Where: Pere Marquette River, Baldwin MI
When: October 8 & 9, 2025
What: Great Big King Salmon making their way up the river to spawn at the end of their life.
Who: Bob Born, Ken Welter, Bob Hassett, Alan Hautly, Pastor Scott Hayes and his son Asher.
Why: Because we are F.A.T.C.

It all started back in June at the ALTAR retreat in Minnesota, where Bob Born and I, Alan Hautly
met Pastor Scott Hayes, part of the ministry team and one of the fishing guides. During the
retreat, Pastor Scott and I got to talking about the King Salmon run on the Pere Marquette
River, which peaks from September into October. He graciously extended an invitation to join
him for what he promised would be an unforgettable trip. During the retreat, Scott led us in a
deep and meaningful program focused on Sabbath Rest—a theme that would carry through to
our fishing journey.
With space for four, I posted the trip on the FATC calendar and soon heard back from Ken
Welter and Bob Hassett. Our group was set.
We departed from my house at 7 a.m. for the eight-hour drive and arrived late that afternoon
at the Red Moose Lodge in Baldwin Michigan. That evening, we met up with Scott and Asher at
a local pizza parlor, enjoying some great food and our first Sabbath Rest session. We wrapped
up the night with instructions on how we’d fish the following morning.

Day 1: A Cold Start and Hot Fishing Action
We were up early Wednesday, helped shuttle vehicles, and were on the river just after 6:30
a.m. (EST). Scott and Asher had a drift boat and a drift raft, and we launched just before sunrise
with temperatures in the mid to upper 30s.
At our first fishing spot, Scott and Asher walked us through the technique and process. We
were using 9-weight, 9-foot rods with heavy lines, leaders, egg flies, and tightly set drags. It
didn’t take long before the action started, big fish hitting hard and fighting like crazy. Some
made 50-yard runs, while others jumped, flipped, splashed, and put on a show.
We stayed at the first spot longer than expected…it was just too good to leave. Eventually, we
moved further downstream, and the action continued. We even had a triple hook-up at one
point, with Bob Born landing the biggest fish of the trio.

Lunch was venison brats right there on the riverbank, and the afternoon kept delivering
excitement. We ended the day at the take-out, tired but exhilarated.
That evening, we headed to Chase Creek Smokehouse and Grill for another great meal,
followed by our second Sabbath Rest session.

Day 2: Slower Start, Strong Finish
Thursday morning, we started an hour later, waiting for the sun to rise. Temps were in the
upper 20s, cold! We split up: Bob H. and I went back to Wednesday’s first spot with Pastor
Scott, while Bob B. and Ken headed further downstream with Asher.
The morning was slower for us. There were still plenty of fish in the water, but the bites were
fewer. Bob B and Ken each managed to hook a couple of nice ones, and Bob H and I had a
couple as well. As the day progressed, we moved back to Wednesday’s second spot and found
better action. Then, further downstream again, we hit a final stretch where the fishing picked
up.
Lunch that day was outstanding—venison steaks and grilled potatoes—before making the long
drift back to the take-out.
That evening, we wrapped up our trip at Scott and Asher’s camper, enjoyed more brats, and
closed out with our final session on Sabbath Rest around a glowing campfire.
For the week, we estimated that our group caught at least 80 fish. Most measured over 34
inches in length, with the largest ones caught by Bob Born, coming in at nearly 40 inches, and
Bob Hassett 39 inches. According to Asher, these fish weighed between 15 and 25 pounds. This
far exceeded all of our expectations. What a memorable trip!
Heading Home
We packed up and left Friday morning, hearts full from two incredible days on the Pere
Marquette River. It was more than just a fishing trip—it was a time of deep rest, great
fellowship, and amazing experiences.
We’re already looking forward to doing it again next year.