A Rare Glimpse Inside a Northern Michigan Trout Camp

If you're a trout angler, you're likely standing in a fly shop right now or will be within the next 24 hours stocking up for yet another trout season in Michigan.  The last Saturday in April is the traditional opening day of the trout fishing season in Michigan and, for many, among the most highly anticipated events of the year.

I have the good fortune to be a part of a trout camp on The Au Sable River that has been ongoing for four generations of proud fishermen.  Sprouting Pines is a classic log cabin with a spectacular stone fireplace, original Rittenhouse furniture, a huge screened porch, long riverside dock and a collection of some of the finest anglers and friends on the planet.  

Nothing recharges the soul more than a couple of days floating pristine northern Michigan rivers, spending a little time at the card table with good friends and a great scotch, and enjoying incredible food.  The fishing is rarely great as it's still very cold in the water and the trout aren't very active, but it never dampens the mood.

Usually a month or so before opener "The Director" (the camp's owner) sends an invitation letter to each of the guys recapping the year's events and getting everyone excited about the impending trout opener celebration.  In an age of emails, texts, direct messages and the like, receiving a well written, entertaining, personal letter is a real treat.  It's always a great sense of anticipation when that letter arrives and you know that we're getting close!  

Over a period of decades, The Director has collected all of these letters and, with the help of his graphic artist son in law, compiled them into a book, Fishing Stories from the Sprouting Pines Trout Camp that's now available for purchase.  The description from CreateSpace.com, the site where the book is being offered for sale reads, "Filled with humor, heart, and true angler attitude, Fishing Stories brings the reader into the world of friends & family, camaraderie & competition, boats & barbecues; the world that is fly fishing on the AuSable river."

My copy arrives early next week and I can't wait to see just how much of the inner workings of the camp are revealed and to whose embarrassment.  If you are an angler or simply want to enjoy a window into a true northern Michigan tradition, order a copy today HERE.  

Enjoy camp this weekend, everyone!!  Bring your hats and mittens...