Boasting four Great Lakes, over 11,000 inland lakes and 36,000 miles of streams and rivers, many of them blue ribbon trout streams, the state of Michigan is a natural destination for anglers of every persuasion. Fly fishing enthusiasts from all over the world make the pilgrimage to Grayling's fishing lodges and the storied waters of the Au Sable River.
Lodges
Gates Au Sable Lodge, situated on the banks of the Au Sable River, with its fly shop, restaurant and line-up of guides, is a popular choice in Grayling.
The Old AuSable Lodge, located in the Old AuSable Fly Shop, can accommodate groups up to six people. Amenities include a 42-inch flat screen TV, a large kitchenette and a fire pit in the backyard on the banks of the river.
You also may want to check out the North Country Lodge and its specials, which include trout fishing and kayak canoeing packages.
The Fuller's North Branch Outing Club, located a few miles northeast of Grayling on the banks of the North Branch of the Au Sable River, is a state and national historical site. It has been serving fly fishermen since 1916.
Guides
Many of the area's fishing lodges and fly shops have in-house guides or literature featuring local fly fishing gurus. Bob Linsenman's fly shop and guide service, due east of Grayling in Mio, offers schools and instruction along with guide service for individuals, families and groups. Jim's Canoes, Cabins and Guide Service is located at the Wakeley Bridge on the Au Sable River and offers fly fishing guide services.
Catch and Release
One of Michigan's most famous stretches of catch-and-release waters is the "Holy Water," located just east of the Grayling city limits where the Au Sable River meanders past Burton's Landing. The landing marks the upstream boundary of an 8-mile long, flies only, no-kill water zone, which ends at Wakely Bridge.
Licenses
All Michigan anglers must have a license. Licenses are available at the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and Environment website and bait shops and sporting goods stores throughout the state. Anglers fishing for trout will need an all-species license which costs $28 for residents. A non-resident fisherman can purchase a yearly, all-species license for $42, or a 1-day license for $7. Residents and non-residents under the age of 17 can purchase a 1-year license for $2.
History
The pristine waters of the Au Sable River owes its unpolluted status to a group of 16 men who gathered at George Griffith's cottage on the banks of Michigan's most famous trout stream to form Trout Unlimited in 1959. Today, Trout Unlimited is the premier organization dedicated to "conserving, protecting and restoring North America's coldwater fisheries and their watersheds."
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