I feel the long sought tug of a heavy fish and drive the hook of my fly solidly home. Confused, the fish jumps flipping in mid-air and jets downstream in a wild, manic dash. It rapidly pulls out sixty feet of my yellow fly line then, unexpectedly, pauses to rest. It is then that I know to give chase as best as I can, stumbling over slippery rocks and reeling as fast as I can to gain line. Still not knowing why it is being pulled the fish swims steadily back upstream, quickly passes me, … [Read more...]
Cider & Salmon
September 4, 2013 by 3 Comments
I’m all geared-up not just because the salmon are starting their annual river spawning migrations, but also because I can smell that heavenly aroma of sweet apple cider, fresh baked donuts and caramel apples drifting down from the 137-year-old cider mill just upstream. The amazing thing is that both are happening right here in Rochester Hills right now and the epicenter for all of this excitement is Yates Cider Mill. Yates is a Michigan landmark and a registered historic site and its mill has … [Read more...]
Summer Trout
August 14, 2013 by Leave a Comment
Savvy Michigan fly fishermen don't hit on trout when the long days of summer get muggy and hot. Why? Net a struggling, cold-loving trout in warm, oxygen deprived waters and it will most likely go belly-up. So what's a year-round fly guy to do especially in the southern parts of the state; we go warm-water. Bluegills and largemouth bass are fine, but the grand prize of the sunfishes that I prefer is the smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu). Described here are just a few of the better SE … [Read more...]
Discover Hills’ green spaces
May 7, 2012 by Leave a Comment
The city of Rochester Hills will offer hikers a one-hour walk on the Clinton River Trail on Saturday, May 19 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The hike will cover the stretch of trail between Avon Road and Diversion Street. It will include nature presentations and a raffle. Discover overlooked natural features and explore some of the undeveloped properties purchased by the city of Rochester Hills which are now protected as perpetual green spaces. Along the route, volunteers will share information about … [Read more...]
Where the Rivers Collide
April 18, 2012 by Leave a Comment
It's hard to drive around Rochester for very long and not find yourself crossing over water. Both the Clinton River and the Paint Creek meander under our bridges and through backyards, from Oakland Township, to Rochester Hills, and downtown. We have wonderful trails that follow alongside them, and they are a favorite pastime for our family. But even after living here our whole lives, my husband and I, perhaps like most residents, realized we had no idea where the two bodies of water themselves … [Read more...]
Paddlepalooza returns
April 17, 2012 by Leave a Comment
Experienced paddlers can register now for Paddlepalooza, scheduled for June 2 on the Clinton River between Auburn Hills and Rochester Hills. Paddlepalooza is not recommended for the beginner. At certain times of year, the river can be considered difficult enough for a Class III rating. Participants can register for either an eight-mile canoe and kayak race to River Crest Banquet Center in Rochester Hills or an eight-mile, four-hour paddle, also to the River Crest. Trophies will be awarded for … [Read more...]
Hills man rescued from Clinton River
January 26, 2012 by Leave a Comment
A driver was rescued from the chilly Clinton River early Thursday morning after a car skidded off the road. Rochester Hills Fire Chief Ron Crowell said that shortly after midnight, his department and Oakland County Sheriff's deputies responded to a report that a car had skidded into the river with a Rochester Hills man inside. Fire crews using specialist suits to protect them from the frigid water entered the river and were able to safely rescue the man through the back window and … [Read more...]
High Waters Force Paddlepalooza To Reschedule
June 3, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Due to the excessive rain and the high waters on the Clinton River the coordinators of Paddlepalooza have decided to reschedule the event. Originally scheduled for tomorrow, June 4, 2011, participants are being asked to check back with the City websites for more information at a later date. For more details about Paddlepalooza’s participant rules, what to wear, canoe and kayak rentals, parking and shuttle service, raffle prizes, and registration and waiver forms, please visit the City of … [Read more...]
Avon Road Bridge To Have More Lanes Closed
February 2, 2011 by Leave a Comment
Beverly Hills, Mich. — The Road Commission for Oakland County, in the near future, will permanently close additional lanes on the Avon Road bridge over the Clinton River just east of Livernois in Rochester Hills. The amount of weight that can legally be carried over the bridge will also be reduced. The changes are necessary due to the deteriorating condition of the bridge. The increased weight restrictions will take effect tomorrow, Feb. 3. The additional lanes will be closed as soon as … [Read more...]
