Fly Fishing

Not only is northern Michigan home to some of the best golf courses in the nation, it’s also home to some of the best trout fishing in the world.

Forest Dunes Golf Club has partnered with landmark outfitter, the Old AuSable Fly Shop in Grayling, Mich., to offer guided fly fishing trips to our guests.  Let these Old AuSable Fly Shop veterans guide you down the fabled AuSable River for the float of a lifetime.  You will fish some of the world’s most pure, gentle waters that create the perfect habitat for trout and the insects they eat. 

We offer all-day or half-day guided floating trips, along with four-hour instructional wading adventures.  Everything you will need is provided for your trip, but you are more than welcome to bring your own gear as well.   

Old AuSable Fly Shop staff members are industry veterans who exhibit both skill and patience.  They have been fishing these rivers for years and have knowledge of all the hatches.  These guides will put you in the best possible position for a successful trip.  They want nothing more than to see you walk away with a smile, new memories, some new techniques and a photo or two. 

The actual shop is located on the banks of the AuSable River, just off the I-75 business loop in Grayling.  There has been a fly fishing outfitter on the site for over 130 years.  Stop in and take a look at the expansive selection of locally tied flies, along with rods, reels and gear.

While we can’t guarantee the weather or if the fish will bite, we can guarantee that your experience with the Old AuSable Fly Shop professionals will be a highlight of your trip.

All-Day Guided Float Trip — $375

The ultimate adventure is this 8-10 hour float on the South Branch of the AuSable River with one of our experts.   All supplies are provided or you can bring your own.  Price includes up to two fishermen.  We also provide a meal on this trip.

Half-Day Guided Float Trip — $275

Hit the river with a veteran guide for a 4-5 hour trip on the North Branch of the AuSable or the Holy Waters.  All supplies are provided or you can bring your own.  Price includes up to two fishermen.

Instructional Wade Trip — $140

The Old AuSable Fly Shop staff will take you and a guest out for a four-hour lesson on the basics of fly fishing.  The lesson includes all the supplies you will need, including waders, rods and flies.

Casting Class — $45 per person

An Old AuSable Fly Shop guide will come out to Forest Dunes and teach you how to cast right on the property at Lake AuSable.  We’ll supply all the gear you will need.  Classes last for two hours and require a minimum of two students.

Departure times for our trips are flexible.  We can go when you want to go, but for the best fishing experience, your guide will recommend a departure time depending on when and where the fish are biting at that particular time of the season.  Customizable packages are also available, just tell us what, where or when you want to fish and we’ll have a hard-working guide put you in the middle of the best action.  For fishing trips in the peak season of May and June, we recommend booking your adventure well in advance. 

To book your fly fishing trip, contact the Old AuSable Fly Shop at 989-348-3330 and let them know you are staying at Forest Dunes.

Canoeing

Not only is the nearby AuSable River home to world-class trout fishing, it is a scenic river for canoeing, kayaking, and tubing. Let the crew at Canoe at Campbell's (989) 275-5810 set you up with an excursion down the river.