Rich Merlino's Blog (3)

Look over a river after dinner time and you will see nature at it's best. The Mayflies will begin their dance above the water's surface so that next year's mayflies will also continue the tradition. As the dance ends with the mayflies falling exausted to the surface film, they bring another dance below the water. The dance of some of the biggest trout feeding on the spent bugs as they create rings on the top of the river. With what the mayflies have left, the trout will use to help themselves ge… Continue

One week left until trout season opener. This is a great time of the year to head north and enjoy everything northern Michigan has to offer. The birds are singing and the fish are rising. This time of the year is my favorite. Standing in a cool stream to challenge nature at it's own game is exhilarating! If you don't fly-fish yet, take the time and learn from some of the best around. We offer classes in the Detroit area and have a great gentleman, Dave Leonhard, in Traverse City who can teach yo… Continue

I was introduced to the sport more than thirty years ago in Massachusettes. I moved to Las Vegas where my passion consumed me chasing striped bass in Lake Mead and the mountains of Utah while working in the casino business. When I got the opportunity to move to Michigan, the wealth of places to flyfish intrigued me so much, I couldn't resist. I immediatley got a job where passion and profession merged. I became the Fly fishing Manager at Orvis Royal Oak. Probably the most popular question is: "C… Continue