My guide book is officially closed for the year. Sincere Thanks to all who shared the boat with me in 2025.

Water temp on Pool 9 today is 47 degrees. It has been consistent for a week now. i’ve been on the water the past 4 consecutive days, chasing walleyes & SMB with generally good success. At least in the pursuit of happiness.

It takes me an hour every single day to get in harmony with the River, even though I’m usually out there 4-5 days a week during the open water period.

This time is short. maybe a month. maybe more, maybe less. Active fish are still in <10 fow. Today I started where i left off yesterday. The fish were still there. today they wanted cranks pulled @ 2.2 mph. at least at that spot. On other spots with similar habitat parameters they wanted cranks casted, plastics pulled or snap-jigged blades. Feels good to be on fish. Good fish.

There was a stiff SW breeze under leaden and ominous skies when the only fat girl slurped in a B-Fish-N Pulse R pulled slow over rocks on a 1/4 oz black draggin’ jig. She was photo-worthy at just over 25 inches. It was then i realized my smart phone was at home.

This generated a metaphysical discourse with a comforting outcome. No need to share a pic on social media. I have nothing to prove to anybody. There were no boats as far as the eye could see. All alone on the mighty Miss. No other humans far as the eye could see in all directions.

There was unmistakable electricity in the air of pending weather change. When you essentially live in a treestand or on the water the interaction with nature is magnified manifold. All God’s creatures feel the vibe. maybe that’s why the fish were on the chew today.

All alone under leaden, ominous skies on a truly powerful force of nature. I felt small and insignificant, but at peace, cuz I knew where I was supposed to be and what I was meant to do. Such a situation might be intimidating, even fearful.

I thought of the 23rd Psalm. I smiled. The freedom of being alone out on that Grand River is exhilarating. Every single day is a gift from the Creator. Psalm 90 says measure and treasure each one. Lotsa good stuff in Psalms and in the Good Book overall.

A chunky 18″ walleye interrupted mental calisthenics. It went in the box. Perfect feed for my wife the Admiral & me tomorrow night.

it’s a great day when you lose track of how many times you set the hook. It was getting dark when I backed the Lund into the pole barn and cleaned the fish. Time for some leftover Jambalaya, two fingers of good bourbon and kickin’ back in front of the fireplace.

Happy and at peace. The only topic requiring attention between now and tomorrow is where to start fishin’ in the morning. tight lines, y’all