Adventures of a Fishing Guide (Summary and images by Sheri Rhoads)
Boyne City fly fishing guide, Brian “Koz” Kozminski, shared his passion for fly fishing at FoBR’s September 11, 2013, General Membership meeting.
He opened with the short film, “A Deliberate Life”, which captures fly fishing through the eyes of professional anglers and the deliberate lifestyle it instills. Koz commented that in the fly fishing industry, “we are brethren who care about the rivers, water and environment.”
In his PowerPoint presentation, “Fly Fishing for Trout in Michigan”, Koz showed maps of Michigan highlighting specific fish zones, locations of rivers best known for fishing, dates of river insect hatches (and which hatches fish prefer), among others.
Koz reflected on fishing several Michigan rivers and noted that Field and Stream named Michigan “Best State for Fly Fishing in the USA” in April 2011.
He also told us that Trout Unlimited was formed on the banks of the AuSable River in 1959, that salmon were introduced in Michigan in 1964, and that carp have become the #1 fly fishing challenge. Carp are sensitive to sound, so they are difficult catch. Beaver Island is quickly becoming known as a hotspot for fly fishing carp.
As a bonus, Koz demonstrated fly tying, explaining why colors and textures are important to make ties realistic to fish.
To read Koz’s articles, learn more about fly fishing and see beautiful photos of the fishing experience, visit his blog at www.truenorthtrout.com. His guide service is www.truenorthtrout.net. You can also join him on Facebook.