on the North Branch of the Ausable River. Not many make the run as there are no rentals there and there are a lot of closer spots, like the Mason Tract where I usually go.
The I looked at the map and saw a run from Lovells Michigan south looked interesting. I drove up there, only 45 minutes from home, a couple years ago and looked over the river and thought it looked like a fun trip. The problem is, I had no clue were to get on and where to get off. Most of the land along that stretch of river is private.
I looked at Google Maps and saw it was a pretty meandering river and it should have a lot of wildlife to see.
It is rainy again today and since Mary is headed back down state tomorrow I thought it might for us to take a run up there and do a bit of research. Like I said, it is only 45 minutes and when we pulled into Lovells Mary was amazed. Hell there are only three buildings that we could see. One small gas station and a tiny restaurant and the other, I had no idea what it was.
I turned toward where the river crossed under the road and saw that there was a fly tying shop on the river. I went in and asked them if they could give me some advice where to get in and out, distances and time for the run. They told me and we headed off and looked the areas over so when we floated it we would be prepared.
It is just beautiful! Narrower and swifter than the south branch from the little we could see. It is one of the premiere trout rivers in Michigan, along with the entire Ausable River Drainage.
I am including a map of the run of the river. I spliced three together but the other two headed east so I had to include them separately.
I just looked at the weather and Thursday looks like it will be perfect. I have no clue what the conditions are going to be on this river but am sure the water will be much faster in places and lots of snags and such. Gonna bring the dry bag and cell phone for sure. I am going to be alone so I have to be prepared.
I am really looking forward to it. Of course the little camera is going to be mounted on the bow.
I will be going from Lovells in the top left corner, don't pay attention to that dang lovells name in the middle of the pasture to that Kelloggs Bridge.
The first picture is from north to south and the next two work south-east. I hope they make sense.
[attachment 128448 nbpan1web.jpg]
[attachment 128449 nbpan2web.jpg]
[attachment 128450 nbpan3web.jpg]
The I looked at the map and saw a run from Lovells Michigan south looked interesting. I drove up there, only 45 minutes from home, a couple years ago and looked over the river and thought it looked like a fun trip. The problem is, I had no clue were to get on and where to get off. Most of the land along that stretch of river is private.
I looked at Google Maps and saw it was a pretty meandering river and it should have a lot of wildlife to see.
It is rainy again today and since Mary is headed back down state tomorrow I thought it might for us to take a run up there and do a bit of research. Like I said, it is only 45 minutes and when we pulled into Lovells Mary was amazed. Hell there are only three buildings that we could see. One small gas station and a tiny restaurant and the other, I had no idea what it was.
I turned toward where the river crossed under the road and saw that there was a fly tying shop on the river. I went in and asked them if they could give me some advice where to get in and out, distances and time for the run. They told me and we headed off and looked the areas over so when we floated it we would be prepared.
It is just beautiful! Narrower and swifter than the south branch from the little we could see. It is one of the premiere trout rivers in Michigan, along with the entire Ausable River Drainage.
I am including a map of the run of the river. I spliced three together but the other two headed east so I had to include them separately.
I just looked at the weather and Thursday looks like it will be perfect. I have no clue what the conditions are going to be on this river but am sure the water will be much faster in places and lots of snags and such. Gonna bring the dry bag and cell phone for sure. I am going to be alone so I have to be prepared.
I am really looking forward to it. Of course the little camera is going to be mounted on the bow.
I will be going from Lovells in the top left corner, don't pay attention to that dang lovells name in the middle of the pasture
to that Kelloggs Bridge.The first picture is from north to south and the next two work south-east. I hope they make sense.
[attachment 128448 nbpan1web.jpg]
[attachment 128449 nbpan2web.jpg]
[attachment 128450 nbpan3web.jpg]
Ought to be interesting for sure. No rapids but lots of snags and bends, very narrow in places so the water is faster than the Mason Tract.