The AuSable River and Its Historic Lodges

There are a number of reasons that The AuSable River is among the most revered trout streams in the nation.  It certainly offers some of the best dry fly fishing in at least the eastern United States.  The pace of the river, consistent depth and primarily gravel bottom provide ideal conditions for angling, especially in the areas downstream of Grayling.  I believe the primary reason that The AuSable is so extensively recognized in literature is because of its long standing and continuing angling history.

There are few rivers where the guides still pole hand crafted wooden boats much like those used at the turn of the last century.  If you look in the box of just about any fly angler on the river, you'll certainly find flies originally designed decades earlier by locals named Roberts, Smock, Borchers, Gates and Burtch and tied with fur and feather instead of modern foam and synthetics.  You'll also likely be able to easily learn about local legends who taught the current generation of anglers to fish the same waters they grew up on .

Another unique feature of The AuSable are her spectacular lodges.  Some have since been moved or destroyed but a handful remain and instill a wonderful sense of the areas history in anyone who visits.  Previously owned by names like Griffith, Mason, Devereaux and Rayburn, they're now enjoyed by subsequent angling families who have the unique opportunity to carry on a rich tradition.  As you drive through communities like Grayling, Roscommon and Lovells, take a close look around and hopefully you'll recognize that these communities are unique in their embrace of times gone by and and angling traditions that make them special.

We've had the unique opportunity to represent the sale of a number of spectacular, historic properties on the river over the years.  It's been a great honor to be involved in the passing of properties with not only addresses but names like The Barbless Hook, Spent Wing, The Bourbon Fly, and Rayburn Lodge.  We now have the pleasure of representing this classic full log lodge once owned by Mort Neff of Michigan Outdoors T.V. fame.  The current owners did a wonderful renovation in recent years bringing the log structures back into great condition and adding tasteful modern touches.  Situated on 15 heavily wooded acres with nearly 700' of frontage it's among the most private parcels to become available in years.  Take a moment to view a brief video of the property or click the image above for complete details.