This may shock you - but we've got another snowy weekend on tap up here to greet you! It's not as bone-chilling cold as it's been at times, and the snow is relatively mild by our standards, but you'll be welcomed by a fresh coat of the white stuff and some brisk air if you're joining us up here for the weekend. Thankfully, I'm guessing if you're headed to Northern Michigan on the last weekend of January you might be OK with the snow and cold.   Outdoors ...

By: Aaron Dexter   Category: Tourism

Boy, I never thought I’d hear myself say this, but I sure am happy we’re getting some snow.  Not only do the businesses that rely on snowmobile tourism need it, but things were getting pretty crusty and icy out there.  Plus the roadside snowbanks were getting sorta dirty and dingy and our little towns were starting to look like something out of a Southern Michigan winter. And we certainly don’t want that—a good part of the reason we live Up North is because it is so beautiful...

By: Aaron Dexter   Category: River Reports Tags: Higgins Lake, Ice Fishing, Winter, Steelhead, Au Sable, Manistee

We recently asked if you had any questions for our team on the Old Au Sable Facebook page, and one very relevant query asked about staying warm during the winter months if you dare venture out. We've got six tips for beating the chill if you head out. So, cab...

By: Aaron Dexter   Category: Fishing Tips Tags: Advice, Warmth, Winter Fishing

The relatively mild winter temperatures have made for some nice angling opportunities this past week.  When the mercury pokes into the mid-twenties and even thirties, afternoons are actually pleasant outdoors and a dose of fresh air sure helps the winter slide by. River fishing on the Au Sable has been pretty slow, but is certainly an option when you see water dripping from the eves of your house.  My main indicator to hit the river is when the snow avalanches from my metal roof.  ...

By: Aaron Dexter   Category: River Reports Tags: Higgins Lake, Houghton Lake, Perch, Streamer, Ice Fishing, Nymph, Winter, Trout, Au Sable, Manistee

The blizzard has come and gone since last week, and we're left here with plenty of snow and relatively mild temperatures for the week - almost up to 40 in some spots, which is literally 50 degrees warmer than it was at this time last week. So don't be shocked when you see the locals walking around in shorts and flip flops. With our winter blast, there's plenty of fresh snow at all the local ski resorts. You can find a rundown of some deals around the area in

By: Aaron Dexter   Category: Uncategorized Tags: Arts, Wine, Race, Tourism

Here in Grayling we've settled in to a full blown Michigan winter.  You could measure it by the ten inches or so of snow on the ground or by the cold, sub-zero temperatures, but in the North you know you've really arrived when the schools are closed for a snow day and last week we had two! I hear lots of folks bemoan the idea that there’s nothing to do in the winter.  That it’s sort of a time to hibernate.  While that may be true for bears and the like, it’s just not true for ...

By: Aaron Dexter   Category: River Reports Tags: Good Decisions, Ice Fishing, Winter

So you want to be a fisherman? Well it was one tough week to do that.  Subzero lows and single digit highs dominated the weather, and fly fishing area streams was totally out of the question.  Maybe someone snuck out somewhere, but if they did, they’re probably still there, stuck in ice up ...

By: Aaron Dexter   Category: River Reports Tags: cold, snow, fly tying, Winter

It’s 2015, and it’s time for a new year of tourism and travel up here in Northern Michigan. If you're planning a trip up this weekend, there's at least plenty of snow to enjoy your favorite winter sports. The "blizzard" of Thursday has passed, leaving us quite a bit of the white stuff - especially the closer you venture to the lakeshore. On your way up just try not to hook yourself onto a semi-tr...

By: Aaron Dexter   Category: Tourism Tags: Food, Music, Snowshoe, Ski, Travel

A winter warm-up over the Holidays gave eager stream anglers an excellent opportunity to pull on waders and slip around in the stream.  With multiple days above freezing and the mercury even pushing into the forties, even the most reluctant winter fly fishers were at least thinking about a trek to the creek. The fishing ended up being pretty okay by winter standards, which essentially say that if you catch anything you did well.  Winter trout fishing can be great with good numbers of...

By: Aaron Dexter   Category: Uncategorized Tags: Winter, Au Sable, Manistee