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Something about planning ahead which goes against
most of us. I'm sure there are exceptions where
someone is so organized they know where they will
be a year from now - and probably enjoy a very
successful life. That isn't me. It does sound
more like Castwell.
He is the one who 'suggested' I check in with Rusty
Gates at the Gates Au Sable Lodge a few days
ago to make sure we had reservations for the Michigan
Fish-In. Gerald Wulff (RW) from New York mentioned
on the Bulletin Board he had just reserved the last
room, and that was enough to get me to make a call.
We do have reservations, because Rusty had made them
for us. Nice to know we have friends! But really folks,
today is Easter - and we are talking about an event the
week of the 4th of July. JULY! Good grief. There are
some rooms still available, but maybe not for the whole
week. Some of our folks stayed at the Woodland in
Grayling and were very pleased with their accommodations
as well. If you can't get in at Gates, call the Woodland,
1 800 966 3818. General information on the Michigan Fish-In is
HERE
I do want to mention a bunch of folks will be camping at
Kneff Lake, which is just a few miles down the road from
Gates. Folks who are camping are most welcome to take
part in the 4th of July Dinner and any other events at
Gates. We have the whole place reserved, so in a manner
of speaking, it's our party and everyone is welcome.
I suppose I best call over to Ephrata, Washington and make
reservations for the Central Washington Fish-In at the Best
Western Rama Inn. That one comes up May 8-9-10-11. The
motel is just a mile from the Oasis Campground were most
of the folks stay, and really is a dandy place to stay for
those of us who no longer find camping great fun. That is
old age creeping up on us, a hot shower and warm bed do make
for pleasant trips.
We've made the trip over to Ephrata several times since the
first Fish-In there back in 2003. The premier fishery there
is Rocky Ford Creek. This is a state-owned and managed spring
creek, open to the public and amazingly, free. With a country
full of pay to play spring creeks, here is one free for the going.
Can't beat that. The fish are rainbows, mostly 14 inches and up,
'up' being in the high twenty inch catagory. Scuds are the number
one wet fly with a variety of reasonably small mayflies sizes 14
to 20. If you are interested in going, check out the Fish-In page
HERE.
On all Fish-Ins, everyone is welcome. If you are a reader here
on Fly Anglers OnLine you qualify as a 'member.' No, there
really isn't any membership, if you say you are one, you are.
There are no registration fees or anything else. Some Fish-Ins
have more organized activities, like casting lessons or distance
casting contests, fly tying instruction or cookouts. It just
depends on what the local group decides they want to do.
I don't want to leave out any other Fish-Ins either. I've not
done a good job this spring on getting publicity for two other
Fish-Ins...The Florida and Pennsylvania Fish-Ins either have
or are about to happen without much encouragement from here.
My apologies, the shoulder surgeries really screwed me up, both
physically and mentally. But I think I'm back! (At least my
surgeon is giving me a thumbs up.) I hope the folks will
forgive me, I did the best I could with what I had to work with.
So another season of fishing, friends and making great memories
is underway. Don't miss out. Get yourself out and about and
if at all possible, join in with some other like-minded fly
fishers for a very special time. Attend a Fish-In, you'll be
glad you did. ~ The LadyFisher
If you would like to comment on this or any other article please feel free to
post your views on the FAOL Bulletin Board!
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