The limbs of the spruce hang low after a recent area snowfall. White cascades from limb to limb as a squirrel scampers through the fresh powder--his brown body stark against the snow.

The beauty of winter refreshes the soul. Snowshoeing beneath winter's star sun, gliding down a cross country ski trail, or tracing colored fly line against a world of white in search of steelhead-all spell winter at the Lodge.

After a day afield or on the river, or perhaps even simply a day cozied by the fire with a great book, crowning the evening with a skillfully prepared fillet or ever-delicious veal cutlets, rack of lamb, or baked Halibut is sure to please and satisfy.

Sound appealing? Our new menu will be online very soon; featuring some of the aforementioned specials and some mouthwatering new choices. For information and bookings, please call 616.293.0501 or email.

Winter's hold is strong along the banks of the Muskegon River, and though winter seems firmly locked in place, the sun's rays have begun their ascent north. Increased sunlight triggers changes within steelhead, stirring the call to reproduce. And so, steelhead begin to move upstream. February, a lost month to many, is, in fact, the steelhead anglers' secret month. Often, the largest steelhead of the year find their way before the camera during February. Salmon fry have begun to hatch, and the first hatch of the year--black stone flies--emerge on sunny afternoons, clambering onto a branch here and a stone there.

So, celebrate the snow and the month of February, for the rewards can be great. The river valley is asleep, but the steelhead aren't. Choice runs and pools are yours with all the promise fresh chrome affords. Pictured is Dr. Eastway with a well-earned January steelhead. For information on joining us on the water, please visit our website, drop us an email, or simply call 616.293.0501.

Fly Box by Michael Schmidt

Hooks:Daiichi

2220 size 2-4

Tail:  Schlappen

Body:  Marabou

Head:  Deer Hair

Eyes: Medium Lead Eyes

Connection:   

50lb Fireline

The Conrad Sculpin is a big, meaty, articulated beast of a fly, though as far as big flies go, it is relatively easy to cast as there is little material to soak up and hold water. All you have to worry about when casting is a bit of wind resistance to the head.  This is a fly that is best fished on a full sinking line with a leader not exceeding three feet.  Once you have the fly out, the retrieve that works the best tends to be short quick retrieves in between pauses that are long enough to let the marabou "breathe" in the water.  Slap it down close to undercut banks, boulders, or wood and watch the big fish come out to for what they think will be an easy meal.

Michael Schmidt, friend and contract fly tier to RiverQuest Charters,  is a: 

�Contract tier and tying instructor for Mad River Outfitters;

�Signature tier for Jag Fly Co./Steelhead Alley Outfitters; and

�A Performance Flies Pro Staff member.