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In 1876, Chief David Shoppenagon, a Chippewa from the Saginaw Bay area, served as a hunting and fishing guide for lumber buyers coming to Grayling in the late 1800's and early 1900's. Today we are proud to carry on the tradition as "The AuSable River's Original Fly Shop & Guide Service" with classic AuSable Riverboat or boot-guide outings with experienced guides and certified casting instructors. We provide all the essentials: Top notch guides, rod & reel, and - on full-day guided outings - a delicious shore lunch.
The Fly Factory Guides |
Guide Rates
| Full Day Rate | Half Day Rate* | |
| Guided AuSable Riverboat Trip single [one person/boat] |
$250 | $200 |
| Guided AuSable Riverboat Trip double [two people/boat] |
$325 | $250 |
| Boot-Guide [Wading Trip] single [one person/guide] |
$200 | $150 |
| Boot-Guide [Wading Trip] double [two people/guide] |
$275 | $200 |
| McKenzie Driftboat Trip for Salmon or Steelhead [one or two people/guide] |
$350 |
Trip and Booking Information
A $100 deposit is required at the time of reservation * 30 Day Cancellation Policy
If cancellation is within 30 days & the trip cannot be rebooked, full payment is required
(989) 348-5844 * flyfactory@troutbums.com
Guide trips are geared to the beginner, intermediate or advanced angler, dependant on your level of fly fishing experience. A stream like the Upper AuSable that features a strong, resident population of naturally reproducing trout can be demanding – reading the water & presentation are important.
Our guides are patient coaches who provide the benefit of their experience for a quality outing. For an enjoyable outing, anglers should have polarized sunglasses, sunscreen, a hat, layered clothing, rain gear, waders [optional on float trips] & appropriate dry fly & streamer fly rod outfits.
The guides have fly rods available for the use of our guests. Guide rates do not include flies, gratuity or Michigan fishing license. Local flies are available in our shop and from the guides on the water.
All of our guides are state licensed & insured. [Guests occasionally ask for guidance on a reasonable tip for the guide. As with any service, the gratuity should be dependent on the quality of the experience of your day on the water & the guide’s effort. Generally, guide gratuities range upward from 15%]
Please, no alcoholic beverages.
Classes & Seminars
The Fly Factory offers periodic classes & seminars for fly-fishing, fly-tying & more! Classes feature experienced, professional staff & low student-to-instructor ratios. Morning coffee & lunch is included for full day courses. Check our Calendar of Events page for more information.
Personalized Instruction Services
Whether you'd like to work on basic or advanced casting techniques, learn to tie particular fly patterns or want to see "production fly-tying" techniques used by a fly-tying pro, The Fly Factory's individualized instruction may be the answer. You will work closely with experienced casting instructors & senior fly-tying instructors.
One person: $35/hr - Two people: $50
Group Fly-Tying or Casting Instruction
Our one or two-day schools can be tailored to fit your specific needs and objectives, whether for a group of family or friends, or to be planned in conjunction with a business meeting or sales presentation and are available for groups as small as 3 people. A variety of meeting facilities is available, from our own informal WorkShopp to a classic 1930's full-log riverside lodge. We will be happy to coordinate a meeting facilitator or speaker for you. Lodging options include a number of B&B's, cabins, a classic fishing camp with cabins and messhall, and a variety of modern motels. Our schools provide an excellent opportunity get together with friends, family, customers or co-workers to learn from top-notch guides and instructors in a northern Michigan setting.
Contact The Fly Factory for more information.