471 Stephan Bridge Rd, Grayling, MI 49738
Gates Au Sable Lodge stands on the banks of the Au Sable River in Grayling, Michigan, and is one of the most historic fly fishing institutions in the Midwest. The lodge and its associated fly shop have been welcoming anglers to the Au Sable since 1972, but the property's connection to the river stretches back much further, rooted in a tradition of cold-water trout fishing that helped establish Michigan as one of the premier fly fishing states east of the Rockies. The Au Sable's Holy Water, a specially regulated catch-and-release stretch of river that flows directly past the lodge, is among the most celebrated trout streams in America.
The fly shop within the lodge carries everything an angler needs for the Au Sable and its tributaries, including the Manistee River, the North Branch of the Au Sable, and numerous smaller brook trout creeks. The fly selection is curated for the specific hatches that define Au Sable fishing: Hendricksons in spring, Brown Drakes and Hex mayflies in early summer, and Tricos through the late season. The canoe livery is a distinctive feature, renting the flat-bottomed Au Sable riverboats that have been the traditional watercraft on this river for over a century. Guided trips by riverboat or on foot cover both the trophy water near the lodge and more remote upstream sections. The lodge itself offers comfortable riverside accommodations, creating an all-in-one base for multi-day fishing trips. Evening hatches on the Holy Water, watched from the lodge porch with a drink in hand, are a quintessential Michigan fly fishing experience that draws anglers back year after year.
Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout
Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout
Brown Trout, Steelhead, Chinook Salmon
Brown Trout, Rainbow Trout, Steelhead
Brown Trout, Steelhead, Chinook Salmon
Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, Steelhead
“I cannot say enough about Josh and his staff. Denny and Matt were always eager and helpful. Josh had a plan for us every day that we fished. We booked a float trip. Our guide was Jordan. He did a fantastic job. The restaurant was excellent. The fly shop well stocked. I cannot wait to book for next year.”
“With a cabin in the area, we enjoy Gate's small, intimate restaurant - It is excellent. A great, varied menu. And right on the Au Sable river - a beautiful walk after dinner. We try to make a reservation here every time we come up north. Hope to have family members enjoy the #1 fly-fishing at Gates in the future - My husband loves the fly shop.”
“Highly recommended. What began as a planned father- son weekend turned into a surprise husband- wife get away, due to a son’s covid. The Lodge, staff and guide were so flexible and accommodating in helping us pivot from the planned weekend …”
