If you’re like me and cabin fever is upon you hard and fast, then perhaps it is time to start planning for spring trout fishing in Northern Michigan! A good place to get the engine going is at the Midwest Fly Fishing Expo sponsored by the Michigan Fly Fishing Club. As in past years, the event will be held this Spring at the Macolm Community College Sports and Expo Center. The two day event will be held this year on March 13th and 14th.
Photo by Steve Clark, copyright 2010
This is a big show for the Michigan angling community, and most of the larger Michigan fly shops and guides make an appearance. In addition to vender space, there is a casting area, and a number of educational programs and speakers. Speakers for this year include Dave Hughes, Bob Jackin, and Jeff “Bear” Andrews. From the Traverse City area, Chuck Hawkins of Hawkins Outfitters will be doing a talk entitled “Where to Catch Big Trout.”
The Best Western Georgian Inn in Roseville has special rates for conference attendees. The group rate is $59.00+tax.The show itself has a very reasonable fee for attendance and that price includes admission to the various seminars — the potential educational value is well worth the price of the show.
I’ve attended perhaps four shows in the last ten years, and it is a good time. One of the special treats for fly tiers is digging through the seemingly endless boxes of cheap, highly-discounted fly tying materials that almost everyone seems to be selling. Lots of good bargains, if you don’t mind digging around for a few minutes.
