Trout on North Branch of AuSable

[troll]

When is the best time to flyfish the north branch of the AuSable? I'm going up in mid-april and mid-may.

[PW]

As far as I know, there's not a bad time to fish it. Your timing should be good as far as hatches go. As your trip approaches, keep an eye on the reports at www.troutbums.com and www.gateslodge.com

[JStarbrite]

I'm pretty sure the season starts the traditional 'last saturday in April' on the north branch.

Never had much luck on the North Branch, except a bunch of 3"-5" brookies.

[kroppe]

I checked my 2001 Inland Trout and Salmon Guide (valid til March 31, 2002) and it indicates the North Branch Au Sable is a Type 5 trout stream, meaning it is open all year. The Type 5 section is from Lovells (or just downsteam) to the confluence with the main stem.

I also have my DeLorme's atlas on my lap and I can't see where access is very good. I'm sure one of the many guide books can fill you in on an access site.

p.s. Type 5 also means possession season is closed from September 30 to the opener, last Saturday of April. So for now it is catch and release, flies only. After the opener it is flies only, but there is a creel limit of 2 fish per day , sizes vary depending on species.

[WEEZER]

You'll really want to pay attention to gates page! email Rusty he seems like he favors the North and South Branches and a lot of his reports come from these waters.

[troll]

Thanks for the replies. This is my first attempt at fishing trout with a fly rod. My family has had a cabin just a mile from an access, so that won't be a problem. I just need to get some waders and flies now.

Any opinions on flies? I know it depends on the hatch, but I also know that some flies work no matter what.

Thanks,

Troll

[JStarbrite]

Check out the post "Top 10 Michigan flys". Lots of good suggestions.

I would not step foot in the North Branch with out a bunch of Elk Hair Caddis. Brookies go nuts over them.

[GreatLakesOutfitters]

I would bet that if you went to the N Branch in the first part of May you would only need one fly. A Hendrickson size 14.
Does anyone else agree???
Chad@GLO
www.greatlakestackle.com

[Jackster1]

Agreed G.L.O.! And those dinky tricos in August are a blast too. A little finesse before salmon fest!

[WEEZER]

Damn! I just got the thought of dryfly fishing outta my head and GLO had to go and use the "H" word!!!! Thanks a lot buddy!!:D

[GreatLakesOutfitters]

Nothing beats a cool sunny afternoon on the Au Sable in May with a size 14 comparadun.
I think other than the Hex, the Hendrickson is my favorite.
Maybe because it signifies the new season.
there you go WEEZ, two H-words.
Chad@GLO
www.greatlakestackle.com

[PW]

Actually, in the first part of may, I'd take two flies--the hendrickson AND a black caddis emerger in #16. I've had some great days in early may when the fish turn on to the caddis in late afternoon (and sometimes continue until dark). Of course, it's nice to have a black caddis dry, too. And then at dark, a rusty spinner is a good idea, so that's four flies. ...

ARRGH! The waiting just got harder!!!

[foersterhunter]

heres a few good patterns to carry on that trip
1)Borchers Parachete
2)Regans Hendrickson emerger
3)North Branch Caddis
When your up there check out this fellow Bob Smock in town kitty corner from the school and hospital(he has a sign on his garge thats says bobs) very knowable and helping on fly tying and fishing in area