Great Lakes Atlantic

Long-time dog friend, Scott Rod Pro Staffer, Patagoniac, and Michigan river guide, Russ Maddin, shows a male Atlantic salmon in full fall regalia. Russ caught this fish in a small northern MI river. There is an active stocking program for Atlantics on the St. Mary's River that connects Lakes Superior, Huron, and Michigan. Some of these fish "get lost" and end up in other waters.

Russ is based in Traverse City and works with Hawkin's Outfitters.

Da Guy From New Jersey

A double dog "woof" to our newest dog friend, Malcolm Tytell who traveled from New Jersey to spend a few days with JD chasing Ohio steelhead. Despite tough conditions- low water & high sun, Malcolm landed a number of fish including this brightly-colored male from Lake County's Grand River. This fish hit a #12 green Ice Dub caddis larva.

Late Season Muskie

Wendy Williamson of Hayward Fly Fishing Company holds a late-season muskie tken on a recent float on Wisconsin's Flambeau River. JD joined the Hayward Fly Fishing Co. crew and Rick Kustich for the day. Two Esox maskinonge were boated with several more lost. The fish were hitting sailfish-sized streamers.

Sunshine Bass on a Cloudy Day

White Bass/Striped Bass hybrids are called Sunshine Bass in some areas. In most places, they are just referred to as hybrids or wipers. They can reach weights of close to 20 pounds and are found in many places accross the lower midwest and into the south. They go on a feeding spree as the water cools in the Fall and can be found busting bait on top. This fish ate a Gummi Minnow for Marc Dixon of Eagle Creek Kayaks.

Hooked Up!

On a blustery Indiana afternoon, Marc Dixon of Eagle Creek Kayaks in Zionsville, IN, checks out the new Freedom Hawk FH 12 on a farm pond clsoe to the shop. The Freedom Hawk boats are the only kayak on the market where you can comfortably stand, cast, and fight a fish. Here Marc tangles with a sizeable white bass/striper hybrid.