Au Sauble Fly Fishing

[MisterShoaf]

I want to get to the Au Sable River, specifically near Mio. I think I got some out dated information at my library about the fishing there. So, I need some information on a few things. When does the season officially open? Is there public access spots in which I could wade and catch fish? Is this area strictly catch and release? I would love to nail a trophy Brown, but will there be consistant 16-24" fish? I have tried to gather information, but this forum is always most reliable. Any advice will help thanks.

[WILDCATWICK]

When does the season officially open? Last weekend in April.

Is there public access spots in which I could wade and catch fish? Plenty. I would recomend purchasing one of a few differnt books to guide you into expolring the area. ONe is put out by Trout Unlimited and it the Guide book to the Lower AuSable. Another good one is Trout Streams of Michigan. Streamer fishing for Trophy Trout by Kelly Gallup is perfect for that area as that is where alot of the book takes place! There are plenty of others that will work as well.

Is this area strictly catch and release? Nope

I would love to nail a trophy Brown, but will there be consistant 16-24" fish?

The whole system has 16"-24" range, but there is none in Michigan that are "consitant". Getting fish in that range is more of a treat than the norm. Average size is 8"-12". But if you put your time in exploring and you target bigger fish. You can definetly increase the amount of trophy fish you catch.
The Mio section you are talking about is called the "trophy waters" becuase they do have some awefully healthy rainbows in that area.

[Krull]

A little to add.....


Area between Mio and McKinnley bridge is regulated Quality Fishing Zone. While not catch and release, there is a 2 fish per day limit. Only artificial lures and flies may be used. A rainbow or Brookie need to be a minimum 12" to keep, a Brown needs to be 15".

If you are after a big brown, your best bet is early in the season. Once Memorial day hits, the canoers take over the river. You can still get some good fishing in between 6-9 AM, before the drunks hit the river, and I believe the last canoers (renters) cannot hit the river after 5 PM.

There are numerous access points where you can hit the river to wade. If you are willing to walk, you can find some real nice runs.

Good Luck-
Krull

[woodie slayer]

i live on the ausable and the best time to catch a 16-30 inch brown is after dark...some big fish are caught from mio to mc kinley on rapalas but fly fishing at night during a hatch is the best way to land a trophy..
it takes years for these browns to get to this size so i would consider catch and release.

[MEL]

We have a family cabin in the Mio area.
Agree with the other guys regarding the canoes. Lots of traffic and far to many drunks on those warm summer weekends.
Wading: be carefull in this area. There is access but the water can be very powerful and the holes very deep. Scout an area to fish during the day to find the dangerous water. That way at nite you will know where to stay away from.
When you buy your all species license get the trout regs and make sure you familarize yourself with the trout regs on the Au Sable and any other water that you fish. I think the Au Sable is the most regulated river in Mi.
and the regs differ with each section of the river.
Enjoy and please use catch and release.