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Welcome to RiverQuest Charters/Muskegon River Lodge
Greetings!
Happy holidays, one and all! What a great year it has been for RiverQuest Charters and the Muskegon River Lodge; great fly fishing, dining and lodging, and the addition of a wonderful gentleman guide, Jay Allen, to our team of client-centered guides. Truly, we are blessed. You, our friends and clients, have graciously supported us in our quest to provide some of the best of American fly fishing and accommodations. Thank you for your encouragement and comments as we seek to accord you ever better times with us in 2012.
The gift of time with friends and loved ones is priceless; we look forward to hosting you and encourage you to consider securing gift certificates for RiverQuest fly fishing adventures and Muskegon River Lodge escapes. We'll shoot the certificates out to you in plenty of time for your Christmas gift giving. Then, stand back and watch eyes grow big and smiles spread as the certificates are opened. Truth is, people are blown away when they receive these gifts. The certificates are out of the ordinary and so effectively reflect the love and heartfelt best wishes of the giver. May your holiday season be filled with the good will and love we all hope to experience with family and friends.
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 Muskegon River Lodge
December marks the beginning of "calendar winter" at the lodge. While winter to some might seem an unlikely favorite, for us, it is simply the best. The cold flowing Muskegon River, seemingly at peace, challenges the willing fly fisherman. Trout and silver steelhead await. After a day on the river, a return to the lodge for a soak in the hot tub or steam in the sauna , followed by a drink and conversation in the cave are moments to treasure. Not a fly fisherman? Not to worry, what could be better than watching the snow pile up from the cozy comfort the full log chalet  while enjoying a great new book or that title you've just been wanting re-live all over again. Whether you seek the perfect place to gather with friends for the weekend, a much needed escape from the city, special vintage of your favorite wine, a premium cigar to finish that already perfect day, or Heather's culinary creations, or simply a vacation free of the demands of everyday life, the Muskegon River Lodge enables relaxation, reflection, and re-creation. For information on joining us at the lodge during this special time of year, please send us an email or simply give us a call at 616.293.0501.
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 RiverQuest Charters
After some of the most remarkable steelhead fishing in recent years, the Muskegon River continues to fish extremely well. Even though water temperatures slip ever colder by the day, good numbers of steelhead will continue to provide great opportunities during December for both the two-handed fly fisherman and the single-hander alike. Conditions will warrant slowing down and diligently drifting one's flies, but with higher than normal numbers of steelhead in the system, efforts will be rewarded in sliver. Trout fishing, too, will shine. Read guide Jay's latest Benthic Buzz to share his passion for winter trout fishing.
To schedule a day on the river with us or to simply receive more information about our guided fly fishing services, please visit us online, send us an email, or call 616.293.0501.
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,Benthic Buzz by Jay Allen
December
As my fingers slowly metamorphose into their winter "phase," I am sad, yet excited, for the ensuing change in season and fishing. For me and many others, the pursuit of salmonids in the winter has become a passion bordering on addiction to the level of a mild narcotic, maybe stronger. The need to wade not only through pulsating living waters of the river but through the mysterious crystalline flows near the banks is compelling. Part of this draw is, no doubt, heightened by the hope of catching steelhead and trout in such a bizarre time of the year- a reality more likely than most anglers realize and better fishing than most would believe.
As the water temps fall even further than we saw last month, we
should see fish movement in the river change, too. Look for steelhead to move out of faster riffles and runs into slower glides and pools. Trout, too, will start to favor slower water adjacent to quicker water, which gives them a good opportunity for securing food to meet their changing metabolic needs. Mid-day will become a great time to fish for trout and steelhead on days when conditions are not too bright.
Another change that should take place this month is a change in diet. Midges will become an ever greater source of food for trout and should not be overlooked. Fish cream and gray midge pupa and larvae in sizes #18-#24 to imitate this important nutrient source on the "benthic buffet" menu. Keep a keen eye out for trout sipping midges in the quiet side waters as well. Muskegon River scuds (#16-#20), too, will become more and more important in the winter months. This is a pattern you
don't want to be without. Remember, if you catch one trout in the winter, there are bound to be others holding in the same tight area. Once you've located a trout or two, take your time and work on presentation and pattern selection.
This winter, make it point to get out on the water to experience the beauty, serenity, and thrill of catching steelhead and trout in our winter wonderland. You won't be sorry you gave it a try.
RiverQuest Charters guide, Jay Allen.
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 Fly Box by Michael Schmidt
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Thread:
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UTC140 denier, black
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Hook:
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Daiichi 2141 size 1
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Tail:
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Marabou, black
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Body1:
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Polar Chenille, black UV
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Body2:
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Ice Dub, UV Brown
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Head:
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Fish Skull, small
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Mike's Fish Candy
This month's fly is a great search pattern that is easy to cast and keeps a great profile when wet. By simply changing the colors of the materials you can match many prevalent minnow or juvenile fish species. Heavy enough to get down in cover and bring out the browns, throw in the lake and bring back by rock piles for lakers, or swing for chrome...it is a bit of a catch all. Use different grain weights to and retrieve rates to keep the fly in the zone you want to fish and hold on tight!
To purchase this fly or to see one of many other great patterns from Mike, visit his website.
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Book Review
by Glen Blackwood
Creative Salmon Fly Art
Vol 1 Part 1 Pheasant, Tragopans, Peacock Pheasants, and Jungle Fowl
Written and Photographed by Paul Roassman
Without a fly, would our sport exist? The simple answer is no. Our sport's epicenter is the fly. It may look like an insect, an egg, or a baitfish, but our sport is based on the existence of the fly. To be sure, a fly is a lure, a bait, something that is used to trick a fish into feeding, but one, nonetheless, constructed by wrapping fur, fibers, hackle, and other materials around the hook shank. A fly is tied, not molded. A fly is crafted, not manufactured. The first flies were found in ancient China and Egypt. Wrapped with fur and feathers, the flies were designed to land fish for food, not sport. As our sport developed in England, however, flies became not only a lure for fish but for the angler's eye. As the old country colonized, fly tiers found exotic birds in far-flung, exotic lands. Plumage from these birds became the inspiration for the "Full Dressed Salmon Fly" of today. Flies became bright; some may say gaudy in style and size. Dressed with silk and feathers from Jungle Cock, Indian Crow, and Guinea Fowl, these flies reflected the vastness of the British Empire.
As these flies migrated from the Isles to North America, flies became not only fish catchers but art. Fly dressers like Poul Jorgensen and Dick Talleur came front and center to the American tying scene. Their trout flies were immaculate, and their salmon flies became art placed in shadow boxes, not on leaders.
Such a modern artistic fly crafter is Paul Rossman.
 Creative Salmon Fly Art Volume 1, Part 1 is a new release that combines the author's fly tying, photography, and writing skills. The first in a 20 volume series, Part 1 focuses on Pheaseant, Trogopans, Peacock Pheasants, and Jungle Fowl. Paul, an artist by definition, has included line drawings and photos of plumage, as well as flies he has dressed.The volume features 15 flies tied with the feathers of 15 various birds. The ties are perfect and the photography spot on. He discusses the historical aspects of the materials in his text as he takes the reader on a adventure from past times and places to today.
Priced at $39.95, this book is not only a wealth of information but excitement for the eye. The colors of the feathers and the detail in the flies render this title an art gallery tour while sitting a home. Mr. Rossman self-published this title, as he will the next 19.
Swinging flies for salmon and steelhead now seems the rage. This book documents that swinging flies has been catching fish for decades, and the feathers that are used to tie salmon flies not only attract fish but anglers as well.
Glen
To purchase this book give Glen a call at 616.866.6060.
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Christmas Gift Ideas
Great Gear
Abel Nippers
- Designed, Manufactured and Assembled in the USA
- Anodized aluminum body construction
- Replaceable jaws - machined out of premium grade stainless steel, then heat treated to 58-60rc
- Saltwater resistant
- Engineered to Cut 7x - 100 lb mono and braid line.
- Available in all Abel Finishes
- 2 Year limited warranty on the jaws after initial purchase
- Black or Solid Finishes - $ 50.00, Fish Graphic - $ 100.00.
For any fly fisherman a good quality nipper is a must. True to form, Abel nippers are simply the best. To purchase an Abel nipper please visit one of our affiliate fly shops located near you.
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Christmas Gift ideas
Great Gear Morning Star Lanyards A great alternative to vests (or an addition for us packrats),
lanyards carry your "on stream" tools, tippet spools, and miscellaneous stuff.
Morning Star Lanyards include a Retractor, Neoprene Fly Patch, and Tippet Spool Holder (tippet not included) and are approximately 34." They
fit 99 percent of people.
Not only do these lanyards add a significant amount of functionality to your ability to access your tools easily, they also add a great amount of style to your look. To purchase one of these fine lanyards, please visit one of our local fly shop affiliates located near you.
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Christmas Gift Ideas
Great Gear
Patagonia Island Hopper Button Down Shirt
Serene in the face of serious heat and always up for a cleansing dunk in the hotel sink, an Island Hopper is traveler's manna. Its ultralight blend of moisture-wicking 65 percent all-recycled polyester and 35 percent organic cotton ventilates well, and the light colors reflect the sun. The shirt features a two button adjustable cuff, a straight hem, and side vents. The oversized drop-in chest pockets (sized for a fly box, passport, or both) with mesh vents can be accessed through the vertical reach-through opening while keeping the top flap secured. - A super light, long-sleeved shirt in an easy care, recycled polyester/organic cotton blend that's quick-to dry, highly breathable and comfortable, the shirt features 15-UPF sun protection
This shirt is a first grab in my closet. Whether I'm headed out to the river or to a casual dinner with friends, this shirt is perfect for any occasion. To purchase this shirt, please visit one of our local fly fishing shop affiliates located near you. |
Alaska West 2012
Looking for a "treat yourself" Christmas present or perhaps a gift of a lifetime for your significant other? Consider this: Captain Steve Kuieck will host RiverQuest Charters' second annual fly fishing trip to Alaska, August 17-24, 2012. Fishing the Kanektok River, plus two days per fisherman on the exclusive Arolik River, guests are sure to thrill to the sights, sounds, and most important, fish hooked on this trip.The time slot is prime for peak migrations of silver salmon and heavy rainbow trout. If you haven't experienced the excitement of an Alaskan fly fishing adventure, give this opportunity some considered thought. We have only a couple spaces left, so don't delay and miss your chance to fish some of Alaska's finest rivers! This is a top drawer experience and to enjoy it with Steve and fellow RiverQuest clients will make it all the better. For more information, give Steve a call at 616.293.0501 or email.
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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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