Au Sable in August?

[Luke McLeod]

Didn't make the Michigan fish-in this year, but a friend and I are heading up next weekend. Any suggestions for patterns this time of year? Luke

[rainbowchaser]

Call Gates Lodge for the latest . I would guess that the main branch is quite warm so consider concentrating on the colder North branch. I would expect tricos, small bwos and terrestrials to be the best dry fly choices along with midges and small caddis.

[jcampbell]

Well, I am here and the Main Branch is not that warm. We just had a good rain yesterday and the river is back to a good late summer normal. Tricos are plentiful in the morning if you want to go that small. It's the time of year that the attractors/terrestrials are doing well. I caught several browns a couple of days ago on a Madsen Skunk. I've also had some luck with Charlie Craven's "Charlie Boy Hopper. The fish (Browns and Brooks) seemed more than willing to rise to those flies in a size 12 & 14 (something I can see). Josh at Gates told some guy the other day, "when in doubt, go with a Patriot".

Fishing pressure is now down, but the aluminum hatch is still in full swing from about 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. The tube brigades can be a problem for a person trying to fish in the afternoon. The North Branch does not allow the canoe liveries, so there is less of a problem there. I have had no luck with caddis patterns, but the other standards, as mentioned above may do well.... especially in the morning. Also, don't overlook the lighter colored patterns. I have seen a few PMD coming off through the day in front of my house. I have not been down to the big water this year, but I hear streamers are working well. One of my neighbors caught a 23 inch brown down there a few nights ago. Hope to run into you while you are here.

[Luke McLeod]

Thanks for the info. I meant to get back on here sooner to thank you guys, bbut life gets in the way. Just arrived in Grayling last night. Going scouting this morning. Luke

[Luke McLeod]

Just wanted to thank jcampbell for the hospitality. My buddie Brad and I had a great time. Weather and wind didn't cooperate for us on this trip, but I still managed to catch my biggest brookie ever and Brad caught his first fish on a fly and first trout on a fly too! Brads casts got better and his fish got bigger, I think he's hooked! I'm having a great time teaching. It's amazing how much I've forgotten and what comes rushing back when I have someone else to teach. It's improving my fishing too. Thanks again John for sharing your wisdom and your little slice of heaven.

[jcampbell]

Luke,
It was a pleasure meeting both of you and having you visit with us. Glad you enjoyed your time on the AuSable. Hope to see you again next year.