AuSable river question

[WALLEYE MIKE]

How far up the AuSable from Oscoda can I go with an 18ft. alum. with a draft of about 18-24". Can I go all the way to the Foote dam? If deep enough might just take a cruise up there this weekend.

[knockoff64]

Mike, depending on water levels, and I'm sure they're still way down, you can go up to just above River Rd. Thats about a mile from the launch. After that you are pushing your luck. There are a lot of sandbars and logs to contend with. After a good rain, you can get a few miles farther upstream. But if you don't know the river, there are still hazards present.

A drive along River Rd. and hitting the access sites will get you some nice views of the river.

[WALLEYE MIKE]

Thanks John, just looking for a possible cruise to take the wife on. I know she doesn't want to fish all day long.

[knockoff64]

Try Tawas Bay, it's protected, the water is a little warmer than the Lake proper, plenty of scenery and some good fishing!

You could also cruise Van Ettan Lake, it's a pretty nice lake and crystal clear.

[Shoeman]

Mike, try launching above Foote and run up. The bayous areas towards Cook Dam are very scenic. Plenty of wildlife, including eagles, mink, otters ect...

[WALLEYE MIKE]

John, I take for granted there is a DNR launch on Van ettan. I'll give it a try, didn't realize it was that close by.

Thanks Ralf.

[knockoff64]

Ralf is right, I didn't even think about Foote pond. That is a really nice lake with miles to explore!

[IT pimp 2002]

Was on it this weekend for the first time. Very nice lake with all kinds of fish, smallmouth was the target but we managed 3 nice largemouths in about an hour with no electronics or fresh bait. Got blown off as the storm came through. Lots of submerged trees and cover. I would go back again. We did see 3 eagles while canoeing the AuSable below the dam on Saturday. Managed to get close as they were in a large dead tree on the river.

[maxemus]

Above Foote dam on river rd is the ausable river queen paddleboat. The wife and i took it for a two hr cruise in the waters above the dam. It had live music, a bar and the captain had lots of info about the area. Did see an eagle and it was less than 20 dollars /person. I highly recommend it.

MAXEMUS:) :cool:

[Stinky]

If you can make it the fall color trip is awesome. Foot Pond has nice gills, pike, bass if you put in the effort. Good Luck.