This is as close as it gets to angler’s heaven. The Pere Marquette, the Muskegon, the Betsey, The Big Two Hearted. October on our trout and salmon streams is an incredible deluge on our senses. Maples on the bank bursting in color so brilliant it is only matched by the reflection in the water. Trout streams truly have a mesmerizing sound as water flows downstream. Serene sounds that are heard in no other place on the planet. It’s not uncommon to see a trout angler sitting or lying on the bank, hat tipped forward resting weary eyes from months living life where we don’t necessarily want to be. Here rest comes easily and settles in.
The fish in these streams are as colorful as the maples on the bank. Rainbow Trout, Pink Salmon, Brown Trout, Chinooks and Atlantics all offer incredible stimulation to the eye. That is if one can be landed. They are the “wildest” fish that swim our waters. Silver bullets that refuse to be tamed Even the most seasoned angler will lose more than enough to stay humble, at least until the angler gets to the coffee shop the next day.
Our trip to the Pere Marquette did not disappoint and actually only drove the need to return every year deeper into our spirit. 25 to 30 fish in a morning was a gift from angler’s heaven to four close friends who don’t see each other often. But it is the best way to remember why we like each other’s company. There were lots of laughter and lots of fish. We hit the river at 430am while the moon was still shining brightly. A doe ran across the road just as we were about to turn into the parking lot. It was a chilly morning that would warm to a perfect 70 degrees. Fog rose from the stream as we hustled back to get one of the well known lairs of a PM angler. The hole we fished was full of Kings.
Our host Chuck Follet waded out slowly as the PM was on the high side. On his second cast he connected with a big king and the fight was on. A 30 yard run and a two foot jump, all while Charlie stepped through the stones and holes that lay in the bottom of the PM. Finally the fish had enough, turned and streaked downstream 50 yards. Charlie yelled to meet him downriver with the net. Bringing a big Chinook to net can be a 15 minute ordeal even when the angler has finally got the edge. Other anglers politely step back and let the angler play through. When we finally tame these great fish, it becomes apparent we must release them, as their fight and spirit is just too much to remove from the planet. We admire them a great deal.
If it seems this story is heaped with imagery, nostalgia and serenity I tend to agree, because that is what angling is on Michigan’s trout and salmon streams in the fall. Please see if you agree. Check out our video at www.woods-n-waternews.com. Hope you have an incredible fall.
