Au Sable River - Main Branch below Mio Dam - Michigan
Fly Fishing River Report & Conditions
Au Sable River – Main Branch below Mio Dam - Water Flow Chart
Au Sable River – Main Branch below Mio Dam - Weather report & radar
Au Sable River – Main Branch below Mio Dam - General hatch chart
| Month | Hatch | Time of Day | Recommended Fly Sizes | Popular Fly Patterns |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Midges | Warmer parts of the day | 20-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| Winter Stoneflies | Sunny afternoon | 18-20 | Black Stonefly Nymph | |
| February | Midges | Warmer parts of the day | 20-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| Winter Stoneflies | Afternoon on sunny days | 18-20 | Black Stonefly Nymph | |
| March | Blue Wing Olive (BWO) | Mid-afternoon | 18-20 | Pheasant Tail Nymph, BWO Dry Fly |
| Little Black Stoneflies | Late afternoon | 12-14 | Black Lafontaine Sparkle Pupa, Black Caddis | |
| April | Blue Wing Olive (BWO) | Late afternoon to evening | 18-20 | Pheasant Tail Nymph, BWO Dry Fly |
| Hendricksons | Mid-afternoon | 12-14 | Hendrickson Dry Fly, Hendrickson Nymph | |
| Black Caddis | Evening | 16-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, Goddard Caddis | |
| Midges | Warmer parts of the day | 20-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge | |
| May | Sulfurs | Late afternoon to evening | 16-18 | Sulfur Dun, Sulfur Emerger |
| Hendricksons | Mid-afternoon | 12-14 | Hendrickson Dry Fly, Hendrickson Nymph | |
| March Browns | Afternoon through evening | 10-14 | March Brown Dry Fly | |
| Black Caddis | Evening | 16-18 | Elk Hair Caddis, Goddard Caddis | |
| June | Brown Drakes | Evening | 10-12 | Coffin Fly, Brown Drake Spinner |
| March Browns | Afternoon through evening | 10-14 | March Brown Dry Fly | |
| Light Cahills | Evening | 14-16 | Light Cahill Dry Fly | |
| July | Brown Drakes | Evening | 10-12 | Coffin Fly, Brown Drake Spinner |
| Light Cahills | Evening | 14-16 | Light Cahill Dry Fly | |
| August | Tricos | Morning | 22-24 | Trico Spinner, Trico Dun |
| September | Tricos | Morning | 22-24 | Trico Spinner, Trico Dun |
| October | Blue Wing Olive (BWO) | Afternoon | 18-20 | Pheasant Tail Nymph, BWO Dry Fly |
| November | Midges | Warmer parts of the day | 20-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| December | Midges | Warmer parts of the day | 20-22 | Griffith’s Gnat, Zebra Midge |
| Winter Stoneflies | Sunny afternoon | 18-20 | Black Stonefly Nymph |
Au Sable River – Main Branch below Mio Dam Access Points
The Main Branch of Au Sable River below Mio Dam offers excellent spots for fly fishing. Here are some of the best access points:
- Camp Ten Bridge: Located downstream of Mio Dam, this is a popular starting point for float trips.
- McKinley Landing: This access point is found a few miles downstream from Camp Ten Bridge and is well-maintained, providing easy access to the water.
- Alcona Pond: Upstream of Loud Dam, the pond offers quiet spots ideal for fishing.
- Weber’s Canoe Landing: Located about midway between Mio Dam and Alcona Pond, it’s a favorite among seasoned fly fishers.
Au Sable River – Main Branch below Mio Dam Fishing Spots
The Main Branch of the Au Sable River below Mio Dam is renowned among anglers for its superior fly fishing opportunities. Notable spots include:
- Mckinley Landing: Known for its consistent fly hatches and a plethora of Heptageniidae (mayflies).
- Alcona Park: A vibrant fishery packed with brook and brown trout, making it a prime location for dry fly fishing.
- Camp 10 Bridge: This spot is a hotspot during the Hex hatch, a special time when giant mayflies bring up the largest of trout.
- Knob Hill: Providing a perfect blend of flat water and swift currents, this area is good for both dry flies and nymphs.
- Whirlpool Access: Thanks to its large pool, it’s a favorable site for terminating large browns and rainbows.
Au Sable River – Main Branch below Mio Dam Local Fish Species
- Brown Trout: the Au Sable River is famous for its thriving brown trout population and are highly targeted by fly fishers.
- Brook Trout: Another staple of the Au Sable River, these fish are often angled with various fly patterns including nymphs, dry flies, and streamers.
- Rainbow Trout: They are plentiful in the region and offer a great challenge for fly fishing enthusiasts.
- Steelhead: Fly fishing for steelhead in the Au Sable River can be a thrilling experience when they’re running the stream.
- Whitefish: While they aren’t as common, there are year-round opportunities for fly anglers targeting whitefish.
- Atlantic Salmon: Although not native, they are introduced regularly to the river and offer a unique fly fishing opportunity.
- Smallmouth Bass: They are found in the lower reaches of the Au Sable River and are an exciting target for fly fishing.
- Walleye: Walleye are very active in the river, especially at dusk and at night, which can provide a different fly fishing experience.
About the Au Sable River – Main Branch below Mio Dam
The Main Branch of the Au Sable River below Mio Dam is a treasured piece of Michigan’s natural beauty with a rich history. The Au Sable, meaning “at the sand” in French, was named by early French explorers. The river has a fascinating past that runs as deeply as its currents.
- The river’s length spans over 100 miles, making it one of the longest unobstructed rivers in the Midwest.
- Historically, it played a crucial role in Michigan’s lumber industry during the 1800s, serving as a conduit for transporting logs to mills.
- The Mio Dam, built in 1914, serves as a key demarcation on the river. Below the dam, the river showcases scenic allure, perfect for leisurely tubing or kayaking.
- The river is renowned for its high-quality trout fishing, attracting thousands of anglers each year.
The Au Sable River continues to enchant visitors and locals alike with its serene beauty and bountiful fish, ensuring it remains an enduring gem in Michigan’s natural landscape.
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