Fly Fishing Grayling (An Angler’s Guide)

Some claim Michigan is on the East Coast, while others say it’s part of the Midwest. Regardless of what you believe, you can’t argue with the fact that it’s perhaps the most fly-fishable state in the United States.

With over 20,000 miles of streams and rivers to fish, the whole state offers phenomenal angling. Grayling is located right in the heart of some of the most productive water in Michigan. It has multiple rivers to choose from and some impressively large fish.

I visited this area for the first time almost 10 years ago and brought along a spin rod. I didn’t even realize all of the opportunities there were for fly angling. Since then, I’ve experienced how amazing it is multiple times.

You better believe that on my return visits, I didn’t forget my fly rod. Running through Graying, the AuSable River is truly one of the country’s great trout streams. I’ve pulled rainbow trout out of the river that rival anything I’ve caught out West.

After all those visits, Grayling has become one of my favorite places to fish. The fish are hungry, the surrounding forest is beautiful, and the town itself is a great spot for dinner and drinks after a long day on the water.

Fly Fishing Grayling: Why Go?

Growing up in Minnesota, I thought I had a lot of water I could fish. Once I visited Michigan for the first time, I learned how spoiled Michiganders are. It seems like every corner you turn, you have fishable water.

Grayling is located right near the Manistee and AuSable rivers. If you know anything about fly fishing, you know these two rivers. You know how loaded they are with fish and how spectacular the experience is.

Don’t miss our full guide to fly fishing around Michigan.

Species for Grayling Fly Fishing

Grayling has all the traditional fly fishing species for anglers to target. If you want some larger freshwater species, you can spend some time in non-moving water looking for some of those predatory fish.

Brook Trout

Brook trout are a rare find in many waters throughout the United States. Due to year-round cold water temperatures and plentiful food, brook trout have an easier time surviving in northern lower Michigan.

Plus, they can grow upwards of 15-20 inches! This is a rarity in the world of brook trout.

Look for these fish in the Manistee and AuSable. You’ll find them in decent numbers throughout both rivers. Bring along stoneflies and caddis patterns as well as quite a few Blue Winged Olive flies. These will be productive almost all year long.

Rainbow Trout

The rainbow trout around Grayling are beautiful. Not only are they large, but they’re also aggressive fighters. The cooler water temperatures keep them active and they don’t often become sluggish like they would in other areas of the country.

I like to target these in the AuSable. It’s one of the most famous rainbow trout fisheries in the world. I target them with Drake, Little Black Caddis and Golden Stoneflies. The fish strike aggressively and will make you work for them.

Brown Trout

Brown trout are some of the most sizable fish in the rivers around Grayling. You can find them upwards of 25 inches throughout the different portions of the Manistee and AuSable.

You’ll find them with your Clouser Minnows, Woolly Buggers and stonefly patterns. The buggier looking the fly, the better.

Best Spots for Fly Fishing Grayling

Grayling has hundreds of fishable portions of water right near the town. Throw a dart at the map and odds are you’ll have a spot to fish. There are, however, a few hot spots.

Burton’s Landing

Burton’s Landing is what puts Grayling on the map. This nine-mile portion of the AuSable is an ideal fly fishing section of water. Only fly fishing is allowed, and catch and release is mandatory. It’s wide and easy to wade, and the bottom is mostly sand and gravel.

This area ends at the Wakeley Bridge. One of the best parts about this section of water is that access is quite simple. Michigan does a great job of keeping water public and easily accessible for anglers. Focus on those riffles and banks. If you locate structure, you’ve found fish!

South Branch-Chase Bridge

This area of the AuSable is another fly fishing-only section. These aren’t common to find throughout the country. Specific portions of tailwaters out West have these types of water, but they’re extremely common in Michigan.

Again, access is easy and you’ll find some really solid casting lanes. Bring those Pheasant Tails and Stoneflies to this portion of the river. Also, beware of the mosquitoes and gnats. They’re prevalent throughout this section of the water.

Manistee-M72 W to CCC Bridge

This is a fly fishing-only section of the Manistee River. The Manistee doesn’t receive as much action as the AuSable, and this is just fine for many anglers. Personally, I don’t mind having a bit more privacy. Overall, the AuSable may be a little more productive, but the Manistee is nothing to laugh at.

Take along some March Browns, Stoneflies and plenty of streamers. There are quite a few nice pools throughout this section of the river.

Best Flies for Grayling

Grayling is a productive area to fish due to the excessive amount of hatches throughout the year. The fish are hungry and there’s often plenty to eat. You won’t always find the fish feeding at the surface because there’s so much food below.

Golden Stoneflies

Golden Stone patterns work great from June to August. Wait for mornings and evenings and you’ll see these showing up in the faster moving portions of the AuSable as well as the Manistee.

Pheasant Tail Nymph

The BWO hatches are prevalent throughout northern lower Michigan. Be sure to fish these flies with Pheasant Tail Nymphs throughout the seams, pockets and some of the shallower pools.

Gray Drakes

Fish Gray Drake patterns in size 8-10. These flies are a bit larger and the trout love to feast on them if they have the chance.

Elk Hair Caddis

Elk Hair Caddis flies are seen as candy by the fish on the waters near Grayling. Fish these in size 16-20. Anywhere you see a rise, make sure you cast towards it.

Green Sedge

If you’re looking for some great dry fly action, there are sedge hatches from early May all the way until late September. Green Sedge are some of the longer lasting flies in northern lower Michigan.

Grayling Fishing Season

Your best bet for fishing the rivers around Grayling is from May until late October. While it’s still possible to land fish throughout the winter, you’ll have the most production in the warmer months. The Grayling Fishing Season is one that every angler should experience.

Grayling Fishing Report

Grayling fishing is wonderful in mid June. Runoff season has concluded and the fish are looking to feast. There are dozens of hatches that occur on a daily basis on these waters. Make sure you visit Burton’s Landing in the month of June. Those big fish are ready to eat.

Conclusion

Northern lower Michigan isn’t an easy place to travel to and it’s not a priority on many anglers’ lists. Although it’s beautiful in its own right, Grayling doesn’t attract as many tourists as the mountains out West do.

This area is perfect for the fly angler seeking seclusion. Make your way up north and you’ll find yourself in the midst of some impressive fish.

I know I’m looking forward to my next visit. I’ll try to make it sooner than later. The big rainbows and browns of the AuSable and Manistee rivers are waiting.

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