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Au Sable River

Boat Ramps
31
Access Points
67
Species
27

The Au Sable River is renowned as one of the premier trout fishing destinations in the United States, particularly famous for brown trout east of the Rocky Mountains. This 138-mile-long waterway flows through Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, starting near Grayling and flowing eastward until it meets Lake Huron at the towns of Au Sable and Oscoda. The river drains a basin covering approximately 1,932 square miles across eight counties and includes about 476 miles of streams within its system. With crystal-clear, cold water and diverse habitats ranging from shallow riffles to deep pools, the Au Sable provides exceptional fishing opportunities throughout the year. Designated as a Blue Ribbon Trout Stream by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and with portions classified as a National Wild and Scenic River, the Au Sable offers both natural beauty and world-class fishing that attracts anglers from around the globe.


Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

  • Rainbow Trout5,076 fish · 7.7 inJun 1, 2026
  • Rainbow Trout37,117 fish · 7.2 inMay 20, 2026
  • Rainbow Trout34,133 fish · 7.5 inMay 18, 2026
  • Atlantic Salmon29,498 fish · 7.6 inMay 13, 2026
  • Atlantic Salmon7,750 fish · 6.7 inMay 11, 2026

Source

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Sizes are the length the agency reports. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

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Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Au Sable River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Know where you can legally fish on Au Sable River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Michigan licenses and regulations

Michigan Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Michigan Fishing License

You must purchase a fishing license if you are 17 years of age or older to fish. If you are under 17, you may fish without a license, but you are required to observe all fishing rules and regulations. Any adult actively assisting a minor who does not have a license must have a fishing license. Please note, a license is required when targeting fish, amphibians, crustaceans and reptiles. Michigan's annual fishing license is valid from March 1 of a given year through March 31 of the following year.

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Michigan Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Michigan Stream Access Laws

The public has a right to use a waterway for pleasure, travel, or commercial navigation. The right extends to wading on the streambed or traveling on ice. While constant movement is not required, neither can a vessel be permanently moored or use the waterway as a parking spot. The riparian owner (the owner of the land along the water) owns the streambed, but that right is subordinate to the right of navigation. On non-navigable waters the riparian owner has the right to fish and can exclude the public from fishing on such waters. But on navigable waters, the rights of the private owners are inferior to the public trust right to fish the waters.

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Take Au Sable River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Au Sable River to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Au Sable River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Au Sable River and check the forecast before you go.

AU SABLE RIVER NEAR RED OAK, MI

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