Hi all, been awhile.
I’ll be visiting family in Battle Creek MI first week of September. Thought I would drive up to the Au Sable as it will probably be the only chance I ever get to fish there. Suggestions for guides would be appreciated. Probably be there Tue. Sept 4 and Wed.
Thank you for your help
Bill Dorgeloh
Fredericksburg, VA
Contact Josh at Gates Lodge 989 348 8462 or www.gateslodge.com
Some of the best guides on the river work out of there.
Brad
We are having a very warm summer with little rain so far. If this continues you may want to consider the North branch of the Au Sable which has a great deal of groundwater and should be a little colder. If you want to fish the main river try for a guide who will take you out after midnight when things cool off. Some hogs can be caught on deer hair mice if you can stand the frustrations of night fishing.
I’m not a local to the area, but I’ve been up there a few times. I would like to second what both Kaboom1 and Rainbowchaser posted. If you call Josh, tell him your situation, experience level, whether or not you’ve ever fished with a guide, and anything else that will help him make the arrangements. Calling sooner is probably better than waiting.
Ed
Thank you all. I will call tomorrow . I’ve fished many times with a guide , I know it’s good to get one when you’re fishing new water. Can’t wait.
Any smaller streams I can wade if I get up there a day early???
Bil
Don’t forget the White Fly hatch in Mio. You will be there spot on date for the white flies. Linesman’s shop right in Mio, or Kelly Neuman both guide the Mio stretch and are good choices.
Steve
The Rifle River in the Rifle River State Recreation Area, near Rose City, is a good wade. Rainbows and yellow pearch.
The Au Sable system in the Grayling area is mostly fishable without a boat. There a numerous places to access the river also. If I had limited time to fish the night before and was staying at Gates Lodge I would fish right there. From town I would go upstream on M72 to keystone landing which is easily found and waded. If you arrive early enough in the day you can take the road a little farther east to Smith’s bridge and follow the signs for the Mason Tract. This is a beautiful place with lots of access to the South Branch.
And of course there are all of those wonderful brookies in the North Branch near Dam Four.
Ed
Most of you know that Ladyfisher and Castwell got married at Keystone Campground. The prolog of http://www.hatofmichigan.org/uploads/TyingFlies_ebook.pdf was written there. The whole Ausable system is fabulous. There are two great river guides available from TU for the area. The white fly hatch below Mio is mostly a boat affair.