziness of the lodge this time of year is like no other. A soak in the steaming hot tub as snowflakes softly land about you, a steam in our sauna after a day on the river swinging for steelhead, or maybe a  glass of wine before one of our skillfully prepared dinners, finishes an already perfect day at the lodge. November guests attest that after a brisk day on the river, the comforts of the lodge warm and soothe the soul. Late fall and winter is our favorite time year to snuggle in at the lodge! Whether you're a steelhead fisherman, nature enthusiast, or a couple just looking for a place to go to "slow down," the inviting warmth of the Muskegon River Lodge won't disappoint. For more information visit our website, email, or call 616.293.0501.  |
 RiverQuest Charters
After the most impressive October showing of fall steelhead in the last 10 years, we close the door of the month in awe. Now that the salmon are largely gone, and the egg buffet has slowed, the fall steelhead have begun to reside in their favorite fall runs and pools. Classic two-handed rods are the primary tools of choice as the "swing" is in full effect. Large, brightly colored leeches and sculpins swung through classic holding waters are yielding chrome, often via violent strikes. Many of our guests have not spent much, if any, time swinging flies for steelhead, but this year with the abundance of fall steelhead, any number of our clients have made short work of landing their first steelhead on the swing. Now through mid-December will provide excellent opportunities to succeed with the swung fly. If you haven't experienced this type of steelhead fishing, don't wait; let us share it with you now! For information on joining us on the Muskegon yet this fall, please call 616.293.0501, email, or visit or website.
 
|
| Benthic Buzz by Jay Allen
November
Looking back at the month of October, it is hard not to get excited about the fishing to come this month. While you can't expect the fishing to continue at the same pace, this month has some serious potential, if the trend does in fact continue into what is traditionally the better month for steelhead. One thing to keep in mind is that as the egg dispensers(salmon) die, trout and steelhead alike will look to  alternative food sources to keep metabolism peaking. And while streamers, leeches, and many other large swinging patterns will be a great choice there will be other changes to the benthic community that can be capitalized on as well.
After the crazy caddis activity we had on the river this summer, we have been left with a new set of recruits that have grown into a great food source for our trout and steelhead. Hydropsyche larvae(cinnamon caddis) are in abundance and will continue to be a pattern to use through the fall and all winter. Olive beaded and non-beaded caddis larvae in sizes #14-18 fished with an indicator is a great way to imitate them.
Also, with the water temperature changes recently, scud activity will increase. Scuds are always a good choice when targeting trout, but they can also tempt steelhead at times. Remember that steelhead will always be steelhead, but after entering the river, as each day goes by, they seem to act more like trout. This is good to keep in mind while searching for them because some steelhead that are not in the "hot spots" go untouched and can be caught by those willing to change tactics a bit. Steelhead are not always in an aggressive mode, and fishing realistic imitations has its place during times of the day that are slow when fishing leeches and streamers.
 While I would love to say that we will have some great dry-fly fishing this month, it would be a bit risky. Most good emergences of BWO's (#20-#24) went by largely unnoticed last month due to egg gluttony, but there is still a small chance of a few days of sipping trout this month for those who are looking for it. Just to be safe you might want to carry a small selection of dries/emergers.
This past week we saw a drastic decline in salmon so things are definitely moving towards good swinging conditions but will also give rise to other angling opportunities. On those slow afternoons don't be afraid to try a few new pieces of water and fish some flies that you might not usually use in the fall. You might be surprised.
|
Fly Box By Micheal Schmidt
Senyo Shaggy Minnow
Thread: UTC140 denier
Hook: Daiichi 2141 size 1
Tail: Marabou
Body1: Cactus Chenille
Body2: Schlappen
Flash: Holographic Magnum Flashabou
Legs: Sili Legs
Cheeks Grizzly Marabou
Head: Senyo Shaggy Dub
Eyes: Plastic bead chain
Swinging up some chrome is the name of the game this time of year. One of the flies that I have had great success enticing the active fish over the last few years has been a pattern from Greg Senyo, the Shaggy Minnow. This is an unweighted fly that uses both natural and synthetic materials to give movement in any water condition. As a general rule throw quarter casts downstream with a upstream mend when the line lands to let the fly get down, then swing the fly out through the slot and hold on!
To order this fly from Mike or to view his extensive collection of custom tied patterns, please visit his website.
|
|
|
|
Great Gear
New for 2012. RIO's new Scandi Short VersiTip is a shooting head developed for smaller rivers and tight casting situations.
Perfect for Great lakes tributaries
One of the simplest casting systems ever designed
Comes with four different 10ft tips: floating, intermediate, type 3 sinking, and type 6 density compensated sinking tips.
 | | RIO Scandi Short VersiTip Fly Line |
Still having trouble getting the distance out of your switch or short Spey rod? look no further than the Rio Scandi short, this line system will not only add some impressive distance to your cast but its simplicity will have you looking like a rock star in no time at all--period!
To purchase a Rio Scandi Short line system please visti one of our affiliate fly shops.
|
"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!
|
Need a Speaker or Presentation? As some of you who follow us on Facebook have read, Captain Steve Kuieck of RiverQuest Charters and the Muskegon River Lodge is now offering presentations promoting Michigan fly fishing opportunities. The talks, complete with a Power Point slide show, feature times and places to fly fish, techniques, entomology, and insights about fly fishing Michigan. Here is a review from a recent speaking engagement in Chicago-- "Steve Kuieck's presentation to our fly fishing club was very informative, fast-paced, and wonderfully cohesive. The beautiful visuals, his knowledge and explanations of techniques, and his buoyant personality made his talk one of the best received in the last few years."
Bob Swan Past President - The Anglers' Club of Chicago For information on booking Captain Steve for a presentation, please call 616.293.0501 or simply email. 
|
|
