Au Sable Fishing Forecast
Michigan's iconic trout river
Open year-round (check section regs)
Holy Waters: flies only, C&R, no wading. General trout opener last Sat in Apr for some sections. Many sections open year-round with special regs
Today's Fishing Conditions
Fair
Updated 3:59 AM
47°F
2030 CFS
2 AM - 4 AM
WD-40
7-Day Forecast
Free forever • No signup required • Hourly updates
Quick Facts
Rainbow Trout, Brown Trout, and Brook Trout
freestone
36°F - 46°F
March Fishing Tactics
Primary Targets
Recommended Tactics
Spring transition begins. BWOs emerge on overcast afternoons.
March Hatches
Midge
Midge
Winter midge fishing
Year-Round Fishing Guide
| Month | Water Temp | Tactics |
|---|---|---|
| January | 32-38°F | Nymphing, Streamers, Limited |
| February | 32-40°F | Nymphing, Streamers, Limited |
| March(Now) | 36-46°F | Dry Flies, Hendricksons, Caddis |
| April | 44-54°F | Dry Flies, Hendricksons, Caddis |
| May | 52-62°F | Dry Flies, Hendricksons, Caddis |
| June | 58-68°F | Hex, Terrestrials, Tricos |
| July | 62-70°F | Hex, Terrestrials, Tricos |
| August | 62-68°F | Hex, Terrestrials, Tricos |
| September | 54-64°F | Streamers, Egg Patterns, BWOs |
| October | 46-56°F | Streamers, Egg Patterns, BWOs |
| November | 38-46°F | Streamers, Egg Patterns, BWOs |
| December | 32-38°F | Nymphing, Streamers, Limited |
Spawning Seasons
Please respect spawning fish and their redds. Avoid fishing over actively spawning trout.
Brown Trout
Spawn months: October, November
Night spawning common. Males become very dark with pronounced kype during spawn.
Rainbow Trout
Spawn months: March, April
Resident rainbow trout spawn in smaller tributaries and tend to build smaller redds than steelhead.
Brook Trout
Spawn months: September, October
Males develop vibrant red bellies and white-edged fins during spawning. Early fall spawners.
Access Points & Parking for Au Sable
Burton's Landing
Heart of the Holy Waters. Classic Au Sable fishing.
Wakeley Bridge
Access to productive upper river sections.
Stephan Bridge
Excellent access to mainstream fishing.
Mio Dam
Below dam access for larger fish.
How to Fish Au Sable: Tips & Tactics
The Au Sable is the birthplace of Michigan trout fishing. The river demands stealth and precision. Wade quietly and make accurate casts.
Best Times of Day
The famous Hex hatch in June-July requires nighttime fishing from 9 PM to midnight. Daytime fishing is best during Hendrickson and Sulphur hatches in spring. Early morning offers consistent action in summer.
Recommended Techniques
Match the hatch during Hendrickson and Sulphur seasons. For the Hex hatch, use larger patterns in low light. Stealth is critical - approach fish quietly and avoid wading through holding water.
Water Conditions
Optimal flows are 200-400 CFS. Water clarity is typically excellent. During high water, focus on the slower edges and backwaters.
Fly Selection
Borcher's Drake and Roberts Yellow Drake are essential for the Hex hatch. Adams and Hendrickson patterns cover most mayfly hatches. Streamers produce big brown trout in fall.
Local Knowledge
The Hex hatch attracts anglers from around the world - learn the emergence timing and specific locations. Local guides know the specific hatches and timing.
Local Tips
Grayling is the historic center of Au Sable fishing. The river has tremendous history - fish with respect for tradition.
When is the Best Time to Fish Au Sable?
Spring
Hendrickson hatches in late April bring surface action. Fish are hungry after winter.
Summer
The Hex hatch is legendary in late June. Tricos and terrestrials through August.
Fall
Brown trout become aggressive. Streamers produce big fish.
Winter
Catch-and-release sections fish well with midges and small nymphs.
Recommended Equipment for Au Sable
Rod
8.5 to 9-foot, 4 or 5-weight. Lighter tackle for the Holy Waters.
Line
Floating line for most fishing. Double-taper preferred by purists.
Leader & Tippet
9-12 foot leaders, 5X-6X tippet for technical fish.
Waders
Breathable waders essential. The river is wadeable but respect deep holes.
Essential Flies
Au Sable Fishing Regulations
Season
Flies-only, catch-and-release in the Holy Waters year-round.
Limits
Varies by section. Check Type A through Type C waters.
Special Regulations
The Holy Waters section is flies-only. No kill regulations in designated areas.
Bait Restrictions
Flies only in the Holy Waters section.
Notes
Check Michigan DNR for current regulations by section.
Always verify current regulations with Michigan fish and wildlife agency before fishing. Regulations can change annually.
Fly Shops & Guides Near Au Sable
Local Fly Shops
- Gates Au Sable Lodge - Grayling
- Old Au Sable Fly Shop - Grayling
- Fuller's North Branch Outing Club
Guide Services
- Gates Lodge Guide Service
- Au Sable River Guide Service
- Old Au Sable Fly Shop Guides
Optimal Fishing Conditions
Optimal Flow
200 - 400 CFS
Best fishing conditions
Optimal Water Temperature
55° - 68°F
Ideal for active trout
Other Michigan Trout Rivers
Pere Marquette
Manistee
Boardman
Betsie
White River
Ready to Fish the Au Sable?
Get real-time forecasts with AI-powered fly recommendations, live water conditions, and hatch predictions.
Get Your Forecast