U.P. Trout Trip w/ Brad Petzke’s Rivers North Guide Service

2011 marked our 7th Annual trip with Brad Petzke’s Rivers North Guide Service

Once again the U.P. did not let us down!

Since our home waters were blown out, Eirik and I had no choice but to cancel the last of our May smallmouth trips. So what’s a couple Trout Bums to do???

Head NORTH EARLY!!!

After a long weekend up at Higgins lake with Friends and Family I turned the rig back around and headed back north at daybreak. The plan was to hit the Escanaba by 1PM, fish the evening hatch and crash wherever we could find a pillow.

When we arrived (Ticket FREE) the river was up a bit and prime for tossing the meat around before the “Big Show”

Eirik with a SOLID Eski Brownie

Colorful overachiever takes a 6″ BC Leech

Solo net job in a big riff

Another Eski Brown

Eski Sunset & Trout

Too cool!!!

Our first night found us fishing to risers. What else could you ask for???

After two solid days of pre-fishing multiple sections of the Escanaba it was time to get to work with our guests.

This years group included… Mike Britt, Paul Henderson, Ron Fairchild, Tom Shope, Ken Spears & Jesse Blanco. Eirik and I played host’s/ guides and Capt. Brad Petzke of Rivers North was the main man!!!

As always the U.P’s Dry Fly fishing did not disappoint. We had plenty of Caddis & Stones as well as several May flies popping including… Brown Drakes, Sulphurs, Black Quills, Golden Drakes, Rusty Spinners and a few BWO’s.

During the day we had the choice of swinging traditional wets, nymphing & streamer fishing.

The variety of water was plentiful as well. Big water, small creekin as well as float tubing for large brookies! You gotta love da U.P. Ehhhhh!!!