Imagine spending a week or weekend amongst majestic pines and sweepings cedars, nestled within the Huron National Forest, surrounded by miles and miles of Federal land.  The Big Water Lodge is located just  a few feet off the main branch of the Au Sable River between Mio and the Alcona Dam.   This stretch is known to the local fishing guides as the "Trophy Water"(a.k.a. The Big Water).  Step off the dock into a shallow cove where some of the finest trout fishing awaits all anglers!  Huge brown trout up to 25 inches  challenge the most experienced fisherman and plenty of 8-14 inch eager rainbows for the young and novice folk . Bald eagles and ospreys fish here too but you have to get up pretty early. Awesome hatches here too. 

The  expansive wood deck on the rear of the lodge is only 30' off the river. It stretches the entire 60' across the back of the house. We have adirondacks, wicker, and retro metal chairs to seat the whole gang. There's also a deck right on the water with bench seating and just a couple steps down the stairs into a foot of water. This lodge is on a cove of the river so the water runs slow for those nervous mommas we all know and love(and appreciate). The river is wadeable all the way across but its only a couple feet deep for the first 30' so those novice fisherman can get their hooks in some 8-14" rainbows right there. Fly -fishing is easy here due to the width and depth of the river( more on that later). It's also a great place for giving lessons. We also have horseshoes, volleyball, bocci ball, and of course a few rafts and tubes..oh yeah, there's a concrete basketball court too. There's a big picnic table  that seats eight and two barbeques. For relaxing there are two firepits right off the river, one big one on the bluff, and a small romantic one under the cedars right on the water.

Canoe, kayak, tubes, rafts or drift boats rentals can be had upstream in Mio at Gotts Landing (a 4-6 hour float to the cabin).  All fly fishing needs, especially the need to hear good stories( most of which appear to be true) can be serviced by Bob Linseman at The Au Sable Angler also in Mio( Bob does grouse hunting/ guiding too), check out his fishing report if you don't believe me.  The Holy Waters, Mason Tract, the South & North Branch of the Au Sable are all less than thirty minutes away for some classic, smaller stream fishing.  Play the finest resort golf at Garland or Forest Dunes ( another half hour ride) plus many less expensive courses closer. The Mio area is also known for its grouse hunting. Many areas are managed for their habitat. You'll see plenty of places if you know what you're looking for or I can map them for you. Bull Gap ORV trails are a 5 minute ride. Groomed cross country ski trails/hiking trails all closeby within the Huron National Forest.  Great resturaunts in town too. There's also three big antique stores, quite a few Amish merchants, public beaches and a host of other fun stuff in the immediate area. Don't forget to check out my wife's knobs at http://www.rockcabinetknobs.com