The Opener is Coming!!!!!

With reports already coming in of insect hatches on most Northern Michigan Rivers, it looks like it could be great fishing for the traditional trout opener next weekend. Many anglers have long standing traditions that must be adhered to, but there are a number of events taking place that may be worth checking out if you don't have plans or are looking for something to add to the mix. Here are just a few items to consider.


Thursday night next week The Northern Angler fly shop in Traverse City will be hosting a "get ready for the opener" event at the shop. Free pizza, contests, specials and more will be awaiting guests. They have a terrific fly selection and it would be a great place to stock up.

For many anglers from The Midwest, Grayling is the epicenter of all things trout and opening weekend festivities in particular. A few events of note are;

Our friends at The Old AuSable Fly Shop will be hosting their pre-opening party on Friday night complete with food, beverage, and music along the river. For more than 100 years, folks have been gathering in this spot to celebrate the remarkable fishing The AuSable has to offer.

The Trout Opener Golden Gala at The Devereaux Memorial Library. Music, food, demonstrations, speakers and much more will be available Friday evening from 6p.m. to 9p.m. This library offers one of the largest collections of fly fishing related materials in the country.

The AuSable Valley Recreation Expo will be taking place at The Ramada Inn of Grayling Saturday from 9:00 to 6:00 and Sunday from 10:00 to 4:00. This is the first year for this event which highlights not just the fly fishing culture of Grayling, but other attractions that make the area so attractive. Local legends Jay Stephan Sr., famous for the development of The Traditional AuSable Riverboat, and Jerry Regan, well know Michigan fly tying historian will be present. Plenty of other demonstrations, exhibitors, food and music will also be available throughout the weekend.

The Watershed Art Project's Spring Art Walk will also be taking place downtown Grayling from 1:00 to 5:00 on Saturday. Check out some terrific work by regional and local artists. There is an amazing amount of talent that will be on display.

The Lovells Township Museum will be hosting their annual opening day event in Lovells along The AuSable River's North Branch. Running from 10:00 to 4:00 on Saturday, this event has quickly become an opening day ritual for many anglers.

Kalkaska also puts on The National Trout Festival that weekend and offers a tremendous number of events throughout the weekend. Go to their website to see all the details.

Most importantly, this is a weekend to catch up with fishing friends and family that haven't gotten together in a while, share a few "sodas" and celebrate the changing seasons and the beginning of some of the greatest trout fishing available anywhere.