We're Back...

We’re back. Like the walking dead, furbies, 90210, Rambo, boomerangs and a good hunting dog. We always come back!

Yes, it’s true. We have emerged from our snowy veiled cocoons of wintry lives filled with numerous business trips, chilled waters, and the occasional social appearance. From Thanksgiving until now, Easter Sunday, we had been imprisoned to do everyday common human deeds. Forced to clean and organize. And you know even contemplating cleaning on a good weekend for a Riverbum is torture. Compelled to accept invitations to parties since our typical excuse of “gone fishing” was seasonally useless. And our friends know it! Summoned to dating. Friday double date dinners with friends, late night movies, strolls through the park as AC runs to the nearest fountain and peers down in hopes of seeing a fish, just one lousy fish God. Please!

But, the good thing about dating and being a Riverbum, is the excuse. Yes, we have another excuse. Cause once the weather breaks and the rivers run their wild flocks free for anglers to prey upon, we dump our significant others. I mean, let’s face it. Friday nights are truly meant to relining reels, packing the car, and mapping out river spots. There’s no time for dating when fishing season is open. But, don’t worry, our dates know that. We put our Facebook status on single and dating in late fall and post it as “complicated” when April hits.

We did manage to escape, a few times, from our hibernation in January to fish the Pere Marquette, even though frozen solid and empty handed most trips. Can’t blame us for trying. Organizing the screws in Dad’s toolbox was looking tempting and AC actually participated in yoga, twice. Our minds were slipping folks, we had to do something.

Which brings us to today. This post, here and now is dedicated to a resurrectional fishing trip. The rise of the Riverbums on a most holy day of days. AC caught the last big fish of the year with her first salmon on Thanksgiving day. Which means, it was only casting karma that dad should be the one to last the first real lunker of the year on Easter Sunday. And so he did…

But first, we packed up the car, left at 4 am sharp Saturday morning and arrived in Newaygo County, Michigan to fish the White River all day. Stocked with steelie lures like our orange bottom medium soft belly strung through flat head black jigs which turned out to be the trophy snatcher of the day. But, why have you read more about it, let us show you...

We thought a salute to America by a nearby tank would be good karma for the start of the season...

Saluting to a new road trip

We had gone about a mile until it was too deep to wade. So, we had to get out and walk for a bit. The weather never got over 45 and with the water temp still low, AC was sure to wear her winter waders with 2 sweats underneath. But, the bulk didn't stop her. For it's never too early to start bushwhacking. So, AC took to the forest and was able to maneuver her way easily around this commune of wood.

She'll bushwhack anywhere to get to a spot

The 6th hour rolled around with just  a few hits here and there. We were in search of a nice early spring steelhead. We came across the biggest hole of the day in this particular region of the river. As 5 fly fishermen, 3 float boats, and 2 kayaks tried their hands at the massive hole, we patiently waited  just a curve of the river away for people to clear. When all were gone, we moved in. Optimistic that something, just something was left to be caught after so many had tried...

Fish On!

And it was a beautiful hit! For within just a few casts in this hole, Dad hooked a steelhead and took a good 15 minutes to fight him. He would drag out line with the current and then chase back towards him. Like Tom and Jerry, the brawl continued, giving quite a show for the other fishermen who came by to watch the Angler and his catch of the day in the ring...

Breaching

The Money Shot!

Readjusting him to the water for release

We were covered in bugs all the day with this prime early Spring hatch. Perfect timing to match the hatch...

Dad's HATCHING more than just good casts...

Our Path Home

It seems holidays are our specialities. The lunkers must be ones for festivities too as they seem to bite the best for us then. First Thanksgiving, now Easter. Next up is Mother's Day. But, let's hope we get out before then and get in some more catches. 

Until next time...we'll see ya on the other side of the river

Cast Away,

AC & Dad