Ausable Trip

[Jekart]

Hey all,

I am coming to Grayling area 7/2 -7/8 to do some fly fishing and want to get on the Ausable for my first time. I am looking for some info on a few things.

1) Not looking for your toad water but can anyone suggest some walk in access points or suggestions on a good wade - would like stick to Holy Water and Mason Tract but all suggetions are welcome. Feel free to PM.

2) Are these section suitable for a drift boat (12ft). Is there any accesses that will accomadate launching and loading by ones self.

3) Any floats you would suggest, float times and spotters.

Thanks guys. Good luck this season, Hexs will be here before you know it!!!! Tight lines....

Eric

[Fishndude]

It used to be said that The Holy Waters of the Ausable averaged an 18 inch Brown Trout for every linear 18 inches of river. It is all C&R, so you can drop in just about anywhere, and be close to good sized fish. I spent a lot of time there, when I was a kid, and saw some unbelievably large Trout. Just do it.

[woodie slayer]

there are plenty of places to float the mason tract with your 12 ft. boat. but your coming at a bad time with the holiday ..the canoes will be thick as fleas on a dogs back.
might try some night fishing to get away from the crowds
the holy water won't get the canoe traffic as bad so good luck:)

[flyfishinchristian]

I just got back from my trip up the Au Sable this weekend. The South Branch was blown out, so I fished the main stream and the north branch.

I've heard floating the South Branch is amazing. Through the Holy Waters section there is an access point almost every half-mile or so on the south side of the river off of M-72 at various campgrounds and roads.

There is a detailed description of access points in the Challenge Chapter's Trout Unlimited book: http://www.challengechapter.org/riverguides.htm

I'd recommend stopping into Gates Lodge to get some advice, the river conditions, and some flies. They haven't steered me wrong yet. You can pick up that book there too.

Last year I fished the Trophy Waters near Mio over the Memorial Day Weekend, and between the hours of 10am and 7pm I did nothing but dodge canoes.


1) Not looking for your toad water but can anyone suggest some walk in access points or suggestions on a good wade - would like stick to Holy Water and Mason Tract but all suggetions are welcome. Feel free to PM.
2) Are these section suitable for a drift boat (12ft). Is there any accesses that will accomadate launching and loading by ones self.
3) Any floats you would suggest, float times and spotters.

Eric