Great fly shop and good for gear. Place is well known and established for their lodging and river guides. Always good advice. Haven't eaten at the restaurant yet but I have heard from multiple people it's good!!!! read more

Gates Ausable Lodge & Pro Shop - Hotels Near Me - Grayling, Michigan

Been a customer of the fly shop often, and of the restaurant occasionally, for about 25 years. Just recently stayed at the lodge for the first time, so with the full Gates experience under my belt, it's time for the review. Can't beat the location. Right on a prime reach of the Au Sable where, with correct timing, you'll see trout gulping mayflies, whetting your appetite for a trip downstream. Fly shop staff is always helpful and patient with questions, and every year it seems like local tiers have tweaked the old favorite patterns and invented striking new ones to bring more fish to hand. Food isn't cheap, but it's never disappointing, and portions run large (can't make it through a full day of fishing on tea and toast, can you?). The menu offers both conventional and creative selections, something not always the case around Grayling. When my wife and I had dinner there on our latest stay, my flank steak was outstanding, and the housemade steak sauce dabbed on the side complimented it wonderfully. I've paid more for steaks that were not nearly as good. My wife enjoyed her cod, but really the hit of the night was the crispy duck wontons. Our server said they were a new item the kitchen was trying out and we said KEEP THEM! Our room certainly showed its years of use. There were some scuffs and scratches, though only to the degree that suggests "character," not shabbiness. It was spacious and certainly clean. A sliding door opens onto a patio along the river. The bathroom was clean and the shower had plenty of hot water, and good water pressure. There is not any air conditioning, which usually isn't a problem in northern Michigan, though our first night up there was sweltering, even with every window open and the fan on high. No fridge in the room, though the "board room" across the lot from the lodge has a large refrigerator and some limited cooking facilities that all guests have access to. Not to mention a fantastic library of fly fishing books. So, to sum up each component of the place: Fly shop: 5 stars Lodging: 4 stars Restaurant: 5 stars Overall atmosphere: 10 stars (I know, Yelp doesn't allow that, but they ought to in this case.) Average: 5 stars Gates is a classic Au Sable experience. read more

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I stopped by for breakfast during our Michigan road trip. I enjoyed the vibe and food. We got the pancakes, corn beef hash, and coffee cake. Food: 5 - strong good flavorful coffee! 5 - The coffee cake was fantastic, warm, and moist in the middle. 5 - Corn beef hash was great as well (It wasn't greasy or oily) 4 - I enjoyed the Pancakes and Michigan maple syrup on the side. It was good but not a standout. I think my favorite thing about this place is the vibe. You get a beautiful view of the river while you are eating, and it feels like a small home where there are fly fishers around you eating their breakfast as they talk about how the fishing went and what they are going to do this week. I am looking forward to coming back for a fishing trip as well or their dinner. read more

Truly a magical place.... Gates is the origin for many "first time" fly fishing memories. And the destination to relive those memories. The lodge is nestled along the holy waters of the Au Sable. And provides all the amenities one needs to enjoy it! Breakfast/ Lunch/ Dinner all offered at Gates restaurant, which brings diners in from all over. New to fly fishing? Or experienced and looking for someone to talk to- the Gates pro shop is the destination to stop into before heading out on the water. Josh and team have earned lot of respect in the community, and live their craft day in and day out with immense passion. You would be doing yourself a favor if you floated down the river with Jimmy, one of the best on the dry fly! read more

Up north like it use to be only a smidge better, that's what I like about my Saturday-Monday bout with fly-fishin at the Gates AuSable Lodge. Everything you've read or heard about this place is true, it's great! I don't want you to come here. I don't want you to know a slice of Heaven exists right here in Grayling, Michigan. It's simple, it's clean no assholes please. We pulled in about 6:30 Saturday night when the sun was still shiny and bright. A little lodge just like you find all over mid and upper MI but with a twist. The lot was full of SUV's with their rear windows up and sleek wooden guide boats on trailers filing the lot. Some were here for the ... and the ... opener at the ....and others like is to fish the Au Sable. I'm partial to English Setters. My first dog was a tri-setter named Corey. Man that dog was smart. He was the bestest buddy. English Setters are elegant and useful. If you're a bird man a setter is your most loyal companion. Saturday and Sunday the property was crawling with Setters and my heart was singing. Alas, I digress. We had the good fortune to be here on a weekend after school had begun, during an Indian Summer week when day time temps soared to 90 and nights fell to the high 70's making it a ripe time to do a little night fishin which is unique to a few places in the world. By the light of a sliver of a moon the ... moon our guide Matt lead the way on his grand daddy's guide boat for 5 hours under the stars. All the better to reel in a carnivores brown. My man, no newbie to fly-fishin, pulled in the prettiest 22 in brown. It ain't easy this fly fishin thing. Night fishin isn't where you want to start. Hemingway fished the Au Sable, did you know? I'm happy to report not much has changed. I did not participate in night fishin as I only now have met my personal goal of casting and landing it a little upstream from my target. It was so heavenly to feel so safe, quietly drifting for hours in the unknown gazing up at the star filled sky rocking like a baby in the seat of the guide boat to the call of Matt the expert guide call out, left, right, lift,swing as soothing as a Buddhist chant. For 4 hours not even the sound of a car. The only sound the call of the guide and listening to the swish of the sometimes rushing waters. Priceless. Bonus: the tv is hooked-up, adult movies and sports everything. Ladies if you need a treat let Matt be your guide he's easy on the eyes and knows what he's doing. And if you don't already know you'll probably dig fly-fish it's zen like yoga. Recommendations: a few more pillows, a hair dryer for the ladies and a mini fridge would be most awesome. And generous patrons leave some money for the housekeeper. Remember you had a fabulous and she cleaned up after your fun. It's worth something. Be a good citizen of the world. read more

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I have stayed at the lodge many times over the last 20 years and loved it every single time. The rooms are clean, the grounds well maintained and the staff are friendly. The fly shop is well stocked and gives great advice on what they're biting on. Be sure to have breakfast in the restaurant next door. read more

This place has a cool pro shop but the food is what I think is really amazing. I've come here for dinner and had some awesome steak, with a great Bloody Mary. I also came in for breakfast and really liked the cheddar bacon waffle and loaded hash browns. It was one of the best breakfasts I've ever had. The atmosphere is comfortable and rustic. The waitstaff is very friendly and extremely attentive to details. It's certainly a place I plan to visit again. read more

Gates Ausable Lodge & Pro Shop - Hotels Near Me - Grayling, Michigan

Trout Hemingway...,a glass pf Chardonnay.....along side the Ausable....need I say more.....

Dare I give away this secret hideaway? Who am I kidding? The parking lot on any given summer day is full of cars sporting license plates from every state in the union. This is a motel by and for sportsman. Fly fishermen in the summer, hunters in autumn, and snowmobilers in winter. The amenities are old-school motel. It's like stepping back into the 60s. Twin beds. No in-room phone. Minuscule television. No air conditioning. The local water is pretty sulfurous. In a nod to their clientele, the motel has provided wifi throughout the property. Some rooms are even equipped with fly-tying tables. But the location! Located right on the main branch of the Au Sable River at Stephen's Bridge, you have front row tickets to some of the best fly fishing in the world. Even if you don't fish, just the view and the vibe are a vacation in itself. Few things in this world can beat sitting on the bench by the river and listening to the water flow, interspersed with the sounds of trout rising to the hatch. Feeding the trout at the bread hole will entertain the most jaded. Sitting around the fire pit at night listening to fish stories from fellow travelers slaking their thirst with scotch will surely entertain. The restaurant serves wonderful home style food in a room overlooking the river. Breakfasts are hearty, and the French toast is not to be missed. Dinners include (farm-raised) rainbow trout. No liquor license, so BYOB if you're a wino. Beware that leaving with leftovers will garner the attention of the house dog, Drake, a Golden Lab. Significantly, all of the above comes at most reasonable prices. The lodge has a complete fly shop that offers everything from free advice to $3500 shellacked sticks if you're so inclined. The river guides who we spoke to were polite young men. One went so far as to disembark his river boat to help us when our canoe got hung up on a logjam. The guided river trips seemed pretty reasonable, considering the work the guide has to put in. This motel would get 5 stars except for one significant complaint. The bed I slept in was atrocious. Every movement was accompanied by a groan of springs. But guess what? After a day outdoors, and accompanied by the mellifluous sounds of the river, the condition of the bed didn't affect my nodding off one whit. read more

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This is a review for the fly fishing guide services out of the Gates Au Sable Lodge. I had never been fishing, let alone fly fishing, so my boyfriend signed me up for a 1/2 day guided fishing trip down the Au Sable. I'm hooked (pun intended)! I had a great time, mainly thanks to my guide, who was the epitome of patient, encouraging, and funny. He had truly remarkable knowledge of the river and its fishing secrets. Literally, he would say "cast over there, under that tree, in that shady spot" and I would get a bite on my line. That happened time and time again, making for a wonderful first experience. Apparently it's a great place for experienced fly fishers as well, and the slots book up way, way in advance. I feel fortunate that I was able to get a last minute slot in early May. I'd highly recommend this place for fly fishing guides. read more

Gates Ausable Lodge & Pro Shop - A gorgeous morning on the AuSable. - Hotels Near Me - Grayling, Michigan

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Lance and Josh were dialed in with the fish intel. Welcoming and knowledgeable. Shop had reputable and reasonably price gear. Nice selection of merch from feathers to waders. PGHFLL read more

Great lodge, amazing people and fishing guides all wrapped up in one amazing place....... My wife and I spent a weekend at the lodge and booked a fishing trip for our anniversary. We had a family emergency the morning of our trip and had to go back home. Josh and the staff were very sympathetic and refunded our trip, no questions asked and told us to come back. Talk about stand up people. Well, a couple weeks later, we did go back. We were able to get a trip scheduled as someone else had canceled. We spent the day with guide Joe. My wife and I are ok fly fisherman but Joe definitely taught us a few things with our casting that helped out a ton. He was also good to give us great bug information while fishing, where to cast and tying flies when a change was needed. The food at the restaurant was also fantastic. I can't say enough at the amazing hospitality we received for our stay and fishing trip. We will definitely be back again. read more

This is a special place: a combo of a great restaurant, country motel, and a fly fishing shop. The setting is special: right on the banks of the famed Au Sable River. The small restaurant offers delicious dining, but be sure to make reservations as the tables fill up on weekends. We failed to do this, but were able to do take-out and eat at the table in our motel room. The smoked trout chowder is outstanding, there are always specials, and the desserts are rich and yummy. Breakfasts are particularly good, and we had friendly and attentive service. The lodging is fine, but not up to the standard of the restaurant. It's geared to fly fishermen (there are racks for your waders and flyrod) and the walls are knotty pine. The rooms are small and spartan, and the beds not the most comfortable, but you're there to be out on the River, not in your room. It's hard to get a reservation May and June, when the fishing is tops. Off-season, it is a lovely place to escape from the world of name brand hotels and restaurants. It's Pure Michigan. read more

Gates Ausable Lodge & Pro Shop - View across the Au Sable - Hotels Near Me - Grayling, Michigan

Classic fly shop with great selection of flies and everything a fly fisherman might need. Looking forward to coming back!

Great fly shop, excellent food, and stream side rooms, all in a casual, relaxed atmosphere. Josh and Katie run a first class fly fishing destination, honoring the memory of Rusty Gates. The fly shop carries top-rated fly fishing gear, a large collection of flies, and materials and tools for those who want to tie their own. Most of the times I drop in, somebody is at the bench tying flies, and is ready and willing to answer any and all questions -- even demonstrate how to tie a particular pattern, if other customers aren't waiting. Lance sold me my first Winston fly rod there, and Rusty my second. My grandsons will use them someday. Every year, they and the Anglers of the AuSable organize the AuSable River cleanup, where hundreds of folks take a day to help give something back, and then come back to the lodge for food and story telling. This is a first class group of people who happen to run a fly fishing lodge! read more

Was there for a wedding and stayed at the lodge to be close. Boy was I surprised. Words cannot describe the hospitality, location, beauty, quality food, service and knowledge this place has to offer. I almost don't want to draw attention to it to keep it from being bombarded with new customers but it deserves a 5 star rating in all categories. Heather Chris And Joe who serviced our rooms were like the Aunts you had growing up that always made you feel welcome when you visited. So sweet and hospitable. Same with Ann in the restaurant. The Chef (yes I used the name chef as this guy is a culinary expert and is a dynamic addition to this Lodge) created plates that you wouldn't imagine in a place like this. Drake the big Goldern Retriever lodge dog sitting out front is the most awesome dog ever. I reluctantly from a selfish perspective suggest everyone travel to northern Michigan stay at Gates lodge take flyfishing lessons and spend as much money as possible in this place as it is a jewel and deserves your business. Families spend $180 a day x5 at Disneyland for their family, spend half of that, have a real vacation here. I suggest floating in a canoe or kayak, pack a lunch enjoy the wild life and feel alive. I love Gates Lodge on the Au Sable. Go there and tell them the guy from California sent you. You'll get a free Gates Lodge sticker! read more

This is an overall review for the Lodge, Pro Shop, guided tours and restaurant on the establishment. This is a small motel but what stands it apart from many is the amazing view of the amazing Au Sable River from all the rooms. It is right off the banks of the river. The rooms are small but very clean, the hosts are friendly and charming. The restaurant serves breakfast, lunch and dinner and be sure to make a reservation as the tables fill up very quickly. They have guided fly fishing tours available and trust me they know the river! Our family has been coming here for years and its like giving away a family secret but when you have as many wonderful memories of a location its not cool not to share. read more

Knowledgeable, helpful staff in the fly shop and gourmet food in the restaurant - all on the banks of the Holy Water. What more do you need in life? read more

Located about 7 miles East of Grayling, this Lodge is modest in it's accommodations but superb in its location -- the main branch of the AuSable River. The restaurant is small but at least a 5 star in quality of food and choice, a 5 star for sure in service. The canoe party I was with loved the ease of their hospitality especially enjoying the camp fire at the end of the day. Although we're not fly fishermen, the tackle shop was outstanding in what they offered those who love to fly fish. I really can't say enough good things about this place. They have everything and do it so wonderfully casually -- if you stay there you have free coffee all day long and even give you a 'to go' cup for your way home. read more

This review is for the restaurant. Went on a recommendation by a friend who lives in Grayling. What a charming place. The food was awesome. We had the greek and farmers salads, the trout chowder was out of this world. For dinner, I had the parmesan whitefish which was fabulous. My husband had the meatloaf, which was one of the best we ever had. We will definitely be making a return trip. read more

This review is for the restaurant. We stopped here for a nice lunch and discovered an innovative menu, friendly staff, and a really nice meal. If you were looking for a foodie-friendly meal in this area, I highly recommend. read more

Best place to eat for miles around. Nothing like your everyday up north restaurant. A classy , hidden away place

I've been coming here for almost 25 years now- until the last few years, it has been a classic northern retreat with good homestyle food and a great view. Now under new ownership, the restaurant at Gates Lodge is an incredibly delicious anomaly. Most places around here have had the same tired menus since Regan was in office, but this place is special. It's a smaller menu that features fresh local ingredients prepared in simple, yet unique ways. We own a cabin up here and have dined a number of times in the past 2 years and couldn't be happier with the food. I almost always get the special which varies daily from meatloaf to butter poached halibut. I can't believe how good the food is!! The dining room is small, but there are picnic tables outside and you can make reservations (recommended). I've never stayed in the rooms- but they are clean and sit right on the river. The fly shop is world-renowned and so is the trout fishing. read more

I didn't stay here but it is right on the AuSable with an Orvis store on site! They have a restaurant where we had dinner. This place was written up in Traverse Magazine because of the food, no doubt. We had fresh walleye and perch dinners. I had a side of cucumber mint salad. The smashed redskin is indeed two smashed redskins grilled. Not buttered or amended just smashed. Honest food. The Walleye was served with grilled carrots and a zucchini quinoa pancake which was very interesting. Also with an aioli sauce, probably lemon. The servings are huge! You could easily share a main if you increased your sides unless you are a good sized man who has fished all day and is really hungry. No liquor or wine license so bring your own. Good eavesdropping on fish stories. Clean, great waitress staff and oh, make a reservation. You will not be sorry! read more