Our historic fly-fishing and hunting lodge is situated on a secluded 20-acre private parcel, overlooking 400’ of exclusive shoreline on the North Branch of the Au Sable River, a state-designated blue ribbon trout stream.

Since 1916, visitors have traveled to the North Branch Outing Club from around the world to fish for trout from traditional, handcrafted Au Sable longboats and to experience the natural beauty and amazing wildlife found along the river’s banks, including bald eagles, osprey, muskrats and mink.

Step back in time and explore the lodge and its many historic treasures. Photos of some of the club’s most distinguished guests from the turn of the century – most notably Henry & Edsel Ford, the Dodge brothers, John D. Rockefeller, Harvey Firestone, Thomas Edison and Ernest Hemingway, to name just a few – amazing artwork, wildlife carvings, and a working Victrola adorn this cozy space. It’s truly an amazing place to settle back in front of a roaring fire after a long day afield.

Known to the early French explorers as the Rivière aux Sables (meaning River of Sand), the Au Sable has played an important role in the history of northern Michigan. This dynamic river was once home to Michigan’s Native American. It has also provided the raw materials for the region’s fur industry, transported millions of feet of pine logs during the lumbering era and its mouth served as a haven for the Lake Huron fishing fleet.

The North Branch Au Sable River originates as an outflow of Otsego Lake, south of Gaylord in Otsego County. This branch of the river was originally a grayling fishery but that all changed when brook trout were introduced in the 1880s. Today, the river offers world-class dry fly fishing for brook, rainbow and brown trout.

The State of Michigan was so impressed with the historical significance of the North Branch Outing Club that it nominated this landmark to be considered as a National Historic Site. In July 2002, the US. Department of Interior approved this designation and the NBOC is now on the register of Historic Places.

Whether you’re a fly-fishing fanatic, an upland hunting buff or simply an outdoor enthusiast, make plans to visit the North Branch Outing Club today.