Looks like we'll have a group if we can figure out when and where.
I'm with you on dates - Saturdays (*except* 5/10) are tough, Mother's Day (5/11) may present a (not insurmountable) problem. Even though NOAA's predicting a warmer & wetter March-April-May in its long term forecast, its track record isn't so good this winter.
As you know, the opener (4/26 this year) isn't usually worth a darn but, as brad wrote earlier, the h'son can be over before the opener.
Could I suggest we target 5/4? It's about a week past the opener. If we get reports from brad (or wherever else other than Grayling we may be meeting) that the hatch is earlier or later than that, maybe we could move it up to the opener or 5/10-11 or 17-18 as indicated.
As far as swap due dates go, how 'bout 4/19? That way you'd be assured of a week to sort, even if the rendezvous is on for the opener.
As far as where, John Ridderbos originally suggested either the Manistee or the Au Sable. Either works for me. Could I suggest we target the Au Sable since we have a vigilant observer (brad) there? There's also a nice campground nearby (Hartwick Pines)
http://www.michigandnr.com/Publications/PDFS/RecreationCamping/hartwick_pines_map.pdf
for those that want to make 2 days of it. It may be a little easier for those on the east side of the state to get there. The Manistee hatch probably happens a little later and could be used as a backup.
Just my thoughts on a dreary February afternoon....
Regards,
Roger Cotner
Grand Haven, Michigan
Ed Roden wrote:
Sign up by February 28. If we keep it under 12 tiers, we'll do 2 per participant (12 tiers = 24 flies). If we go higher than that, we'll do 1 per participant (15 tiers = 15 flies). Flies will be due 1 week prior to the rendezvous (date TBD). Only rule on the flies is that they must be from a prominent Michigan hatch, (drakes, hendricksons, sulfurs, hex, etc.), dry or emerger.
Ed Roden 2208 Mattie Lu Dr. Auburn Hills, MI 48326
Please send me dates as to when we should do the rendezvous. If a Saturday, I can only do May 17, but if we do a Sunday, I'm more flexible. As Brad indicated, it could happen anytime mid-April through end of May...
Here are the swappers and the flies indicated so far:
Swapper Fly
1. Ed Roden ?? (brown drake or Michigan Hex)
2. John Ridderbos River God Emerger Hendricksons
3. Roger Cotner Hendrickson dun, parachute style
4. Brad Robinson blue wing olive dun, a little black caddis, and
a caddis that im not sure of the name but it has a olive body and cream
wings in a 16 it comes off the water in mid may 5. Eric Worm ??
6. Jon Emmons Slate Wing Mahogony Mayfly
7. George Church Hendrickson 8.
9. 10. 11. 12.
Ed Roden [EMAIL PROTECTED] http://www.questquality.com
I get all the truth I need in the newspaper every morning, and every chance I get, I go fishing, or swap stories with fishermen to get the taste of it out of my mouth. -- Ed Zern 1977
