michigan trip

[Brian Sloss]

Off to the Pere Marquette tomarrow and will get back on Thursday with a salmon report.

[Phil Lilley]

Where are you staying? PM River Lodge? Been fishing there since about '85 with Jim and Tom Johnson. They are the ones I'm in cohoots with in Alaska now. Jim said last night that the salmon run this year is like the "good 'ol days"... huge fish and huge numbers so you should have a grand time. Hope you find a spot to fish!!

Here's pics from my last trip - http://ozarkanglers.com/michigan2004

[Brian Sloss]

We ussually stay at Red Moose Lodge and had their largest cabin reserved, but our group had thinned to much smaller than expected so we had to downsize. We are staying at the BBT motel right next to the BBT fly shop in Baldwin. This will be the 5th year in a row and maybe the last for a few years. I love it there, but we are thinking of trying some new places. Argentina come to mind, but it will take time to save the nickels and dimes. Also, maybe Canada or saltwater down south. Who knows, always looking for suggestions.

[Phil Lilley]

I have 2 weeks booked at Jim's camp next summer. For about $3000 inclusive you could spend 6 days in Alaska.

I have June 10-16 and June 24-30 booked. $1700 for lodging and meals, 2 days boated over to Brooks, Margot or another destination and the rest "fish on your own" with access to a boat/motor on the Naknek River. I have room for 6 people each week although I have had alot of people "say" they want to go.

There is other possibilities... I may build a cabin or 2 to provide more room for additional clients. That's what Jim and I are working out. These may be offered alittle differently, I'm thinking alittle cheaper and not offer the boated trips- a "fish on your own" all week and just the use of the boat/motor.

The Naknek River is known for its HUGE rainbows... up to 20 pounds with the average around 20 inches or more. Kings and Sockeye start running the 3rd week in June.

This is only something to THINK about right now cause we're not sure what we'll do. But it's definately a way to see and fish Alaska on the cheap. Crystal Creek, just down river from our camp, gets $7500 for the week with includes unlimited flyouts.

[Brian Sloss]

Phil,

Though Alaska is on my short list, summers are a no go for a few years to come with the type of business I'm in. I didn't realize you were in business leading trips to Alaska, just thought that was your vacation. I'd love to do something like what your doing in the future, just to a destination I can hit in the winter. Do you know of anyone or have advice about getting involved in something like what you are doing. You can email me or send a pm if you prefer.

[Phil Lilley]

Jim is talking about doing something south of Cancun- renting a camp and hosting trip down there in the winter... but that's just talk right now. But knowing him he will make it work. He's all into small groups, quality fishing and low costs. Will let you know.

Next year, we plan on being up in Alaska later in the fall... I just checked the weather up there -

http://intellicast.com/IcastPage/LoadPage....mp;prodnav=none

It's the same as Baldwin, MI just about. We're thinking thru the first week of October- rainbows will be at their best then!

[Don]

Brian,

I talked to a guy last night who fished the Pere Marquette last week. He said the bite was hot for the kings and his group caught many fish. He alone caught 16 kings over 36 inches. I'm not sure what he was using.

Don

[Brian Sloss]

I've been hearing lots of good reports this year, so I'm psyched. Even on the slower years I've been, there have been plenty of fish to chase. Should be fun.