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What is your favorite RIVERWATCH cover?

We will feature nine different covers on the cover of RIVERWATCH 63 - the issue for the 25th Anniversary of the Anglers of the Au Sable. A couple of covers have already been chosen (Rusty, George Mason), but we still need others. Send your top three to tombuhr@prodigy.net by February 1st. We'll use your choices to determine the nine that make it. To review past editions of The Riverwatch, go to the pull down menu in the header above.

You are Invited!
Click above for the information

The Board of Directors of the Anglers of the Au Sable, cordially invite you to join them in celebration of 25 years as an organization, an organization that has made a difference because of the support of our dedicated members. Click on the link above for further information.

Seating for this event is limited, so be sure to reserve your seat now!

See some of the items for auction or raffle

2011 River Clean-up

The Au Sable lost the best friend it ever had. Calvin “Rusty” Gates Jr., "Da Gator" to his legion of acquaintances, passed away on 19 December 2009. Things in this beautiful valley will never be the same.

Once in a lifetime there is someone that touches your life in so many ways. Rusty Gates was one of those people. His spirit and tenacity had an affect on everyone involved in environmental causes, from hikers to hunters to the many of us who came here to cast a fly far and fine. He was a fighter and it was the good fight that he chose to engage; catch and release on the Holy Waters, National Guard noise pollution on the North Branch, oil wells on the South Branch, and toxic chemicals on the Big Water. Da Gator led the way. A tap on the shoulder, a glance from those blue/grey eyes, a short conversation; that was usually all it took. We set to our tasks with a brio, partly from the cause, partly not to let him down.

He had all the connections and could accomplish more in a phone call than anyone else could do in six months of work. Where would we be without him these last 20 plus years?

A man of character and courage, he brought both, as well as his wry sense of humor, to his final battle. In the end, only his body gave out, Rusty’s spirit remained indomitable.

Rusty Gates has left us as a leader, but left a legacy as big as the river. The vigilance that he began will go on!

John Russell of Great Lakes Images is the official photographer for Anglers of the Au Sable. Our sincerest thanks to all that have contributed pictures. With this note we acknowledge each and every one of you and appreciate your contribution.