Swinging big flashy flies over gravel has been the most productive. The water is a bit off color, so you have to know where the gravel is. If you are new to the river, stick with flies that are big and flashy and you should be fine.

Put the floro away. The water is a bit off color, so you can get away with 12 lb. Maxima.

The fishing will only get better. If you can do it, get here NOW!

Pray for rain! We could use a good 4″ and a good temp drop as well. Until you see that, stick to the lower sections. While there are fish in most parts of the river, the upper sections will not see quality numbers until fall really hits us.

If you are looking to head this way, I would bet that early October will be VERY productive!

Fish the deeper holes. It is clear, so you should be able to see them moving around down there.

My clients biggest of the day went a shade over 20lbs that took us a couple hundred yards down stream. A BLAST on a fly rod! All were caught on a white streamer that I tie up. I will post tying instructions here soon.

Give me or Chris Lessway a call if you are looking for a guide on the Betsie or Manistee River. I do not recommend too many guides, but Chris is an exception. He is a great guide- you will have a great time and he will put you on fish. Here’s his number: 248-255-2054

Back to the Pere Marquette tomorrow!

This is a great time of year on the Pere Marquette. The salmon are starting their move up the river and it is the only time you can rip BIG crank-baits (thundersticks) for FRESH salmon! It is a blast. There’s something about a 20 pound fresh salmon on light tackle that really gets the blood pumping.

I just got back from an excellent season in Alaska and wanted to get back on my home waters so I did just that today. I only got a couple hours in on the lower part of the river, but went 2 for 3. The biggest going 18-20lbs.

Here’s the good news.

LOTS of fish on the move for this time of year. All indications point to a great season.

Shoot me an email or give me a call if you are coming up!

Jed

My 1/2 day trip today was a success, we hooked 14 and put 4 in the net.

Water is very clear, 33 degrees and prefect flow and height! You could not ask for a better time to be on the water for winter steelheading!

-Jed

Here’s the deal.

Book 2 days and get one FREE. This offer is good from now until March 15th, 2009. You can book consecutive days, or spread the days out, it is up to you. You could even give your FREE day to a friend as a gift- all I ask is that you redeem your free guided trip before March 15th.

This is a great opportunity to grab a buddy and head up to get some steelheading in the next few months. If you need some recommendations on where to stay, there are many options, feel free to give me a call and I will make sure you are set up with lodging.

The best way to contact me is by calling 517-819-0376, that’s my cell phone. If I don’t answer, I am probably on the river with a client, so just leave a message with your name and contact info and I will call you back as soon possible.

-Jed

Rifle deer season is under way and that pulls A LOT of people OFF the river! From here until about Mid March, it is like fishing a private river. Water temps are hoving around 36 degrees and the weather is stabilized.

If you want to get into some EXCELLENT steelhead fishing… now is a GREAT time to fish the Pere Marquette!

Just in case you haven’t been up to the area, I have some info on Pere Marquette River Area Resources you should check out for some suggestions on lodging and a few restaurants I recommend.

Can’t wait to get back on the river again!

-Jed Litwiller

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