Daylight suddenly seems precious. We are night fishing before 10 pm and it’s now dark on my way to work. There are signs of this sweet little season that lasts until our first few frosts. This is a season of a mix of tricos, flying ants, fall Isos, cool afternoon attractor fishing, morning nymphs, small streamers, and mice. Every passing day scrunches these very different activities into successively smaller windows. Check out some excellent dry-fly fish from this past week:
It has been a beautiful week on the river. There are trout rising every morning when we show up to work, and rising every evening when we leave. Most of these are small fish, but pitching around a 3 or 4 weight for them is great fun and, as the above pictures demonstrate, the chance is always there your fly will float in front of a big surprise. Adding to this upriver and midriver goodness is news that not only are the water temperatures below Mio relaxing into a safe zone, but the white flies are hatching. If you haven’t seen a mega hatch of white flies, it can seem, at times, that your face is an inch from a glacier. In other words, the fishing forecast remains cheery. Not every day is good. Not every night is full of big fish (and the increasing presence of the moon will limit our night fishing this week). But the season is tipping toward fall, and in this transition, things change…and get pretty good!
It’s pouring rain right now (Saturday morning) so keep an eye on the gages.
Upcoming Events:
River Cleanup, Sept 12, 10 am – 2 pm (or so)
On Saturday, September 12th, join a bunch of your fellow Au Sable River devotees in cleaning the river that you love. It’s a special tradition, and one that makes a measurable difference. The first few years this event required a gigantic dumpster. Now, what trash we do find is sorted and recycled. Never done it before? Great! We need you. Bring your waders and polarized sunglasses (to better spot the trash). Grab a poker stick or clasper (provided) and a trash bag (also provided). You and your cleanup team will hit the river and wade a “beat”. If we have enough volunteers, we can cover the vast majority of the popular sections of the Au Sable. This is how we keep the river special, and worth protecting. We do this every year because we have to. If we didn’t, the river would look awful. We meet at Gates Lodge at 9:45, gather in teams, rally, and depart. Most groups are back around noon or 1 pm for a regionally famous cookout! Yes, food and drink ARE provided. We need your help to make it happen. Wanna use your boat? Yeah, we need you too! Questions or to sign up: [email protected]. Click here for a list of wading beats.
Become a Better Angler — September Edition: We have two special classes on the weekend of September 19. See below. Sign up for one. Sign up for both. This is world-class instruction right here on the Au Sable.
Streamer Fishing with Alex Lafkas, September 19, 9 am – 1 pm
Alex says, “At one point in my life streamer fishing was grabbing my sink tip or a floating line and choosing my favorite color woolly bugger. Things have changed in the last 30 years through technical innovation and a deeper understanding of what makes brown trout tick. The focus of this class is to take a deep dive into the whys for each season that is presented throughout the calendar year to a streamer angler. Some times of year are more known for streamer fishing such as spring and fall but there are many other windows that occur each season. Understanding how to use different types of sink tips with varying sink rates also plays a large part in your success. I will cover fly line options and how I use each one for different situations based on fly choice and season to maximize your time on the water. “
We have offered this class previously, and it was very well-received. Includes lunch. Limited to six people. $200 per person.
Sign up at [email protected]
Fly Casting Master Class with Michael Mauri, September 20, 9 am – 12 pm
We are beyond pleased to offer this class with world-renowned guide and fly caster Michael Mauri. If you think you can cast, well, great…but Michael can help you cast faster, better, more accurately, and further. This three-hour session is best for intermediate to advanced casters who want to increase line speed and accuracy. If you’ve cut your teeth on Michigan fly fishing, it’s time learn from an expert on the saltwater flats. Bring your favorite rod and reel and line, and let’s get casting…better.
To reserve a spot, or ask a question: [email protected]. Session will be from 9 am – 12 pm. $200 per person.
Used Rods! We got some great ones…
G. Loomis NRX 9′ 3 wt $400 (Tricos…but here and out west!)
Scott Radian 9′ 8 wt $600 (Carp, bass, steelhead…loves a floating line)
Scott Centric 9′ 5 wt $600 (Great all-around rod)
Sage method 9′ 6 wt $600 (Fall/spring streamers in the upper river)
Winston BIIX 9′ 7 wt $500 (Bass poppers and gurglers)
Winston Air 8’6″ 3 wt $600 (Trico machine)
