Au Sable River
river in Michigan
Renowned for technical dry-fly and streamer fishing, the Au Sable offers consistent hatches, well-managed trout populations, and accessible public stretches from Grayling downstream toward Oscoda.
Conditions right now
No USGS gauge is linked to this water yet, so we can't chart flows.
Trout species (Brown
- 01Trout species (Brown, Brook, Rainbow) are actively feeding to build reserves for winter.
- 02Egg patterns are highly effective, especially near any areas where trout or salmon may be spawning.
- 03Streamers imitating leeches and baitfish are provoking aggressive strikes from larger trout.
- 04Blue-Winged Olive hatches are providing intermittent dry fly opportunities on overcast days.
- 05Nymphing with small patterns like midges and scuds remains a consistent producer.
Past reports week by week
13 weeksWhat to tie on
Picked from reports, hatches and the season. Tap a fly for the recipe and where else it works.
Egg Sucking Leech
Combining an egg and leech imitation, this streamer is particularly effective in fall during and after spawning runs.
Buy at AmazonPat's Rubber Legs
A larger stonefly nymph that remains effective year-round, good for getting down to deeper feeding lies in fall.
Buy at AmazonBlood Dot Egg
Fall is prime egg-laying season for trout, making egg patterns highly effective below spawning areas.
Buy at AmazonBlack Woolly Bugger
A versatile streamer, effective for enticing aggressive strikes from trout actively feeding on leeches and baitfish in colder fall waters.
Olive Woolly Bugger
An essential streamer for fall, mimicking leeches and baitfish, which are consistent food sources for predatory trout.
Flashback Scud Wet Hare's Ear
A good general searching nymph, mimicking various aquatic insects and scuds that are active year-round in the currents, making it effective in fall.
Zebra Midge
Midges are a primary and consistent food source year-round, particularly effective in colder fall water for subsurface feeding.
Buy at AmazonBlue-Winged Olive Comparadun
Blue-Winged Olives (BWOs) are a key fall hatch, especially on overcast days, making this low-profile dry fly excellent for selective trout.
Where to fish and who to ask
Grayling/Lowell Area Access
Popular put-in/take-out and bank access near Grayling with classic tailwater and spring-fed runs.
Iargo Springs Overlook
Noted spring complex and scenic fishing corridor that concentrates trout and invertebrates.
Mio Dam / Mio Access
Lower Au Sable near the Mio Dam is a favorite early-season trout spot and common access for float trips.
Fly shops within 40 miles
Gates Lodge
Ausable River Outfitters
Drakes Fly Shop
Hawkins Outfitters
Get Au Sable River reports by email
Save this water and we'll email you a weekly summary of conditions, hatches and what's working.
Michigan season by season
What changes on the water through the year, with the flies for each season.
Read before you go
Winter Fly Fishing: Essential Cold Weather Tips & Tactics
Master winter fly fishing with proven cold weather strategies, gear selection, and tactics for catching trout when temperatures drop.
How to Pick the Right Fly Rod Weight for Any Situation
Master fly rod weight selection with expert guidance on matching rod power to fish species, water conditions, and fishing techniques for optimal performance.
Fly Line Types Guide: WF, DT, Running & Shooting Heads
Master fly line selection with our comprehensive guide to weight forward, double taper, running lines, and shooting heads for every fishing situation.
Fly Fishing Pack vs Vest: Which Setup Is Right for You?
Compare fly fishing packs and vests to find the perfect gear setup for your angling style and fishing conditions.
Best Fly Fishing Sunglasses: Lens Color & Polarization Guide
Master lens color selection and polarization technology for superior vision and fish detection on the water.
Fly Fishing Nets – Rubber vs. Nylon & Why It Matters for Fish
The net you choose dramatically impacts fish survival. Here's why rubber nets are superior to nylon for catch-and-release success.
Quick answers
Common questions about Au Sable River.
What flies work best on Au Sable River?
Our top scored fly patterns for Au Sable River right now are Zebra Midge (90% confidence), Little Black Stonefly nymph (85% confidence), Blue-Winged Olive Comparadun (80% confidence). These picks are scored from recent fishing reports, hatch data, and seasonal patterns.
What fish species are in Au Sable River?
Au Sable River holds Brown Trout, Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout. See the species links on this page for fly recommendations and seasonal behavior for each.
Is Au Sable River fishing well right now?
We publish a fresh bite report for Au Sable River each week based on recent on-the-water intel. The current report — with conditions, hatches, and what's producing — is on this page.