It feels a little strange visiting a fly shop based out of a motel room (at the Au Sable Valley Inn), but if that's the choice you have, that's where you go. And you almost certainly find there what you need for day on the trophy water, which makes the unusual location irrelevant.
AA always has a stock of the flies du jour out on a table in the center of the room, besides a full selection of imitator and attractor patterns in bins along the wall. Lots of streamer patters for chasing the river sharks hanging from racks and the walls as well. Basic accessories like floatant, leaders and such, though not much in the way of rods or waders. But most who come there aren't likely in the market for them.
Car spots are available and have always gotten my vehicle where I needed it, when I needed it. A spot from M-33 to Comins costs $18.
The experience of shopping there varies considerably depending on who's behind the counter. Some clerks are very friendly and enthusiastic, some are gruff and determined to tell you what anyone who has even minimal knowledge of fly fishing the big water, or for that matter, fly fishing at all, will know. But a couple minutes of unsolicited "expertise" is worth several productive hours on the water.
If AA was going to launch a slogan, it might be "We're not much...but we're here." And that's enough for me. read more
