This may be one of the most common questions we get from buyers looking for riverfront property, especially in The Grayling area. By definition, The "Holy Water" is the 9 mile stretch of river between Burton's Landing and Wakeley Bridge that is regulated as flies only and catch and release only. By reputation, it's among the best stretches of dry fly fishing water in Michigan and, perhaps, the eastern United States. This might seem like a pretty bold claim, but it's simply that good, especially for those who want to fish dry flies to rising trout in a picturesque setting over a very wadeable river bed.
The Holy Waters upstream of Stephan Bridge
There are certainly stretches of river, even on the Au Sable system, that have more and larger fish per mile but I would hope that's not the only measure of a stream's quality. If there is a knock on The Holy Water, I'd say it's the IQ of the resident trout who call it home. The insect hatches can be so prolific and varied that an angler MUST be very close to imitating the trout's bug of choice at any given time if they're to have a chance at a fish of any real size. The water also moves along at a pretty leisurely pace allowing those wary trout to get a nice long look at your fly before deciding whether to take or not. Thinly tied imitations that most closely mimic the actual bug du jour are required. These creations of mere fur and feather must also be presented with the exact same behavior as the naturals which usually means an absolute drag free drift. Choose the right fly and get the right drift and you may experience the pinnacle of dry fly fishing to wild trout. Choose wrong or make a bad presentation and it can be very frustrating! The river will humble anglers and turn them into better anglers at the same time. It's often said, "If you can catch trout in Michigan, you can catch trout anywhere". This surely stemmed from some successful Au Sable angler heading west and showing the locals out there a thing or two.
Aside from the fishing, the pace of the river, it's scenic beauty and the consistent, mostly gravel bottom, over which it flows is ideal for enjoying the river by canoe or kayak and for a nice cool dip during the high heat of summer.
Next time you're in Grayling, especially during the best hatch months of May and June, sharpen your skills, stop in at Gate's Lodge to stock up on locally tied flies and see just how good an angler you are on The Holy Water.
Here's a terrific property we just listed that would be a terrific way to enjoy it for more than just an evening. Click HERE for all the details or take the quick video tour below.
When you're ready to come take a look at a few properties, reach out to Chad Brown, Broker/Owner, at chad@homewaters.net or (231) 499-8282
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