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Caddis Shack Fly-Fishing Report & Farewell from Chris
Hello all, and good day —
Chris here with The Caddis Shack Fly-Fishing Guide Service.
A couple of big updates to share this week, so let’s dive right in.
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Fishing Report
If you’ve got a good rain dance, now’s the time to use it. Water levels across Michigan are low, low, low. From the Lower Peninsula to the U.P., every system we’ve checked is feeling the pinch. That said, we’re still finding some great trout fishing up here in the U.P.
Right now, nymphing is the name of the game, with a touch of streamer action on cooler mornings and evenings. Think stonefly nymphs, caddis patterns, and small wet flies like Partridge & Orange or soft-hackle caddis. There are still a few October Caddis and Blue-Winged Olives fluttering about for those still in love with the dry fly — but be ready to work for those topwater eats.
The salmon runs are in full swing, and we’re starting to see the first steelhead and lake-run browns nosing into the systems, too. It’s an exciting time to be on the water, even with the skinny flows.
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Changing of the Guard
Now, for the big news. After guiding since around 2002 — over two decades of rowdy rivers, laughing clients, fish stories, and friendships — it’s time for me to pass the torch.
I’m proud to announce that Matthew and Melissa (Mel) Erny have officially purchased The Caddis Shack Fly-Fishing Guide Service from myself and my longtime business partner and good friend, Jason Brownewell.
Matt and Mel moved up to the U.P. a few years back, taking a leap of faith to chase their guiding dream. Since then, they’ve put in the work — spending 150 to 200 days a year on the water, volunteering with local conservation groups, and living and breathing fly fishing. These two are the real deal — driven, passionate, and humble — and they’ve earned this.
Matt and Mel are not just maintaining what we built — they will be expanding on it. They have big plans for all of what Michigan’s Upper Peninsula has to offer. In addition to the trout and inland river adventures that made The Caddis Shack name what it is, they have BIG plans for the future and it is bright.
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From My Heart
To all of you — clients, friends, fellow anglers, and river rats — I want to say thank you. Your support, your laughter, and your friendship over these past 24 years have meant the world to me. We’ve shared cold mornings, wild fish, blown drifts, and perfect casts. I’ve met some incredible people through this journey — and those memories will never fade.
Now, does this mean I’m hanging up the oars completely? Not quite. I’ll still hop in the boat from time to time, especially early-season floats for steelhead, smallmouth, and trout when Matt needs a hand. But my main focus is shifting to our real estate company, and a personal goal that’s been calling me for a while — skydiving. If all goes to plan, this coming summer will be the one where I finally earn that license.
So, with gratitude and peace in my heart, I say farewell — not goodbye.
Please join me in welcoming Matt and Mel Erny as the new captains of The Caddis Shack Fly-Fishing Guide Service. Support them, fish with them, and keep the spirit of the Shack alive and well.
It’s been a heck of a ride.
Stay safe, fish hard, and God bless.
Tight lines,
Chris Gestwicki
The Caddis Shack Fly-Fishing Guide Service
“Where passion meets the water.”
