RIVER REPORT – December 2,2022

The Old AuSable Fly Shop Fishing Report I had the encounter. It wasn’t close, but it was with the bone-horned brut I saw last year on the same runway—one year older. I’ve taken a lot of bucks, but this one is an entirely different animal.  His antlers look too small for his body, but that’s … Read more

River Report October 1, 2022

The best month of the year is here.  I wish October stretched into Spring.   The undisputed king of the calendar offers everything outdoors folk could want.   Winter has snow, Spring has showers, Summer has sunshine—October has all of that and more.  Sure, it might be short of wildflowers and swimming and snow skiing, but … Read more

River Report April 18, 2022

Folks are vibrating with Spring energy here in the Northwoods. Jack and I have been taking Stella puppy for after work spins in the grouse coverts (before the woods close to unleashed dogs on April 15th), so that she can get a sniffer full of smells and so that Jack can work on his compass … Read more

November 11, 2020 RIVER REPORT

The Old Au Sable Fly Shop Fishing Report Wild weather swings are about to bend to more seasonable trends.  We went from an early season snowstorm to an incredibly warm Indian Summer. The summer-like stretch made fishing and hunting difficult.  Grouse hunting fell apart with the heat.  Whipped dogs lolled tongues over water dishes in … Read more

River Report – October 2, 2010

The Old Au Sable Fly Shop Fishing Report Fall color is upon us.  We’re getting close to peak change in Northern Michigan.  This is easily my favorite season of the year.  Splashes of red and orange and gold pop against evergreen ridges.  And over every rise and in buried in every swale, drumming grouse and … Read more

River Report September 16, 2020

The Old Au Sable Fly Shop Fishing Report It’s actually Fall in Northern Michigan. Seems like it’s all too early. But the weather keeps reminding me that we have to put up our winter wood. And the maple trees are already turning red. Plus, it’s grouse season. Happy bird day, I say! The best thing … Read more

Old Au Sable Fly Shop Fishing Report

October 31, 2018 The Old Au Sable Fly Shop Fishing Report.     We’re moving into the latest pages of Fall.  As October rolls into November the leaves curl on the ground and frosty mornings give way to occasional smatterings of snow.  The deer are healthy and strong and the grouse are all full fanned … Read more

The Old Au Sable Fly Shop Fishing Report

October 17, 2018 The Old Au Sable Fly Shop Fishing Report.     It is time for big Au Sable and Manistee River brown trout.  Those fish have put on the feed bag.  They’re eating large, slow moving meals in preparation for the spawn.  The males are getting ready to battle over gravel and the … Read more

The Old Au Sable Fly Shop Fishing Report

September 27, 2018 The Old Au Sable Fly Shop Fishing Report.     The first whiffs of Fall are finally in the breeze.  The mornings are crisp and cool.  It feels good to put on socks and boots and heavy brush pants.  Bird season is well underway and the dogs are earning their kibble. It’s … Read more

River Report November 21, 2017

November 21, 2017   The Old Au Sable Fly Shop Fishing Report   Rain.  It’s rained and snowed and the wind has blown and the sun disappeared for most of the deer season so far.  We’ve hunted in the grimpen mire.  And most folks in Northern Michigan had some tough sledding.  The buck poles were … Read more