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 – May 28, 2022

This one is straight from the hip. There’s a time for fun language and indulgent writing, and then there’s Drakes in June.  I love May more than any other month in the Au Sable flyfishing world.  I live here for May and June and for October.  May was tough for me.  I fished exactly where … Read more

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 … Read more

River Report – February 7, 2022

You won’t often hear these words, but January flew by for me.  The cold was so bitter that it, in fact, shut down the lake effect machine.  Weather prognosticators had foreshadowed a warmer than average winter highlighted by heavy snow fall due to an unfrozen Lake Michigan.  Clearly, they are overpaid. No problem for Michiganians—we’re … Read more

River Report – November 26, 2020

The Old Au Sable Fly Shop Fishing Report It’s one curve ball after another when Mother Nature pitches November weather.  Hunting bucks in the Michigan rifle season is the big leagues.  So far this year, I’m batting below the Mendoza line, but it’s not over yet and I’ll keep stepping up to the plate.  Two … Read more

River Report July 22, 2020

July 24, 2020 The Old Au Sable Fly Shop Fishing Report The height of the Summer trout fishing season has settled into the Au Sable River Valley. And our waters are in fine shape. Tricos and blue winged olives define the hatch match dry fly fishing opportunity now. Go early and you won’t miss the … Read more

River Report – August 21, 2019

The Old Au Sable Fly Shop Fishing Report This has been the finest August I can remember – cool nights and warm days. Michigan has the best weather in the country right now.  And fishing is, well, really pretty good for late Summer.  Water temperatures and flows are solid, so daytime angling is alright.  Tricos … Read more

November 20, 2018 – Deer Camp

The Old Au Sable Fly Shop Fishing Report Welcome to the white-tailed deer rifle season in Northern Michigan. We had an early cold snap that brought with it a blanket of snow. Snow is welcomed by all deer hunters.  It makes it easier to spot the brown ungulates as they sneak through the spruces and … Read more

The Old Au Sable Fly Shop Christmas Fishing Report

December 20, 2017 The Old Au Sable Fly Shop Fishing Report     We’re moving out of the in between time.  That time in December that when deer season is ending and grouse season is winding down.   And the ice fishing hasn’t quite materialized.  It’s a thumb fiddling time. The best of the hunting is … Read more