Please Sign the Petition and Spread the Word!

In December, 2009, testing found that Asian carp had found their way up the Illinois River and within a few miles of Lake Michigan. Michigan Attorney General, Mike Cox, filed suit against the State of illinois and the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to close the locks that control this waterway and prevent entrance of Asian carp into Lake Michigan. Other states bordering the Great Lakes, plus the Province of Ontario have joined the suit. So far, the Obama administration and the State of Illinois have refused to close the locks to protect Lake Michigan and the entire Great Lakes system.

Haven't we had enough of invasive species threatening the most valuable resource of the area- the Great Lakes? Please, go to www.StopAsianCarp.com and sign the e-petition. It will be presented to President Obama.

Trout Classes Scheduled

Even though it is dreary and cold out, it's time to think ahead to warmer weather. I have several teaching programs that have just been finalized with Mad River Outfitters. On April 10 and 11 I will host an overnight "Trout School" at Rockwell Springs Trout Club in Castalia, OH. On May 1, I will host a one day "Trout Class", again at the Rockwell Club.

Rockwell is one of the oldest, continuous fishing clubs in the United States. It's main spring pumps out around 4500 gallons of 48 degree water every minute. It's crystal-clear waters are the home to both stream bred and stocked rainbow, brown, brook, and tiger trout. For complete details on both the school and class go to http://www.madriveroutfitters.com/t-classes.aspx.

Lotsa Tubes!

Here is a lineup of tube patterns tied by Greg Senyo of Steelhead Alley Outfitters. Greg is a pro tier for Eumer products and is a specialist in tube fly patterns. In spite of his real job as a police officer, Senyo is active doing tying demos, classes, and creating new fly patterns. Oh yeah, he fishes, too!

It's Tyin Time Again!

Although many of us tie flies year round therse days, the depths of winter are the time for giving classes, programs, and demos. Here JD gives a tube fly demo for a group of cabin fever sufferers.

New Steelhead Short Video Take 2

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Check out this new short video from my buddies over at Steelhead Alley Outfitters! Great action and great music!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogJBB5PDrag&feature=youtube_gdata

A Blind's Eye View

Here is the view from a ground blind when you are field shooting for geese or ducks. Try to imgine laying in the snow in a sleeping bag. When the birds are working your decoys you pull a cover over your head. To shoot, you have to throw the cover back, grab your shotgun, sit up, push off the safety, and then find a target. Hardly anything ever goes wrong..................

Another Season Over

Fall hunting often overlaps with prime steelhead conditions and it is hard to decide which to do. I try to take advantage of our late waterfowl season, when the rivers are locked up and unfishable. Here are the results of a final day out field shooting with the guys from Crooked River Guide Service.

It's hard to describe laying in a ground blind on a snowy day with geese making a final circle before they set their wings and come into the decoys. If you have to ask "how can that be fun?", you won't understand why.

Now it's time to get back on the road calling on accounts and going to shows.

Flaggin' Geese

JD hunts every late season a couple times with Crooked River Guide Service. These guys really know their stuff, have all the gear, and talk sweet goose music! On a recent hunt with Crooked River's Jason and Ed, cold weather and snow had the geese fly late. Here Ed flags while Jason is calling. JD had the chance to snap a few photos before the birds came in.