I’m always up for a challenge. Not to say that I wouldn’t like things to go smoothly and easily, but when it comes down to it, I try to rise to the occasion and take on the challenges that come my way head-on. As a busy fishing guide, there are plenty of challenges. Let’s be clear, though–we’re talking about challenges that are nothing when compared to some of the life’s challenges that many people face on a daily basis. My challenges are putting deserving customers on fish, dealing with wind, dealing with heavy seas at times, dealing with boat issues. Again, these are nothing when compared to the true challenges in life. Continue reading
Tag Archives: Michigan fishing
Gallatin River Lodge
If you ever happen to find yourself in the Bozeman, Montana, area and in need of a place to stay, I would highly recommend the Gallatin River Lodge. A wonderful western-style lodge, the Gallatin River Lodge is everything I could ever want in a lodge or hotel. Nestled in the Gallatin Valley, snow-topped mountains cap stunning scenery surrounding this small lodge in Big Sky country. Continue reading
Talking steelhead with John Simms
On my recent trip to Montana to attend the Simms Ice Out Guide Event, I had the great pleasures of speaking a couple of times with John Simms, the founder of Simms Fishing Products. The first was over a relaxed drink in the sun with John and his wife at the Gallatin River Lodge. Although John is no longer the owner (he sold the company to KC Walsh), it was a real treat to talk with him about his life, hear some of his many stories, and share with him my own thoughts and stories. Continue reading
Trout fishing on the Madison
While out in Bozeman, Montana, for the Simms Ice Out Guide Event, I was lucky enough to get to fish on the upper Madison River just outside of Ennis, Montana. This is a river that I’ve never fished prior to this trip, but it’s one that I’ve read a lot about. It was a real treat to wet a fly line on this storied river. Continue reading
Simms event
I recently attended the Simms Ice Out Guide Event in Bozeman, Montana, and had the great fortune to not only meet some fantastic people, but to be surrounded by similar-minded fishing nuts. Continue reading
Wolfe Outfitters
I’m excited to announce the formal creation of Wolfe Outfitters. This will be the new guide service name for my new fly fishing outfitter based out of Crystal Mountain Resort & Spa. Continue reading
Dress for success
I had a customer a few years back that came up to fish with me during a real cold spell early in the smallmouth season. It was early May, and the water temps were perfect for big pre-spawn females. Sadly, a nasty cold front dropped in just prior to this particular customer’s visit. In early May, this isn’t uncommon, and I really tried to stress how important it was to dress in layers. “Bring some fleece to layer up with,” I kept repeating. Continue reading
A new bass season
A new bass season brings with it new promise. After a long winter in the north country, where only dreams of casting to smallmouth on the northern waters of Michigan will suffice, it’s good to be back on the water. Gone are the days where we struggled. Forgotten are the days when we got poured on. Instead, upon us are promises of great fishing, and getting to greet old customers, and meet new customers. Here are the days I live for. Continue reading
Trout Opener
Nothing marks the kickoff of the new trout season, or has anglers around the state more excited about one particular day, than the trout opener. Sure, there are limited waters available all year, but tomorrow’s opener to all waters has anglers drooling. Continue reading
I’m a fanatic about pink!
I don’t know what it is about the color pink, but I love it. And the fish love it too. I’ve been lucky enough to travel around this wonderful country of ours, fishing gear in tow. It seems that no matter where I’ve gone—freshwater or saltwater, I’ve caught fish on pink lures. And most interestingly to me—all were in clear water environments. Continue reading