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February 4, 2010...29 degrees It's been better skiing weather than fishing weather. Despite the lack of snow, areas north of Grayling -- even Hartwick Pines, pictured above -- has gotten enough of the intermittent lake-effect snow showers to provide a smooth ride. Grayling has some of the best cross-country skiing in the state, and has room for twice as many great trails as it already does. Mason Tract, Wakeley Lake, Hanson Hills, Hartwick Pines, Forbush Corners are only some of the great ski areas around here. We've been tying like mad for 2010. Some of our new tying products -- as well as some old standbys -- are pictured and described on the Shop Specials page this week. If you have a question about a particular bug you're trying to tie, just give me a call or an email and I'll try to help. We likely have what you need to be creative. It's a great time to read fishing books. I'm reading an enormous collection of Theodore Gordon's letters and Field and Stream submissions. It's great stuff. And it even mentions the Au Sable (something about how the Au Sable had gone to flies-only, and the "sport" had improved considerably). This is especially prescient, considering that the MDNRE Fisheries Division has issued a call for recommendations for new gear-restricted waters, as well as comments on pre-existing quality waters (formerly types 5-7). The Anglers of the Au Sable will post their own recommendations sometime today on their website www.ausableanglers.org. All anglers are encouraged to submit their own recommendations.
Grouse tracks crossing the ski trail between swamps. Early-Season Guide Special: Early season guide trips this year will begin on April 1 and last until April 16, and will be $175 for a single, and $225 for a double -- that's a steal for an experienced guide, a boat, and a pristine stretch of river. These are afternoon trips that make the most of the heat of the day. These trips have become a tradition for many folks, and are darn near a right of spring. Book now, bring your thermals, rain jacket and sunglasses, and get the year started off right!
Anglers of the Au Sable founder and president Rusty Gates passed away on December 19, 2009. A celebration of his life and work is planned for the spring and details are soon to come. Memorial Contributions: Memorial contributions can be made to the Anglers of the Au Sable or Heartland Hospice, P.O. Box 667, West Branch, MI 48661. To make contributions to the Anglers, please go to their website at www.ausableanglers.org and follow the directions on the front page.
Shop Specials: With spring on the way, we'll have a desk-load of new tying stuff on display next week, along with other items that are catching our interest here at the shop!
Michigan Stream Flows: South Branch at Lake St. Helen
Lost and Found: If you lose it, or find it, we'll post it. Anglers are honest people, right? Well, about most things anyway. To check the list, or to report something lost or found, click Here... We've had lots of happy reunions this summer!
Send mail to josh@gateslodge.com with questions or comments about this web site. Don't be alarmed if your E-mail isn't answered within the hour...after all...fishing is a way of life up here.
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