Au Sable River, Michigan

IAFFV Au Sable River, Michigan, 2012 Fall Meeting
Sept 16-21, 2012
Gates Au Sable Lodge, Grayling, Michigan
14 hrs CE
Modern Management of Cardiovascular Diseases in Dogs and Cats
Dr. Bari Olivier, PhD, DACVIM
5 nights lodging (dbl occ), 4 days fishing
$2375.00

Situated in the Northeastern quadrant of Michigan's Lower Peninsula, the Au Sable River watershed has nearly 180 miles of blue-ribbon trout water, making this river one of the ten best trout streams in the US. On the Au Sable, one can expect a healthy dose of small to medium-sized rainbows, browns, and brook trout with the chance of tying into a football-sized brown. The Au Sable is a major tributary to Lake Huron. The river flows from its origin south to Grayling where it turns east to form the Mainstream. Further downstream, it is joined by the North Branch, South Branch and many creeks, seepages, and springs.

Several miles downriver from Grayling on the Mainstream marks the beginning of what is considered the Au Sable's Holy Waters. This 9-mile stretch was given that name for its traits as an ideal fly-fishing stream. It was designated in 1988 to be regulated as a year-round fly-fishing river, catch-and-release. Barbless hooks are recommended. Where Stephan Bridge crosses about half way through the Holy Waters is the historical Gates Au Sable Lodge. Josh Greenberg will be our host and outfitter for this program. The Lodge has 17 guest rooms all with a private bath, Mary's Hungry Fisherman Dining Room and a fully stocked Pro Orvis Shop.

This river system is easily waded but we will spend about 90% of the time fishing out of river or drift boats depending on conditions. The first written account of the Au Sable River Boat (also called Long Boats) appeared in the 1879. Locals claim it was influenced by dugout canoes made by local Indians. Others contend it was brought to the river during the lumbering years between 1867 and 1883 when more than a billion feet of logs rolled out on the Au Sable River to Lake Huron. These boats are made from marine plywood, weigh 130-150 pounds, 25' long for 2 anglers and guide, 11' high with a flat bottom. Polling is used to guide the boat downriver. Nine ft, 3, 4, or 5 wt rods are used to fish with attractor patterns and this is a great time for terrestrials.

The schedule is for arrival at Gates Lodge Sunday afternoon 3:00 - 6:00 p.m. with a welcome and hospitality by Josh and me and time for relaxation from travel before dinner. The next 4 days will begin with 2 hours of CE with breakfast in-between. We will depart the Lodge by 9:30 for travel and float with lunch on the river. Return to the Lodge by 5:30 is followed by an hour of CE before dinner at 7:30. We have the Brown Trout Suite for libation and fish stories after dinner and the CE will be held in the Board Room. Departure is Friday morning. Dr. Olivier is Professor of Internal Medicine in the veterinary college at Michigan State University and specializes in thoracic diseases. He did his residency at MSU, completed his PhD in physiology and is an outstanding clinician and teacher. You will be impressed by his knowledge and talent. And he likes to fish the Au Sable river system.

Lodging, all meals, gratuities, and tax are included along with 14 hours of CE approved by RACE, AAVSB. Fishing license and travel to Gates Lodge is not included. Total number for this program is limited to 10. A $500 deposit is due by March 1st preferably by check made out to IAFFV mailed to the organizer. Fee includes all meals, 5 nights lodging (dbl occ), 4 days of guided fishing, gratuities and 14 hours of CE. Not included: Michigan Fishing License and RT travel to Gates Lodge.

Trip insurance is highly recommended.

For further information, contact: Dr. Don Sawyer