Trout Source

Introduction

Situated in the Northeastern quadrant of Michigan’s Lower Peninsula, the fabled Au Sable River watershed boasts of nearly 180 miles of blue-ribbon trout water, making it the state’s and one of the countries most renowned trout fisheries.

Winding through a gently contoured wooded landscape from its freestone headwaters north of Fredrick to its frequently impounded tail stretch funneling into Lake Huron, the river is large and varies greatly in size and characteristics along its length. On the Au Sable, one can expect a healthy dose of small to medium-sized rainbows, browns, and brookies, with the chance of tying into a football-sized brown -- not to mention the healty influx from Lake Huron’s most important steelhead run. Roughly a two-hour drive north from Flint will get you into the action.

River Character and Access

Headwaters (Fredrick to Grayling)

The headwaters of the Au Sable, just north of Fredrick, mark the beginning of a nearly 80-mile stretch of blue-ribbon trout water. These waters are classic American freestone in nature, clear and gravel-bottomed, dominated by brookies with the occasional brown. Pressure along this 13-mile stretch from Fredrick down to Grayling is minimal thanks to other local freestone attractions and limited access.  At Grayling, the river bends eastward towards its Lake Huron descent. Just below, the East Branch injects a welcome shot of cold water. Unfortunately, both sun-wilted humans and trout alike revel in fresh, cold river water making the fabled fishing town of Grayling a haven for canoeists and water fanatics. Luckily, the trout have grown accustomed to the ruckus and success can be easily achieved in this area.

Holy Waters (Grayling to Wakely Bridge)

Burton’s Landing, several miles downstream from Grayling, marks the beginning of what Michiganders consider the Au Sable’s Holy Waters. This 9-mile stretch from Burton’s Landing down to Wakeley Bridge is regulated by year-round fly-fishing only and catch-and-release. Both North Down River Road and South Down River Road straddle the river along this stretch. From the north, the best access point is the Whirlpool Road turnoff. From the south, access points are Burton’s Landing, Louie’s Landing, Keystone Landing, and Thendara Road.  This stretch is crossed at mid-point by Stephan’s Bridge Road which provides excellent access, coupled by a full-service Orvis fly-shop at Gates Au Sable Lodge. Access below the bridge is limited, so a float trip might be the best way to comb the waters properly.  Habitat in the Holy Waters is feestone in nature and the fishing is excellent. Gradient is medium with a rocky bottom creating an ideal habitat for the Hendricksons, Olives, Caddis, and Tricos which hatch consistently between early May through October. Fishing pressure is relatively high and thus you will be faced by a breed of trout not easily fooled.

Stillwaters (Wakely Bridge to McMaster’s Bridge)

The gradient drops in this stretch and the river becomes wide, slow and sand-bottomed, imparting a significant Hex habitat. The browns grow heavy in this 6-mile stretch and hunker down in the deep holes. Access is provided in three locations: White Pine Campground, Conner’s Flat, and Rainbow Bend Campground.

McMaster’s Bridge to Mio Pond

The confluences of the North Branch just below McMaster’s and Big Creek below Parmalee Bridge add jolts of fresh cold water to the Au Sable, helping form a 200-foot wide trout river to be reckoned with. Here the river again picks up its gradient and gravel bottom while retaining the prolific Hex hatches. The river is big with lunker browns ranging from 20-26" to match. Access is somewhat limited, but the river can be waded in summertime. However, many prefer to float this 16-mile section of the river using craft ranging from float tubes to the flat-bottomed Au Sable River Boats.

Mio Dam to McKinley Bridge

This 14 mile section has a lower percentage of trout, but they grow quickly and there is always the chance to hook into trophy brown. Creel limits and artificial lures/flies regulations apply.

Lower Stretch (McKinley Bridge to Lake Huron)

Numerous impoundments break the continuity of the last 59 miles of the Au Sable, rapidly replacing the trout population with anadromous fishes. One bright spot for trout fishers is just below Alcona Dam where more cold water is introduced by the South Branch River and enormous browns are said to exist.

Recommended gear is a 4-5 weight 8 foot rod.

When and How to Fish

The Au Sable is something of an insect hatchery, producing a myriad of hatches.  Starting in March and April you'll see BWO's (which persist through the entire season, except May), Caddis (particularly Black Caddis), Hendricksons and Blue and Red Quills.  May brings March Browns, Sulfurs, and Brown and Grey Drakes.  June delivers another batch of hatches, including the Isonychia, Stoneflies, Yellow Sallies, Light Cahills and a Hex hatch.  In July you can start fishing Tricos, Terrestrials and White Flies.

Like all midwestern streams, there can be rain at any time of the year, and even snow in the early spring and late fall, when weather can get chilly.

No special techniques are required and you can catch fish on the surface or subsurface.

 

Troutsource highly recommends the services of a local fly fishing guide.  We've listed the best ones below, and you can contact all of them at once using our e-mail form.  A guide can be the difference between getting skunked and catching 20 fish.   Remember, getting the right fly is only half the battle.  You need to know exactly where to put it, and how -- and this is where guides earn their money.   A customary tip is 15%.