Lucky Craft Man Posted October 8, 2015 Posted October 8, 2015 I have always dreamed of catching a King Salmon on a fly rod and I finally had my chance this past week. My Buddy and I spent a day fishing along one of the streams in Western Michigan in search of catching one. Little did we know before we left for the 8 hour drive that they were experiencing the worst Salmon run since the introduction of the King Salmon in Lake Michigan in the 60's. The comment up there was that there were more fisherman than Salmon. Well, we made the best of it and walked the streams looking for an open spot and fish to cast to. After the day was done, I had fair hooked 5 and was fortunate enough to have landed 1 (it didn't help that both of us forgot to bring a net. I know, rookie move). It was not what I had expected (to be honest, I envisioned this land of honey with droves of Salmon swimming around your feet), but I was quite proud to have landed at least that one. Here is the best action shot from the day (even though I ended up losing this one) As a side note, I used the rod Scott had made me for Musky Fly Fishing (here's the thread talking a little bit about that build, if any tackle junkies are interested and hadn't seen it already - http://www.bassresource.com/bass-fishing-forums/topic/159099-more-fun-with-the-band-saw/), but it worked great on these Kings (and if the fisherman using the rod didn't suck, maybe more than just one would have been landed). 5 Quote
BooyahMan Posted October 8, 2015 Posted October 8, 2015 Hey Lucky Craft Man, you need to get over here to the West Coast. Lots and lots of Kings (or Springs, as we call 'em) running in the fall. This year has been especially good, although the Silvers aren't showing up in the numbers they are supposed to be. Beauty fish, and on the fly to boot! Quote
Lucky Craft Man Posted October 8, 2015 Author Posted October 8, 2015 Hey Lucky Craft Man, you need to get over here to the West Coast. Lots and lots of Kings (or Springs, as we call 'em) running in the fall. This year has been especially good, although the Silvers aren't showing up in the numbers they are supposed to be. Beauty fish, and on the fly to boot! I don't know if I am man enough to tackle the Kings you guys have running. A good sized King out of the Great Lakes is 25 to 30 pounds. Out your way, you are in the 50+ pound weight class. Even with a 14 wt., I think I would have trouble landing those fish on the fly. 1 Quote
Super User S Hovanec Posted October 9, 2015 Super User Posted October 9, 2015 .......Even with a 14 wt....... Sounds like another rod project!. 2 Quote
Lucky Craft Man Posted October 9, 2015 Author Posted October 9, 2015 Sounds like another rod project!. Heh heh. Does Rod Geeks make a 14 wt. blank yet? 1 Quote
Super User S Hovanec Posted October 9, 2015 Super User Posted October 9, 2015 Heh heh. Does Rod Geeks make a 14 wt. blank yet? No. Just up to 12 Quote
Super User Dwight Hottle Posted October 9, 2015 Super User Posted October 9, 2015 Another bucket list fish checked off. WTG Steve! Beautiful fish & a beautiful rod. 1 Quote
Lucky Craft Man Posted October 10, 2015 Author Posted October 10, 2015 Another bucket list fish checked off. WTG Steve! Beautiful fish & a beautiful rod. Thanks Dwight. I was lucky to check off that 7lb SM, 50in Musky, and now a King on a fly. Though, to check off that 10lb Largemouth, I may have to join you for a trip to Mexico ;-) Speaking of beautiful rods, I got a peak at the custom rod Scott made for you and it is NICE! 1 Quote
Super User clayton86 Posted October 10, 2015 Super User Posted October 10, 2015 Gotta hit Oak Orchard here in WNY they are running nice and thick with Browns and steelhead mixed in. I've been meaning to get out after them with the 7wt I built but I can't seem to stop chasing deer on this new 500 acre piece I have to myself. Maybe Sunday I'll get out after some salmon. 1 Quote
Lucky Craft Man Posted October 10, 2015 Author Posted October 10, 2015 Gotta hit Oak Orchard here in WNY they are running nice and thick with Browns and steelhead mixed in. I've been meaning to get out after them with the 7wt I built but I can't seem to stop chasing deer on this new 500 acre piece I have to myself. Maybe Sunday I'll get out after some salmon. I have been up to Oak Orchard before. The reason I went to Michigan to pursue the Kings instead of there was because I don't mind seeing another fisherman while I'm out, I just don't like being able to touch them while they stand within 2 ft of me. Quote
BooyahMan Posted October 10, 2015 Posted October 10, 2015 I don't know if I am man enough to tackle the Kings you guys have running. A good sized King out of the Great Lakes is 25 to 30 pounds. Out your way, you are in the 50+ pound weight class. Even with a 14 wt., I think I would have trouble landing those fish on the fly. Haha, it depends where you're hitting on the coast. In my area most of the Chinooks average between 20-30lbs, but in some of the systems up north like the Skeena they can attain the 50+ range. We have had a lot this season though; one of my friends just came back from one of the local rivers and he had found a long pool that was completely black with Chinooks. Quote
Super User clayton86 Posted October 11, 2015 Super User Posted October 11, 2015 I have been up to Oak Orchard before. The reason I went to Michigan to pursue the Kings instead of there was because I don't mind seeing another fisherman while I'm out, I just don't like being able to touch them while they stand within 2 ft of me. Very true statement right there haha. That's why I go during the week since I figure most people should be at work I stop after work sosnce I work over nights and that place is still packed. Quote
OntarioFishingGuy Posted October 13, 2015 Posted October 13, 2015 Sucks to hear about the runs in Michigan. The runs here have been pretty awesome, with fresh fish still coming in. Still, awesome fish. Quote
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