Ghosts

Spent some time on the AuSable river this weekend. I've fished the Holy Waters section a couple of times and never really got it. Easy wade and lots of fish, but too many riding lawnmowers and loud stereos in the stretch I've done. Had some unexpected free time, so decided to head up.

I've found Andy and the guys at Old AuSable Fly Shop in Grayling very knowledgeable and helpful, so that was the first stop. They suggested I have a look at the South Branch and the Mason Tract. After a stop to check-in at Fay's Motel (too cold to camp) for a very nice $53 room, it was off to the river.

The Mason Tract is a 4,493 acre section that includes 11 miles of the South Branch. A 9.2 mile path wends through the property, along with two-track roads. When auto executive George Mason donated it, he required that no logging, drilling, development, or camping be allowed. A true wilderness area.

Beautiful surroundings, lots of nice trout water, and easy to access. Pull off the two track at one of the parking clear cuts, bushwack to the river (mmmm, cedar swamps, yummy...) fish downriver, then walk back up the path. Really nice accessibility. Fishing was solid for small brook and rainbow trout. Got a couple beautiful, if small fish and several more takes.

I picked up the Trout Unlimited guide to the AuSable. While these are pricey, they support the local TU chapter and are written and edited by locals who fish the river regularly. I found it an invaluable guide for accessing the river and planning my trek. Which is exactly what I did over a burger and beers later at Spike's Keg-O-Nails - best burger I've had in MI, and if you're lucky you can score a seat at the left end of the bar with a big picture window overlooking the river!

Reports of adventures will continue this week (pictures, too!)...

-Sean-