Rifle River Rec. Area

[ricknflint]

My wife and I are heading up there next week for a few days of camping and relaxing. Anyway I would like to maybe do a little trout fishing while there and could use some pointers/tips.. Will probably take an a ultralite spin outfit along with my flyrod. Thanks.

[spiff]

I grew up in the area. I haven't heard about much action on the Rifle. I've heard good word about the Au Gres, though (which I grew up on), especially the East Branch.

I'll be up there the weekend on the 21st, also camping with the wife. Haven't decided whether we're going to camp on the Rifle or at Point Au Gres. Either way, I'll try to wet a line while I'm there.

Let me know how you do and I'll do the same.

[WILDCATWICK]

The Rifle River Rec. area can be great. Some of the best hatches I've seen in Michigan have been on the Rifle river in that area.

The biggest problem with that area is the traffic. Alot of kids swimming and tubing thru the whole area. You can go up stream from the furthest upstream campsites and have peace. You can drive along the river and pick out a spot. But you may get some traffic unless you are below the campsites then you won't get any traffic in the morning and evening.

Very underated river.

[quix20]

ricknflint,

we are heading up there on sunday for the week. it is a great river to fish. i've got a couple of spots that always produce for me tucked away in my mind.

i am not sure what campsite we will be in, but i will have my rowboat and 2 floatboats with me. if you spot me stop in and say hi, maybe we can direct each other to some nice spots.

[kype138]

If you want some fun with poppers - try Loon lake.
It's across Grousehaven Lake from the campground - we used to canoe across, drag the canoe across the road, and launch into Loon Lake.
It's a small pond, and it used to be stocked with hybrid bluegills - they grew up to 12" or so, and would chase down streamers, rapalas, just about anything you threw in there...

Tight lines!

[Barrister]

I hit Rifle River Rec. Area this past weekend. Camped Friday and Saturday night, fished the Rifle and some of its tribs on Saturday and Sunday. Lots of little browns and a 'bow or two. Highlight of the weekend was a nice 16-inch brown that took an olive wooly bugger yesterday morning.

When I was growing up my family had a cabin a few miles north of Rose City; it was nice to get back and fish an area where my dad took me when I was a kid. The Rifle is definitely underrated, though somewhat understandably considering its proximity to the Au Sable.

Didn't have to deal with all that much canoe/kayak traffic, either, and the folks I did see were actually pretty considerate. I'll probably make a return trip in short order...