A core part of fly fishing is the different angling cultures you experience throughout the country. Whether it’s angling communities, specific techniques, or specialized gear, every region of the country has its own stories to tell. Fly Shop Tour, our original series in which we travel the country fishing with local shops, has unlocked some incredible stories and communities that we and other anglers would never know about. This year in Minnesota, on the banks of the AuSable River, we discovered an incredible piece of fly-fishing history: the AuSable River Boat.
The First River Boats
AuSable River boats were born out of necessity sometime from the 1860s to the 1880s. During this time, logging operations were a huge industry along the AuSable River. With little infrastructure, the most efficient way to transport cut timber was down the river. Loggers needed a specialized boat capable of floating down the river with the cut timber. As a result, the AuSable River Boat was born. These long, skinny wooden boats specialized in floating on shallow rivers. Rather than a traditional oar system, these boats relied on a wooden push pole to propel and steer, using the current to their advantage. For shallow rivers like the AuSable, it was a perfect way to travel. Even after logging operations slowed, the AuSable River Boat design was here to stay.
Today’s River Boats
In the world of drift boats and inflatable rafts, the AuSable River Boat still has a stronghold in Michigan. Today’s River Boats range in size from 16 to 24 feet. Depending on their size, they have enough room for one or two anglers and a guide. On narrow rivers, this design is preferred over modern drift boats for their width, or lack thereof. The narrow platform and lack of oars, can sneak through narrow stretches of river drift boats can’t.
Most AuSable River Boats are home-built, following the designs of the original boats. The biggest difference in modern boats from the originals is material construction. While you can still build a boat from classic materials like pine, marine plywood is a much lighter and more affordable material. The end result is a boat that is much more durable and significantly lighter than its predecessors.
Michigan Fishing Culture
There are plenty of modern tools and boats out there for today’s anglers, but there’s something special about using a piece of fly fishing history. AuSable River Boats have been floating the waters of Michigan for generations, and it’s clear why. Their effective tools for fishing and covering water. But above all, it’s a refreshing and relaxing change of pace for those looking to enjoy a day on the water.
