FISH TALES FROM A WEEKEND ON THE FABLED AU SABLE RIVER

I’ve been thinking a lot about internal peace and when I feel it vs. when I do not. The peaceful moments where my nervous system is calm, my mind is light and the muscles in my face relaxed are ones I strive to have more of. During these times, I like to bring awareness to what’s caused it. A couple weekends ago, I learned the Au Sable River may just be the ultimate sanctuary for peace.

My dad goes on a trip with some friends the same weekend each year to fish the Au Sable River in Grayling, Michigan. It’s a 138-mile-long river known for it’s scenery, a yearly 120-mile canoe marathon and, of course, cold water, blue ribbon trout fishing. After each trip, he shares how magical his time on the river was, how peaceful staying at the old riverside lodge is and the reset it offers him to recoup lost energy. This year, I wanted to join him.

Northern Michigan in the summer has always been special for me. I grew up spending summers with my family at my parent’s condo at Boyne Mountain hiking, fishing, boating and suntanning by the lakes. I spent my summers between college years there, living alone, working as a zip line instructor, unwilling to let go of my newfound freedom. I’m convinced summertime in Northern Michigan is one of the best kept secrets in the US.

My dad and I arrived at Gates Au Sable Lodge on a Friday in early May after spending time with my mom and brothers at Boyne Mountain. I walked out back to enjoy the river and watch the 9pm sunset. The instant I sat by the river, I felt my shoulders relax and my worries melt, replaced by a quiet, full body peace. I instantly understood the magic my dad speaks of after his visits to the river. There was something special about this place and I was so excited for the experiences that were to come.

The next morning we enjoyed a slow coffee and breakfast and I sorted my gear in the fly shop. I met the owner of the lodge, Josh, who’s a local celebrity. Him and his crew have a contagious love and respect for the river. They have a lifetime’s worth of Au Sable knowledge and were so helpful in getting me setup with everything I needed to try to catch a fish.

We decided to fish the Main Branch of the Au Sable starting at Keystone Landing. I put my reel on backwards that day but I didn’t need it because outside of a few nibbles I caught nothing. I was so content standing in the river and casting. Feeling the water rush around my waders and enjoying the views of the beautiful tree lined river with my dad was a perfect day in my book. After a delicious trout dinner at the lodge that evening, we got ready for the next day’s fishing adventures.

On Sunday after breakfast, my dad and I went on a 8-hour guided fishing trip in an Au Sable River boat down the South Branch. The Au Sable River boat is a wooden, long and narrow, flat-bottomed boat that was designed specifically for navigating the Au Sable. We fished the Mason Tract which is a protected section of the river with no developments allowing for miles of wild, winding river. The sun was shining and we caught so many beautiful small trout. We saw only one other person over the 8 hours. The day was a hoot complete with my dad taking a spill, flooding his waders and having to dry off on the river bank.

We were smiling ear to ear coming back to the lodge after such a fun day on the water. We went to dinner at Ray’s BBQ in Grayling. Ray’s has a beautiful back patio right on the Au Sable. My dad got ice cream at a cute barn ice cream shop called Wimpy’s. I think Ohio and Michigan have unbeatable seasonal soft serve ice cream shops!

The next morning we had a final breakfast at the lodge and decided to fish right out back before I had to head to the airport and my dad home to Ohio. I put my rod together (reel on the correct way this time!) and got in the water. It was another beautiful morning wading and casting. The sun was shining and I watched my dad make his way down river thinking how grateful I was to have shared this perfect trip with him.

As I waded down river, I saw my dream A-Frame home on the left side of the river set back and shaded by trees. I was day dreaming of what it’d be like to own this home on the Au Sable and doing my final casts when I saw the sun reflect off scales around my fly. I cast again and landed a beautiful, small rainbow trout. I couldn’t believe it. I was over the moon with excitement, unhooked him, set him free, and ran back to tell every person at the lodge about my perfect (blue ribbon to me!) fish. I couldn’t have asked for a better way to end our fishing trip on the Au Sable.

I came back to Colorado fully rejuvenated. There’s a magic about the river that’s hard to put into words but one I hope everyone will get a chance to experience for themselves. Getting to experience this little slice of heaven with my dad made it even more special. I can’t wait for next year.

Until the next tale… Happy trails.

-Hannah