Trout Camp 2009

Chow Time: Russ Nichols (left) and Jim Bedford chow down.Nineteen men participated in “Trout Camp 2009”, sponsored by the True North Chapter of CSF, out of Lansing. This year, fishermen pitched their tents at the Old Grade USFS campground on the Little Manistee. Fishing and fellowship were the two main agenda items during the May 15-17 rendezvous.

On hand this year, was Jim Bedford, author of “Flyfisher’s Guide to Michigan.” Jim took the campers through a mini spinner-fishing clinic on Saturday morning, demonstrating technique and answering questions on presentations, approach and trout behavior.
After dinner Saturday, Larry Hull from the Northern Lights Chapter, presented a clinic on “mousin’ for browns”.

Friday evening and Sunday morning, Paul Vogel lead devotional times, in which he challenged men to consider the implications of their Christian “world view”, and what impact that should have on their daily lives.

Besides food for thought, there was food for the body. The food was truly Deep Fried: Catfish, hush puppies and French fries.inspirational . . . causing many campers to go back through the chow line two and three times, as they reconsidered the meal. How about deep-fried catfish, hush puppies and French fries, anyone? Or breakfast burritos? I won’t go on and torture you any further.

And, oh yes, there was a little fishing done, as well. With the Little Manistee, Pere Marquette, Pine and Big Manistee (Tippy Dam) rivers all within easy driving distance, fishermen had plenty to choose from. Besides fishing, some participants chased turkeys, while at least one other stalked the wily morel.

If you’re interested in participating next year, monitor this website closely next winter.