Mike Marsh - Al Ritt

Mike Marsh

 
I'm Mike Marsh, owner of Marsh Ridge River Guide Service , I grew up in the town of West Olive, Michigan, along the banks of Pigeon Creek that flows into Lake Michigan just north of Holland. From a very early age, I was always in the creek looking for fish, nymphs, frogs, turtles, any thing that would catch my eye in the water. As I reached the age of 10, I would ride my bike miles from home, to fish the Grand River for walleye, catfish, bass, pike, and huge carp.

As a teenager, I fished local bass and catfish tournaments. Our family would travel all over the state for my father's job as a bridge builder, so I got many chances to perfect my fishing skills on the rivers and lakes in northern Michigan. We often vacationed at my uncle's cabin on the main branch of the Pere Marquette River in the spring, summer, fall, and the winter. at the age of 12 it was all I had ever dreamed it would be. Since those days, I have enjoyed 20 years of Lake Michigan salmon fishing and 9 years of guiding fly fishing excursions on Michigan's, Pere Marquette River, Manistee River, Muskegon River, and Pine River.

I am now a licensed Michigan, U.S. Forest Service Permitted River Guide. Guiding fly Fishing adventures on the Pere Marquette River Pine River, Upper Manistte River, Big Manistee River, Little Manistee River, Muskegon River, White River, Grand River and the Kalamazoo River Fly fishing for Brown trout, rainbow trout steelhead and silver/king salmon catfish, and pike, small mouth bass and many other Michigan fish. I have a lifetime of fishing knowledge and experience to pass on to anyone fishing with me. I take pride in the dry flies and streamers that I tie. I have learned a lot from my fellow guides and paid close attention to their detail. This has made me a better fly fisherman, enabling my clients to learn from me. In addition, I am now setting lines on Lake Michigan, for Captain Roger Haynor, and I am a investor in Evolution Sport Fishing Charters, a Lake Michigan, fishing charter service. I love what I do, fly fishing Michigan's trout streams and fishing on Lake Michigan, on the Evolution charter boat. Fishing is what I am. I always let my fishing do the talking. 

Al Ritt

Growing up in Michigan I fished as long as I can remember. While living in northern California in the early 1980's I began fly fishing almost exclusively, just shortly after I began tying flies.  In 1989 I moved to the northern front range of Colorado where I currently reside.  Most of my fishing is in Colorado and Wyoming for trout, but I also enjoy traveling and have made multiple trips to Ascension Bay in Mexico for bonefish and permit, Alaska for trout and salmon, and several states for various trout and warm water species.

While working in the robotics and industrial automation field most of my career, I have also worked for 2 large outdoor equipment retailers and for a local fly shop.  Currently I work for PEAK Fishing handling Sales, Marketing, Service, and Product Development for their fly tying and rod building product lines.  I've taught fly tying since 1995 both for area fly shops and independently for individuals and small groups.  I've also guided and taught fly fishing since 2004.  I am currently a pro team member for PEAK Fishing, Whiting Farms and Flymen Fishing Company. My fly designs have appeared in several books including Colorado Trout Flies by Todd Hosman Streamside Press), 100 Best Flies for Montana Trout by Thomas R Pero (Wild River Press), Modern Midges by Rick Takahashi and Jerry Hubka (Headwater Books) and 100 Best Flies for Colorado Trout by Thomas R Pero (Wild River Press). I have written articles for Fly Fishing and Tying Journal and Hatches
Magazines.

Currently I also operate my own business, Al Ritt Flies. The focus is on fly fishing education through fly tying classes/lessons and guided fly fishing services. More information about my guide services and classes is available on my web site, www.alrittflies.com . My fly designs are available from Montana Fly Company dealers, my own web site www.alrittflies.com and through www.MyFlies.com .