At Bob Linsenman's Au Sable River Angler flyshop and Michigan flyfishing store on the banks of Michigan's Au Sable river serve flyfishers and Michigan fly fishing angling on rivers such as the Au Sable River, Betsie River, Rifle River, Sturgeon River, Black River and Manistee River fly fishing only water. Linsenman is the author of "Best Streams For Great Lakes Steelhead", "The Au Sable River", "Modern Streamers for Trophy Trout", "Michigan Blue Ribbon Fly Fishing Guide", "Trout Streams of Michigan", and "Great Lakes Steelhead".
When I pulled in, Bob was outside enjoying the sun and conversation with some friends. When I was looking over the fly selection Bob piped in on what was working the last few days. He let me know about what was working and that the water was higher than normal. Not only did the flies work but the locations he told me to target was on spot.
As soon as I put the mothership in the water the siren on the damn sounded letting me know that they were letting more water out. I hit the shore line targeting the shallower water that was a little clearer than the center of the runs. I fished the first section for an hour and a half with great success. I netted 18 fish and was worried about leaving this section.
Never really fished as hard as I did in that section until I got close to the take out. The brown drakes were coming of the water along with some yellow sallies. I got out the new 3 wt I built and but the screws to them. Landed another 8 and had a blast landing them on the 3 wt.
On a side note: I did complete the trout slam by landing a brown, rainbow and brookie. I did catch a total of 31 trout and must have missed at least two dozen more. I had a great time and saw an eagle too!
Take care,
