Alcona to loud?

[birddog520]

I am planning on doing a cast and blast trip on the Ausable river from Alcona dam to Loud Dam in my drift boat. I will be going during the first week of Oct. I have never floated this stretch and have many questions. How are the access for launching and retrieving a boat. I have a 5hp outboard so I should be able to get through the slack water at the end no problem but I am also looking for a spotting service. I will be fishing for small mouth and hunting for grouse and woodcock. Also I probably will spend the night along the way so any rental cabins about half way through the stretch or is camping my only option?
Thanks for any advise.
-Jeff

[ZooCougar]

If you find a spotter there please let me know. I've been looking for one for a while now. As to the launch site, it's a beautiful facility -- if you have a canoe. Launching a drifter is a bit of a chore but doable, and worth the effort - it's a great float down there. Enjoy & good luck!

[n.pike]

No cabins, primitive camping only. For spotting, try calling Rollaways in Hale or Gordons Bait shop on M65.

[birddog520]

I talked to gordons and they said they could spot my ride. I am looking forward to a good float. I t5alked to the ranger and he gave me a map of the campsites alog the river. When you said getting the boat to the water is tough does that mean I have to go over pilings or boulders get the boat in? I will be by myself (with the bird dog) it sounds like it may be impossible. how close can I get the boat to the river?
thanks for the help
-Jeff