Every few years, a tiger trout will pop up. Now some fisheries stock hatchery-forced tiger trout, but a wild one is a rare thing. We most commonly see them pop up in the Holy Waters. They are a cross between a brown trout and a brook trout. They are sterile, and beautiful.
We all fish to hopefully hook the unexpected. Sometimes — as was the case this past Saturday — the expected was so good that it become the unexpected. I was fishing with an out-of-town friend and we launched right into a rare noon flight of flying ants on the South Branch. Flying ants function much like an aquatic hatch, even if they aren’t. They build to a peak. In this case, the weather was sunny and windy and the ants shouldn’t have been there at all. We started right off catching fish. A mile in, the better brook trout were rising in pods. As in, the really nice brook trout, the ones over 10″. The smaller fish were rising in the riffles. It became a classic scene — a heavy “hatch” of bugs, and fish rising up and down the river. It was so good, in fact, that we just started hunting the “hard” trout. 7x fluoro. Size 16 flying ant. We could do no wrong. Two of the brook trout were very close to 12″, a male and a female, rising in the middle of a six foot deep hole, just patrolling the wide bubble line. It was a long downstream cast. They were caught one after the other. The highlight of the day.
Later in the afternoon the air grew thick, the clouds rolled in, the wind quit. Perfect flying ant conditions…except the flying ants were done. In fact, everything on our stretch of river was done. But Lance, fishing another stretch of river with clients…that’s when he began seeing the fall Isos. August can be like that. It does matter where you go.
We have received more rain. This has been a rain-filled year. The rivers are in wonderful shape for late August. We have a great moon-cycle coming up for night fishing but the high water will probably hurt the night fishing a bit. That’s a good trade-off. We have been finding fish primarily on dry/dropper techniques, as we as via the streamer and, later in the afternoon, a blind-fished dry fly (think fall Iso, skunk, larger ant). The second half of the season (that is August and now September) has really made up for the slow, flooded spring. It has been above-average fishing this entire summer. We are headed into fall with fat, healthy trout and a good head of water.
And…we are headed into River Cleanup weekend (9/12, info below, sign-ups welcomed and needed). As we are writing our preseason orders for 2027, and as we have some products that are going to be dropped in 2027, we are going TO HOST A SALE on cleanup weekend. We will have lots of used rods that have to go, waders and boots, summer styles and pieces. It’s going to be a pretty big sale, and you will want to be there.
If you’re headed fishing this holiday weekend, well, you’re doing the right thing. Bring ants, fall isos (a size 12 and 14 Adams para works too!), an assortment of little beadheads, some fall streamers, some long leaders, some light tippet, some mice, flashlights, and heavy gear, and enjoy the exquisite variety of the early fall. The more we learn about this once-neglected time of year, the more it seems a truly special season.
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.
THE CLASSES BELOW ARE FULL BUT WE WILL ADD A FEW PEOPLE TO THE WAITING LISTS OF EACH: [email protected]
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)
