Reel Service V

Anglers of the Au Sable

To preserve, protect and enhance the Au Sable River System for future generations of fly fishers. 

The Anglers of the Au Sable are a 800-member strong, 501(c)(3) environmental conservation organization founded in Grayling, Michigan, on January 18, 1987. With no paid staff their client is the Au Sable River and its natural and recreational environs, including the neighboring Manistee River.

The Anglers of the Au Sable is much more than a fishing club. Their activities are driven by issues affecting the greater Au Sable ecosystem. To that end, we have and will continue to intervene in: fishing and recreational legislation; National Guard expansion and training activities at Camp Grayling; pollution and other environmental problems; stream improvement programs; fisheries and environmental research; educational programs; and sponsorship of affiliated conservation organizations that further the interests of the Au Sable.

Jeff Kennedy Studio

As an infant, Jeff Kennedy crawled away from his family’s camp-site, fell into a trout stream and became hopelessly lost.He was adopted by a pair of brook trout who were on the gravel looking to expand their brood. As a young fry he was taught the way of the river, how to forage for food and avoid predators. He was a happy trout sipping dry flies from the surface and gobbling down helplessly drifting nymphs and larvae.He learned first hand the beauty of abundant colors and shapes nature has to offer.

Like other trout before him, he fell for the angler’s imitation and was pulled to shore. There, his fins transformed into arms and legs and he learned to walk upright.

Over time, Jeff married and is raising two young fry of his own. When he is not out teaching other young trout the ways of the drifting fly, he is in the studio painting and drawing.Many of his watercolors are held by private collectors. Although he still has a day job, his ultimate goal is to paint everyday when he retires.

Jeff claims that he still has his adipose fin.