Ausable river fishing report below foote dam

Latest Fishing Report

Ausable river fishing report below foote dam

Colors

Josh Greenberg September 28, 2022

I’d been dying to get out for a proper fish and yesterday Sheets and I did.  We were hoping for wind and rain, for afternoon BWOs, for rising brook trout, and then some small streamer fishing.  The morning — when we weren’t fishing — the weather was perfect.  But, as soon as the boat was hooked to the truck, the clouds broke, the sun poured through, and golfers everywhere probably smiled…but we were pissed.  Once we were on the river,

Read Full Report »

Guided Fishing Trips

Our guides are full-time fly-fishing professionals who know the Au Sable and Manistee Rivers intimately. Our rivers are not type-A rivers, and neither are our guides.

These guys are on the river from the last snowfall to the first, and every day in between; and their experience is to the benefit of their clients. From basic instruction to midnight trophy hunting, our guides are the best of the best.

We float all the branches of the Au Sable, as well as the much of the Manistee, in the famous Au Sable riverboats. We also offer float trips in McKenzie-style drift boats where appropriate, including the lower reaches of the Au Sable. Wade trips are available, along with four-hour on-stream instruction sessions that give beginning anglers one-on-one time with a guide.

2022 Guide Rates

Due to uncertainties in gas prices and other expenditures, guide rates in 2022 are especially susceptible to change.

A $100 Fee is charged for trips canceling less than five days from the scheduled float.  Trips canceled within 24 hours are charged the full rate of the float minus our expenses.  Guide rates are subject to change.

  • Full Day (Peak Season) $500 (2 anglers), $475 (1 angler)

    Includes lunch or dinner.

  • Full Day $475 (2 anglers), $450 (1 angler)

    Includes lunch or dinner

  • Half Day $375 (1 or 2 anglers)

    Timing varies by season.

  • Half Day Mouse Fishing $425 (1 or 2 anglers)

    Available July, August, and September.

  • Wading / Instruction (4 Hours) $300 (+$50 per additional angler)

    Timing varies by season.

  • Winter $425 (1 or 2 anglers)

    Typically 11 am start time. Includes snack.

What to Bring

Anglers should bring layered clothing, rain gear, and appropriate rod and reel outfits. Our boats can easily carry extra equipment. We supply flies, leaders and tippet.  Rental waders and equipment are included in the price of the trip.

What to Expect

Please contact the lodge if you have any questions regarding our trips. We put special effort toward making your guide trip with us the best that it can be, whether it be tailoring a float to a particular request, or matching you up with the proper guide, we’ll go the extra mile here so you have a better experience out there.

Fishing Guide Trip Request Form

Please fill out the form below, or call us at 989-348-8462 for immediate assistance.

Ausable river fishing report below foote dam

THE BEAUTIFUL AUSABLE RIVER

The Au Sable River in Michigan, United States runs approximately 138 miles through the northern Lower Peninsula, through the towns of Grayling and Mio, and enters Lake Huron at Au Sable. It is considered one of the best brown trout fisheries east of the Rockies and has been designated a blue ribbon trout stream by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Below you will find charts cataloging the current river temperature, flow rate, and information on the numerous branches of the beautiful Au Sable.

CURRENT RIVER CONDITIONS

Above you will find two images that chart the temperature of the water, and the discharge levels of the river. Clicking either of these images will redirect you to the USGS website and provide more information on the current flow of the river. Happy fishing!

THE LANDSCAPE OF THE AUSABLE

The river flows south from its origin paralleling the Manistee River. After flowing "side-by-side" for approximately twelve miles, the Au Sable turns east and flows into Lake Huron while the Manistee turns southwest and flows into Lake Michigan.

THE MAIN BRANCH

Ausable river fishing report below foote dam

Grayling to Wakeley Bridge

 When the Au Sable turns, she gathers the flow of the East Branch at the town of Grayling. A few miles further east of Grayling the river flows past Burton's Landing, which is the start of the fly fishing only, catch-and-release section also known as the "Holy Water." This area extends for nearly nine miles downstream to Wakeley Bridge. 

The bottom of this stretch the river consists mainly of sand and gravel, a perfect habitat. Beautiful trout filled pools, runs, and rifles litter this section of the river. This is a very productive and popular area, with a great diversity of water and fish- this region is not called the 'Holy Water' for nothing, and brings in Fly Fishers from across the country. 

Several access points are available for anglers to wade or float from. Thendara Road and Stephan Bridge are just a couple of the many areas with great access to her bounty. The water is fairly large but easy to navigate and wade.

Wakely Bridge to Mio Pond

The water from Wakeley Bridge to Mio Pond easily equals the quality of the water from Grayling to Wakeley Bridge. The water is larger and has more deep pools and runs for large trout to hide. Wading here can be difficult in some areas and caution needs to be taken. Prolific fly hatches exist here and throughout the rest of the river. Hexagenia Limbata also known as "Michigan Caddis" are a very famous and large mayfly that are rife throughout this area. Large brown trout - 20+ inches! - are found feeding on this mayfly and are occassionaly caught during this time. Many well-seasoned Fly Fishermen will often be seen sneaking around the river during this hatch looking for that trophy brown. Some of the good access points to the river in this area are found at The Whirlpool off of Cherry Creek Road and at Parmalee Bridge.

Ausable river fishing report below foote dam

Ausable river fishing report below foote dam

Mio to McKinley Bridge

From the Mio Dam to McKinley Bridge, the river harbors an abundance of trophy-sized trout. Large brown and rainbow trout are in plentiful numbers here. Like the upper areas of the river, quality fly hatches make it a wonderful stretch. The water is deep and strong in many areas. Wading is a challenge, although it can be accomplished in certain areas. A boat is the best way to cover and fish in this section of the water. Hiring a guide will ensure the most potential out of this tremendous section of the river. A few good access points are located at Perry Creek, Comins Flats, and McKinley Bridge, but there are dozens of public boat launches along this section of the river!

OTHER BRANCHES

The South Branch

The South Branch flows north out of Houghton Lake, towards the Mainstream of the Au Sable, passing by the town of Roscommon on its way. It meets the mainstream a short distance below the Wakeley Bridge. A section of this branch is designated for fishing with artificial flies only, no kill, and is located from Chase bridge downstream to the Lower High Banks. Brook, brown, and some rainbow trout can be found in its waters. Access areas are numerous along this branch of the  river providing ideal areas to "hop" out of your car and wade for fish.

Ausable river fishing report below foote dam

Ausable river fishing report below foote dam

The North Branch

The North Branch flows southeasterly passing through Lovells Township, emptying into the main river a few miles downstream from the South Branch. The North Branch is also a high quality fishery with a section devoted for fishing with artificial flies only from Sheep Ranch downstream to the confluence with the Mainstream. This is a beautiful river with slick pools and numerous quality trout. It is a great dry fly fishery, just like the rest of the upper Au Sable River system. Access can be gained from many areas alongside the North Branch's path.

The Lower Branch

The lower Au Sable River from Foote Dam to Lake Huron is a quality steelhead trout fishery. The river here is very large, and by some standards, dangerous without the proper experience and tools. Careful wading is a must, and a boat provides the best and easiest angling. Steelhead and salmon both migrate up this section of the river and can be caught in the same manner as the other great lake tributaries. Steelhead fishing is available (depending upon conditions) from late fall through early spring. 

Ausable river fishing report below foote dam

BOOK YOUR NEXT FISHING ADVENTURE WITH US!

Book your next fishing trip with our experienced guides to get the benefit of our knowledge of the river the next time you go fishing! Even if you don't need a guided tour, our store is stocked with all of the fly fishing supplies you could need to make your time out on the river enjoyable and a success!

Still Craving More?

Looking for even more information on the AuSable Valley area? Check out our YouTube series 'River Therapy' for more tips on fly fishing in the area.

Are the salmon in the Au Sable River?

The Ausable River tributary to Lake Champlain is located in the northeastern portion of the Adirondack Park. Most of the fishing action for salmon occurs during spring on the flatwater section from the Route 9 bridge downstream two miles to the river's mouth.

Is river fly AuSable only fishing?

The Au Sable's Holy Water is catch-and-release, fly fishing only. Greenberg says this stretch can harbor up to 4,000 fish per mile. Mostly brook and brown trout with a health population of rainbows, too. All wild fish.

What fish are in the Au Sable River?

As one of the best fisheries in the US, the Au Sable River is renowned for trophy brown trout, brook trout, rainbow trout, steelhead and salmon. This makes it one of the best fishing locations throughout the year, depending on what you want to catch.

How deep is the Au Sable River?

The crystal clear waters of the AuSable River has a rocky, sandy bottom and a current averaging 3 to 4 miles per hour. Averaging 2 to 4 foot deep, the AuSable River is perfect for beginners and experts alike looking to relax and take in all of what mother nature has to offer.