Michigan Fly Fishing for Smallies and Pike

  In this conversation, Christian Bacasa interviews Alan Campbell, a fly fishing guide from Grand Rapids, Michigan. They discuss Alan's guide service and his focus on smallmouth bass and pike fishing. They cover topics such as fishing in the spring, transitioning from conventional fishing to fly fishing, and changing tactics for summer fishing. In this conversation, Allen Campbell shares his insights on fly fishing for smallmouth bass and pike. He discusses the different water levels and how to target fish in various areas, such as log jams and eddies. Allen also provides tips on approaching points and islands, as well as setting up rods for different fishing scenarios. Overall, this conversation offers valuable advice for fly anglers looking to improve their skills and catch more fish.   Takeaways   Alan Campbell is a fly fishing guide based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, specializing in smallmouth bass and pike fishing. In the spring, Alan focuses on fishing slower sections of water and targeting areas where fish are preparing to spawn. Transitioning from conventional fishing to fly fishing can be beneficial, as conventional anglers often have a good understanding of fish behavior and can apply their knowledge to fly fishing techniques. In the summer, Alan recommends fishing early in the morning for topwater action and moving to deeper water and structure as the day progresses. When fishing topwater, casting at a 90-degree angle to the bank and using smaller flies can be effective. Understanding the different water levels and how fish relate to them is crucial for successful fly fishing. Targeting specific areas like log jams and eddies can yield great results. Using intermediate and full sink lines can help get flies to the desired depth and keep them in the strike zone. Choosing the right rod weight for the target species and fishing conditions is important for casting and controlling the fly. Fly Fishing Insider Blog is taking off and I'm putting out tons of content weekly.  Join the Loyalty Club for updates and all kinds of discounts! www.ffipodcast.com The Fly Fisherman's Channel has become my favorite place lately. I work with them, so the podcast is on there now and without ads. What I like is that it is the most extensive collection of fly fishing-specific content on the web! Subscribe with my link and get 10% off your subscription by using code: FFIP10SPRING23 https://bit.ly/10PtsOffFlyFishermansChannel If you like the Fly Fisherman's Channel, it really helps cover the show's overhead. Anyone you share that link with can help. Thanks!!! A lot of you have been asking what I'm using these days. Specifically, I use products from these companies because they have been shown to last and be worth the money. They tend to last long and have good functionality. I'll try to add them to the podcasts from now on and keep the list up to date. Additionally, I'll be doing more reviews, but taking a look now is worthwhile. Grundéns Waders - https://bit.ly/grundénswaders  Simms Fishing - Packs, Boots, Accessories, Waders - https://bit.ly/simmsfishingmain Patagonia - Clothing, Shells, Packs - https://bit.ly/patagoniamainpage Gerber Gear - Fishing Tools, Nipper, Pliers - https://bit.ly/gerbergearfishing BD - Clothing, Jackets, Headlamps - https://bit.ly/bdmainpage Gryal 24 Oz Bottle - Water Purification - https://bit.ly/gryalwaterpurification