Agate Falls - UP Michigan

During my mini winter road trip around the Midwest, I stopped at another waterfall, Agate Falls, to be exact.  This one was different, and not as touristy as my stop at Bond Falls.  There were 2 parking areas, and a man made trail, but the trail only went so far.  You had to view the falls from a great distance.

I noticed that there was a beaten path made that went down to the bottom of the gorge, but there was just a few red flags that went off in my head:

1. I'm alone and there's no one else around.
2. Snow, ice, and an pretty steep incline aren't a good combo.
3. The sun was starting to set.

Given those red flags, and me being me, I still gave it a go.  After a few missteps on some icy rocks, I decided that today was not a good day to die.  So, I turned around and walked back to my car, and called it a day after taking some pictures from afar atop the bridge.

Underneath the train bridge in the distance is Agate Falls.  The pictures I seen on Google look great, and I will definitely be making a trip back here, in much favorable conditions.

It's really easy to drink Shasta Cherry Cola, PBR, and Budweiser.  It's even easier to carry it out with you and toss it in a garbage can in the parking lot or the next gas station you stop at.  Don't be an A hole and leave it somewhere it doesn't belong.  Take out what you take in.  Leave no trace.

Bond Falls Park - UP Michigan

Work. Work. Work.

I was in dire need of a mental escape with all of the hours I've been putting in at work.  I'm not complaining about the hours, because, the extra pay is nice, and if it's there, I'm not one to say no.  

With my car loaded up, I headed North.  Stopped at my favorite Northwoods spot in Wisconsin to spot fish a few familiar areas.  These were going to be quick stops, so, I opted for my casting rod and a spinnerbait, so, I could cover an area faster.  I knocked and knocked, but no one was home.

Next stop - Bond Falls

The last time I was in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan, I drove past a sign for Bond Falls, and didn't have a chance to stop there, because, the sun had already set.  When I pulled up the parking area was closed, and I was a little bummed about that. 1/4 mile down the road I came to another parking area, and there was 1 vehicle already there.

Most of the U.P. was covered in snow from the previous week.  I was thankful for this, because, it added an extra element of beauty to the already gorgeous U.P.....and it allowed me to follow some footsteps to find where the falls were haha!

After following some footprints in the snow, I came across some signs.  The tracks were no longer needed.

The walk was fairly short, and the signage and man made paths helped quite a bit.  I can see this place being heavily visited in the summer months with how easy the access is to some great scenic views.  After a short walk along the trail, I came across a small set of waterfalls.  I knew right off the bat that these were not the actual falls, because, I had seen picture on Google.  They were still pretty to see.

Walking further down you come to the top of the falls, and what a sight.  I didn't get any good shots of the view, but it was pretty awesome.  The stairs next to the falls that lead down to the trail that leads you to the front view of the falls is really slippery and icy this time of year.  So be careful!

Now I present to you - Bond Falls.

The falls were incredible, and definitely well worth the stop.  While I was walking in, the couple in the other vehicle were on their way out, so, it was really cool to have the place to myself.   I really wish I could sleep next to them and listen to the sound of that rushing water...I think I may have to take the audio from a short video I took of them, and make it my ring tone or something. Haha

If you're ever in the Central Upper Peninsula, I highly suggest you make a stop to see Bond Falls.  As you can see from the pictures, it's a beautiful place.

It's also supposed to be a good smallmouth fishery, as well.  I've heard the bass aren't big in size, but plentiful and fun.

Go visit now!

Open Mic Night

I am back from my trip, alive and well, refreshed and rejuvenated.  Although, I wish I could have stayed out in the wilderness a few more days, week, month, forever...ha

It was a total last minute decision to take off Thursday night for the Northwoods of Wisconsin.  With the arrival of Fall, I just knew it was time for me to get away.  The lure of the Fall colors, and it being "Musky Season" just forced me to take off and get lost.

I'm still sorting through pictures and thoughts...there's a lot of them, so, this story is going to come out in pieces.  I know what you're thinking, "F you CARF!"  Don't you worry, though.  I'm not going to allow myself to fall back into my slacker ways.  I have a need to keep the story telling alive!

Before I embarked on my 4 day solo adventure, a local bar my buddy bar tends at (Bigby's Pour House) was having an open mic, so, I decided to bring the guitar out and play some tunes in public.  It's been quite some time since I had done anything like this.  I had such a great time playing and listening to some of the local talent, and man, there are some talented individuals out there!  All in all, I think I did a good job.  I felt like an acoustic rock star.  Ha!  Looking forward to playing some more open mics, and possibly opening up for some friends bands.

Photo Cred goes to my friend JoAnna.

As soon as I left the open mic night at Bigby's, I jumped on the expressway and started my trek North around 11:30 PM.  2 short parking lot naps, and 6 hours later, I reached my destination.  There were a bunch of deer on the gravel road, and all but 1 scattered off.  This one was confused at the departure of it's other deer friends, and didn't even notice I was there.  3 minutes later the young deer bolted off.  Hopefully, it doesn't sit around that long for hunters and poachers.

Uhm...Where did everyone go?!?!?!

After another short nap in the middle of the forest, I was on the water.  It was beautiful out, and all of the small smallmouth bass were out to play, but no sign of Momma or Poppa.

That is all the time I have at the moment.  Still sorting through pictures.

Pike On The Mind

My buddy DanK found this picture, and shared it with me not long ago.  I posted it on my Instagram, so, you might have seen it.  I really wish I knew the orgin of it, because, I LOVE IT!  I've tried a few Google searches but came up empty.  It gets me excited for the upcoming season.  I cannot wait to get into some predator fish with teeth!

I've been slowly building a stockpile of flies.  Some for myself, but most of them are for others.  The one below is an articulated double, and it'll find it's way into my personal box, and hopefully, it's next stop is the jaws of a musky or pike.

The Midwest Drift 2016 Carp Fly Swap

Here's a quick review of the awesome flies I received as a participant of the 2016 Carp Fly Swap hosted by The Midwest Drift.  Big thanks goes out to the guys at The Midwest Drift for hosting the swap.  I had a good time tying up the flies that I submitted and I'm really excited that I now have a carp box, with actual carp flies!

Maybe this year, I'll catch more than one.

Steelhead - CARF Knows Nothing

Steelhead.

I've never caught one, but I want to.

I only know other fly fishers use egg patterns.

That's where my knowledge starts, and abruptly ends.

Some dirty looking eggs on a hook size I forgot.

Just the start.

Hop Slamming Some Buggers!

One of my favorite craft beers was recently released - Hop Slam by Bell's Brewery. A few of my friends took a road trip to the brewery in Kalamazoo, Michigan. They informed me that the brewery and local stores were sold out of the beer, so, my only hope was to wait until it was distributed to the Chicagoland area, and even then I wasn't guaranteed to get it.

Fortunately for me, my GF and her mom are awesome, and were able to find a 6 pack for me! Woo-Hoo! A big THANK YOU goes out to them!

Hop Slam glassware

Poured myself a few of those that night, caught up with a show I started watching with the GF, and tied up some buggers for my personal stash. Loving the Vedavoo bench basin! 

These buggers do well for me on the lakes and ponds that are in my area.

Here's the material list:

1. Black Marabou tail

2. Two Strands of silver crystal flash

3. Olive medium chenille for the body

4. Black Saddle Hackle Feather for the head

5. Cone bead (put on before any of the other materials)

Sticker from @WYCOFLYCO on Instagram

Fish Selfie

As I was cleaning out some of my memory cards and viewing footage and pictures before deleting them. (I have quite a few memory cards for my cameras.) I came across a video that is short and sweet. I was attempting to take a selfie, but I clearly did not change the settings on my camera and I took this video. =)

Musky Lures

Found some big 'ole lures!

This first one I will never use, but it it definitely cool. It's a hand made, hand painted, and designed musky lure from the Lake St. Clair Muskie Guides. An ex-girlfriend of mine bought it for me, as a gift. While I will never use this lure, it's still pretty cool, and I am sort of a tackle junkie. 

This top water lure on the hand, I want to use. I bought this at a local Musky Show last year. The only problem I currently have with this lure is, I don't have a rod & reel set up to handle the size. Maybe next year...or maybe it'll just stay a decorative piece.

Badaxe Design

Stopped by one of my local fly shops - Chicago Fly Fishing Outfitters - just to look around and kill some time. Sure enough I walked out with a few items...hooks, forceps (mine were bent out of shape), and a zinger for my Abel nippers.

I also, was surprised to see that they carried a few items from Badaxe Design. Jonathan is a real cool dude, who has some serious artistic talent. I ended up picking up the same hat I bought from him a year ago. It will serve as my back up, in case something happens to my favorite fishing hat.

I've had the first one for over a year now, and it has seen a lot of water. This hat's been through everything, and it's gotten quite a bit of character along the way.

How can you not like the patriot trout design!?!

I don't think I have to tell you which one is which.

Here are some of the outings it has helped me look good.

Small creeks of Illinois

Current River in Missouri

Driftless Area trout streams in Wisconsin

Various lakes of Illinois

Flambeau River in Wisconsin

Gulf of Mexico in Fort Meyers, Florida

Looking forward to bringing it along on many more fishing adventures.