Gates Au Sable Lodge

Gates Au Sable Lodge guides the Au Sable and much of the Manistee from Grayling, Michigan, and the lodge sits above one of the more prolific stretches of the Au Sable mainstream at Stephan Bridge, close enough that fishing starts out the back door. Floats go in traditional Au Sable riverboats, the long shallow draft craft the river is known for, and in McKenzie style drift boats. Wading trips are booked as well. The guiding year has distinct chapters: spring dry fly fishing and hatch matching, night fishing with mouse patterns, and fall fishing aimed at larger trout. Brook and brown trout are the resident fish. Published 2025 rates run $595 for a full day with two anglers or $550 with one, $400 for a half day, $500 for a half day of mouse fishing, $350 for a four hour wading and instruction session, and $500 for winter trips. Rental equipment and waders come with the trip, and the guides are full time fly fishing professionals.