Charter Member Professional Outdoor Media Association (POMA)
The Rifle River has held a special place in my heart and the pop-up camper was loaded for another early season trek to the Michigan’s North country. Running right through the Rifle River Recreation Area is one fine trout fishery, providing one can negotiate the maze of fallen ash trees killed by the invasive emerald ash borer. Curses! Some are hidden below the surface of the river and that presents its own fishing challenge. Other bug-bit ash trees are everywhere making bank fishing nearly impossible. However, I’ve found an intriguing eddy that always seems to hold good browns- most of which are over 14 inches in length and its fishable.
Michigan allows campsite reservations for the park, but they can’t be made earlier than six months in advance. I’ve never had an issue getting the first week following opening weekend for my private site, but I make early reservations nonetheless.
Rifle River
In fact, I was the only person in the rustic camp by mid week.
The first catch of the trip was a sucker.
Sucker
Oh, I realize they’re a favorite of those with a smoker, but I have no use for them.
It wasn’t long before a hefty brown inhaled the tiny red worm and gave me a fierce battle with my Fenwick rod and Pfluger ultra-light reel and light line.
Big Brown Trout
I was foolish not to have a measuring tape; however, that plastic tackle box the fish is on measures 14 3/4 inches. Add another 3 inches or more and that’s close enough for me. (I’ve already added a small tape measure to the kit).
In any event, another great solo trip for some fresh trout!
