River Report – March 5, 2022

March toward Spring I say.  Even though this month often serves up some of our most ferocious winter weather, it’s nice to turn the calendar page.  Days are getting longer and the sun’s angle stronger.  There’s no more going to work in the dark and coming home in the dark.  We can look forward to occasional Spring-like afternoons now and we should find a way to the woods and waters on all of those days.

2022 fishing licenses went on sale as of March 1st, and that means thoughts turn to river time.  Licenses are Salmon colored this season.  Appropriate, I guess.  Of course, your 2021 license is still good through March 31st, so there’s plenty of room to get your new trout sticker. 

As most of you know, Wakely Bridge is under construction and is being replaced this winter.  The old bridge is gone and there is no stream crossing, but the crew works hard everyday; they start early and finish late—there’s no one leaning on shovels.  Completion date is speculated to be sometime in May, but the crew has made great progress and word on the creek is that the River is open to through traffic on, at least, some days. 

I haven’t confirmed that, so do your due diligence before you just float between the giant cranes and heavy equipment.  I tend to leave folks alone and mind my own business, but I’m certain the crew sees enough looky—loo’s and sideline supervisors to almost warrant having a PR person on site.  I’d stop and ask someone before your Holy Waters float trip.

Also, the Michigan Fly Fishing Club is hosting their Midwest Fly Fishing Expo March 12th and 13th.  It will be a great event with lots of pent-up demand after a two-year hiatus.  It’s a wonderful meeting place for fly fishing friends new and old.  There are all sorts of fantastic presentations, demonstrations, and gear sales.   It’s fun gathering—a fantastic kick off to the trout fisher’s “New Year”.

I’m going to miss out this year.  We’ve had multiple booths every year the shop has been in existence and usually supported MFFC by purchasing, as many as eight spots.  We’re sad to not be attending this year.  I’m really going to miss seeing all of our old friends.

Normally, we pack up the entire store and recreate the Old Au Sable Fly Shop as the largest display in the Macomb Community College gymnasium.   There we sell all sorts of current gear and clearance merchandise at deep discounts. 

I simply don’t have the help this winter to physically make the trip.  It’s just Jeff and I.  There’s a great crew coming to The Old Au Sable this season but most are college guys that won’t be available until May. 

So, we’re just going to hang out in Grayling and fish and tie flies.  March is a fun time in the shop—folks are brimming with anticipation and the new gear arrives daily while all of the seasonal goods go on sale.  We have select Sage rods marked down and all sorts of deals for Spring Clearance.  Swing by to scratch that Cabin Fever itch.

Hope to see you all soon,

Andy

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