River Related
Thu, 13 June 2013
The Department of Natural Resources today announced fish and insect communities will soon benefit from another habitat project in the South Branch of the Au Sable River. Contractors will place large woody complexes – clusters of a small number of trees – in select areas from the mouth of Thayer Creek in Crawford County to the main stem of the Au Sable River. This will create a better environment for fish and other organisms.
The Au Sable River is one of the country’s most notable cold-water rivers. High groundwater inputs provide excellent water temperature for cold-water fish in most streams in the watershed, including the South Branch of the Au Sable River. Historically, the river has been noted for clear, cold, stable flow. Clusters of woody debris and high gradient create an ideal habitat for a productive and diverse fishery.
European settlement of the region stripped areas along the Au Sable of its natural woody debris in the last half of the 1800s, creating problems that continue to exist today. These problems include a scarcity of wood in portions of the stream channel and near-shore areas, and excessive amounts of sand.
Efforts to restore fisheries in the South Branch of the Au Sable River have been ongoing for more than 10 years. Recently, the DNR Fisheries Division contracted with Restoration Dredging, Inc. to assist in these activities. The final two-year segment of a 10-year commitment with this contractor to restore the river system will occur between June 2013 and July 2015.
Restoration Dredging, Inc. will be responsible for planning and implementing the placement of large woody debris complexes into the South Branch of the Au Sable River, on private and public shorelines. Landowner permission will be obtained for work along private shorelines.
All trees will be transported and placed into the river solely by helicopter. Trees will be harvested on either state or federal land. The placement sites will be discussed in a public review process before they are approved by Fisheries Division.
Landowners along the South Branch of the Au Sable River in Crawford County will have an opportunity for their property to be considered for stream enhancement locations and contribute to ongoing rehabilitation efforts. Permission will be required from landowners to place one or more large woody debris structures on the river bottom of their property after Sept. 1, 2013.
This rehabilitation project is an example of the DNR’s commitment to protecting natural resources and ensuring sustainable recreation use and enjoyment. The enhancements in the South Branch of the Au Sable River enables a strong natural resource-based economy in Crawford County and builds upon strong economic relationships and partnerships between the DNR, the USDA Forest Service and area businesses. Local subcontractors on this project include Northpoint Fisheries Management in Grayling and S&J Excavating in Roscommon. Construction Helicopters, Inc. of Howell is providing the aviation portion of this project.
Questions on this rehabilitation initiative can be directed to Tim Cwalinski, fisheries biologist for the Northern Lake Huron Management Unit at 989-732-3541, extension 5072.
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Mon, 06 May 2013
| Sat, 10 August 2013 7:00 PM | to | Sun, 11 August 2013 3:00 AM |
Intro: Have you ever seen so many people who think going fishing at midnight with a box full of mice is cool? Neither have we. So let’s do something to celebrate it: a night fishing one-fly competition. And let’s make it accomplish something, like raising money for a great cause.
Why: To benefit a great organization… but we’re still determining who that will be in 2013!
When: Saturday, August 10, 2013, from 7 pm – 3 am, at Gates Au Sable Lodge
Where: You can fish anywhere you want in the state of Michigan short of hopping the fence at the Grayling Fish Hatchery, from 8 pm – 3 am. But you must return to the lodge before 3 am!
Who: The contest is open to anyone, from guides, to those being guided, to folks casting off their docks, and anyone else who wants to go night fishing for a good cause.
How much: TBA
Rules: All trout must be photographed and released. Only trout that are photographed will count. You can fish for one hour, or seven. All teams must return to the lodge before 3 am. Tape measures are encouraged!
Awards:
Most Interesting Fly
First Fish
Biggest Fish
Best picture
Prizes: TBA
Agenda:
7 pm – 8 pm: registration, fly photos, and barbecue
8 pm: start fishing
11 pm: fire, snacks, slideshow, and beverages
3 am: end of competition
Mon, 06 May 2013
| Sun, 26 May 2013 | ||
| 9:00 AM | to | 12:00 PM |
| Sat, 06 July 2013 | ||
| 9:00 AM | to | 12:00 PM |
These are Orvis sponsored events that are completely free at Gates AuSable Lodge. Participants learn casting, stream theory, and knots. No wading or waders required! This is just about the easiest way for anyone either curious about fly-fishing, or just getting started in it, to make that leap toward proficiency. Our lead instructor Mark Hendricks runs the class, ensuring that participants receive top-notch instruction. Please bring appropriate clothing, as well as anything you may want to drink or snack on, and bug spray. Sunglasses are also recommended.
2013 Dates: May 26, July 6
Time: 9 a.m. to 12 p.m.
Class limit is 15
To book a spot in any of our sessions, please call us at 989-348-8462, or send us an email at Josh@GatesLodge.com.
Mon, 06 May 2013
| Sat, 07 September 2013 | ||
| 10:00 AM | to | 2:00 PM |
The 19th annual Fall River Cleanup is Saturday, Sept. 7, 2013 at 10:00 am.
Once again, the Anglers of the Au Sable is sponsoring the annual cleanup of your favorite river system. Teams will meet at Gates Au Sable Lodge at 10:00 am. The casting field will have signs designating all runs, where you’ll meet the rest of your team, and work out logistics. Then there will be a brief pep rally, and a group photo before you head out.
The George Alexander Memorial Luncheon will await crews returning with their treasures!
PLEASE PRE-REGISTER FOR THIS EVENT.
You can register by calling 989-348-8462, or by emailing josh@gateslodge.com
Thanks, and we look forward to seeing you on Sept. 7!
Thu, 18 April 2013
| Thu, 04 July 2013 |
The festivities will begin at 12-noon at the Grayling City Park with music and live entertainment throughout the day, in addition to karaoke. City Park festivities will conclude at 4pm.
There will be other activities for the kids throughout the day – arts & crafts and assorted games.
The Booster Club concession stand will be serving kielbasa, hot dogs, popcorn, nachos, ice cold drinks, snow cones and more.
The fireworks will be held at dark. Bring your lawn chair and enjoy the day!!
Fri, 05 April 2013
| Sat, 20 July 2013 | ||
| 8:00 AM | to | 12:00 PM |
Focused on learning the various basic techniques of wet fly, soft hackle and nymph fishing, this class at Gates AuSable Lodge is designed for those that have a basic knowledge of fly-fishing and want to enhance their skills in these specific areas. This class will help you catch fish anywhere, but is particularly good at teaching folks how to use wet flies to catch more fish on the rivers of Northern Michigan. This
- Tackle for fishing subsurface
- Leader set-up
- Different types of wet flies
- Fishing just below the surface
- Fishing mid-depths & near the bottom
- Fishing more than one fly at a time
- Various methods of wet fly & nymph fishing
- Casting weighted flies
Attendees should bring their rods and reels and waders, as well as appropriate clothing, including sunglasses or eye protection, a hat and rain gear if necessary, as well as bug dope. Snacks and water are provided. If you don’t have a rod we will provide you with one for the class. Waders can be rented. Experienced Au Sable and Manistee guide, and Federation of Fly Fishers Certified Casting Instructor Mark Hendricks will be the head instructor for this class.
Date: July 20
Time: 8 am (5-6 hrs)
Limit: 10 people
Price: $135
To book a spot in any of our sessions, please call us at 989-348-8462, or send us an email at Josh@GatesLodge.com.
Fri, 05 April 2013
| Sat, 13 July 2013 | ||
| 8:00 AM | to | 12:00 PM |
This class at Gates AuSable Lodge is geared towards those that have at those that have a basic knowledge of fly-fishing and want to enhance their skills and knowledge of the techniques of dry fly fishing. We have many techniques – such as downstream fishing – that are unique to our area and our style of dry fly fishing, but can be used anywhere in the world with great success.
- Dry fly tackle
- Leader set up
- Different types of dry flies
- Fly selection
- Upstream presentations
- Downstream presentations
- Mending your line
Attendees should bring their rods and reels and waders, as well as appropriate clothing, including sunglasses or eye protection, and a hat and rain gear if necessary. Snacks and drinks are provided. If you don’t have a rod we will provide you with one for the class. Waders can be rented. Experienced Au Sable and Manistee guide, and Federation of Fly Fishers Certified Casting Instructor Mark Hendricks will be the head instructor for this class.
To book a spot in any of our sessions, please call us at 989-348-8462, or send us an email at Josh@GatesLodge.com.
Dates: July 13
Time: 8 am (5-6 hrs)
Limit: 10 people
Price: $135
Fri, 05 April 2013
| Fri, 02 August 2013 | ||
| Sat, 03 August 2013 | ||
| Sun, 04 August 2013 |
There’s simply no better way to immerse yourself in fly fishing than to spend a weekend learning from a guide. The Gates AuSable Lodge weekend fly-fishing school will help make you a better fly angler! We teach self-sufficiency on the water. Our goal is that when you finish our weekend school, you’ll be able to go fly-fishing on your own! Check in is Friday, August 3rd. Participants will meet at 8 a.m. on Saturday morning for breakfast, followed by a morning lesson in fly-casting. After lunch, it’s time to hit the river and learn the ins and outs of dry fly fishing. The evening is yours to enjoy (which more than likely will mean more fishing!) Sunday morning will once again begin at 8 a.m. with breakfast, followed by time on the river, first with a little dry fly fishing if the trout are rising, and then with a comprehensive class on fishing wet flies and nymphs. This is the best value and the best instruction that you’ll find anywhere.
Participants should bring waders (rentals are available, fly-rods (rentals are available), and as much of their own gear as possible. Bug dope, multiple layers including rain-jacket, sunglasses and sunscreen are all recommended.
To book a spot in any of our sessions, please call us at 989-348-8462, or send us an email at Josh@GatesLodge.com.
This school includes:
- Over 12 full hours of instruction
- Two breakfasts (Saturday and Sunday)
- Lunch on Saturday
- Two nights lodging
Date: August 2-4
Lodging: 2 Nights (August 2 and 3)
Limit: 6 people
Rates: $365 (1 person), $690 (2 people)
Fri, 05 April 2013
| Sat, 18 May 2013 | ||
| 9:00 AM | to | 4:00 PM |
| Sat, 15 June 2013 | ||
| 9:00 AM | to | 4:00 PM |
Casting is undoubtedly one of the most important of all the fly-fishing skills. You must be able to present the fly to the spot in which the fish is located in order to be successful. Although fly-casting may appear to be difficult, it’s really not. There are a few basic things that you need to know about fly-casting in order to cast efficiently and they’re a lot easier to learn than you might think. This class at Gates AuSable Lodge is for both beginners as well as those with some casting experience. Instructor Mark has some unbelievable tips to make even good casters that much better:
- The Basic Physics of fly-casting and how it differs from spinning or bait casting
- The Basic Fly Cast
- False Casting
- Controlling your loops
- Muscle memory – old habits vs. new techniques
- Roll Casting
- Reach Cast
- Mending the fly line
- Curve casts
- Casting in the wind
- Shooting line
- Hauling and double hauling
Attendees should bring their rods and reels and waders, as well as appropriate clothing, including sunglasses or eye protection, a hat and rain gear if necessary, as well as bug dope, and something to drink or snack-on. If you don’t have a rod we will provide you with one for the class. Waders can be rented. Experienced Au Sable and Manistee guide, and Federation of Fly Fishers Certified Casting Instructor Mark Hendricks will be the head instructor for this class.
To book a spot in any of our sessions, please call us at 989-348-8462, or send us an email at Josh@GatesLodge.com.
Dates: May 18, June 15
Time: 9 am (4 hrs)
Limit: 10 people
Price: $85 per person
Tue, 02 April 2013
| Sat, 27 April 2013 | ||
| 10:00 AM | to | 4:00 PM |
Annual Trout Opener April 27, 2013 with Michigan Bamboo Rod Makers Exhibit in the Lovells Historical Society’s fishing museum. Leaky Waders 1K Fun Run $20 entry fee, complimentary Hot Dog Lunch. Local artists and crafters will be displaying their wares in the Lovells Township Hall, exhibit presented by Huron Pines in celebration of their 40th anniversary under the pavilion, 50/50 raffles, 10 a.m – 4 p.m. fun for the whole family. No charge but donations appreciated.
| Today | Thursday | Friday |
|---|---|---|
 Clear 75°/45° |  Partly Cloudy 81°/55° |  Chance of Rain 79°/61° |
