“The River,” from Robert Thompson, explores the people, the history, and the challenges of Michigan’s Au Sable River. It is the centerpiece of a DVD to be released later this week.
The DVD contains the main feature “The River,” which is two hours long (plus two bonus features); The Brothers Brown (the full version), which was part of the 2013 Fly Fishing Film Tour; and Summers, about legendary Michigan bamboo rod maker Bob Summers.
The DVD is also a fundraiser for The Anglers of the AuSable, so a portion of the proceeds from every DVD sold will benefit the river.
The DVD will be available in both standard and BluRay on April 4th via thirdyearflyfisher.com and will be available in fly shops and retail outlets on April 26th.
One of the great joys in fly fishing is drifting one of the wonderful Michigan rivers (including the Au Sable of course) in an Au Sable riverboat. The long and lean boats are ideal for gliding quietly down these gorgeous rivers and in the hands of an expert all the more special.
As for the Au Sable itself – it is an amazing river and Rusty Gates was an amazing guy whose presence is still felt.
I have waded, boated, fished, hunted, fallen in, and sprinkled ashes of loved ones in the waters of the Au Sable. It has been my home river for over 50 years and is still the biggest mystery of all the rivers I have fished. I learn something every time I see it, and have been fortunate enough to learn some part of her mysteries from many of the folks in the video. The river allows me to lose myself and gain something from each encounter.
Rightly, it is the “Holy Water” to many of us who love her.
I visit the Au Sable once a year and it my favorite place to fish. Just a great place.
Great trailer! I can’t wait to buy the DVD. I travel from Canada about 3 times a year to fish the holy waters and to see Josh and the boys at Gates Lodge. A guided fishing trip on the Ausable boats is one of the best ways to spend a day, with lunch cooked for you right on the river. The Ausable river and the people that love and protect it are unique in the world.