Au Sable River Fly Fishing Guide

Fly fishing guide for the Au Sable River: The Au Sable is one of Michigan's best-known trout rivers, with cold spring-fed water, forested banks, and a long tradition of dry-fly and streamer fishing.

Common species: Brook trout, Brown trout, Rainbow trout

Live Au Sable River flow charts

Gauge readings are public monitoring data and should be combined with local regulations, weather, release schedules, and a visual check of safe wading conditions. Readings typically refresh every 15 minutes.

• Au Sable River Near Au Sable, Mi — USGS site 04137500 (official station data)
• Au Sable River Near Curtisville, Mi — USGS site 04137005 (official station data)
• Au Sable River Near Mc Kinley, Mi — USGS site 04136900 (official station data)
• Au Sable River At Mio, Mi — USGS site 04136500 (official station data)
• Au Sable River Near Red Oak, Mi — USGS site 04136000 (official station data)
• Nb Au Sable River At Kelloggs Br Near Lovells, Mi — USGS site 04135800 (official station data)

Map coverage and access planning

8 named stream reaches are indexed for this guide in the Michigan map dataset.

Open the Au Sable River stream map · View campgrounds near the river · Read the Michigan hatch chart

Fishing approach

• Spring-fed water that stays cool through summer
• Classic dry-fly water and evening spinner fishing
• Multiple USGS stations for comparing conditions upstream and downstream

Start with the water temperature

Use the live gauge and water-temperature reading before committing to a long wade. In clear, low summer water, smaller, more natural presentations and longer leaders are usually the better starting point.

Fish the transition water

Riffle edges, undercut banks, and the softer seams beside faster current offer dependable holding water. A small nymph or caddis pattern covers more of the day than a single hatch guess.

Fly patterns to start with

Adams, Elk Hair Caddis, Pheasant Tail Nymph, Woolly Bugger

Michigan DNR fishing information

Flow data can be delayed or unavailable. Verify current regulations, access permissions, weather, and safe conditions with the relevant agency before fishing.