Blue Stream Fly Fishing
Fly Fishing Report for:

Au Sable River - Main Branch below Mio Dam - Michigan

Hatch Chart - Best Access/Spots - Local Fish - About

Water Flow Chart

Using Water Flow Charts & Weather Reports: Begin with our water flow charts to grasp stream velocity and volume – look for stable or rising trends to pinpoint ideal fishing times. Learn to interpret sudden spikes or drops, which can indicate potential challenges. Next, consult our weather reports to understand ambient conditions. Pairing the two, you can anticipate fish behavior, choose the right gear, and select the best fishing spots. Use these tools together for a holistic approach to your next fishing adventure.

In-Depth Weather

Directions To Location

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

While we strive to ensure the precision of our hatch charts, some reflect broader river region insights. Through ongoing partnerships with local guides and fly shops, we’re committed to refining our data. Should you notice any inconsistencies or have feedback, we welcome you to reach out. 

Best 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.
But remember, fishing etiquette and catch-and-release practices are highly encouraged to maintain the health of this treasured waterway.

Best 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.
Note: Always respect private property boundaries, follow catch and release efforts to keep the fish population healthy and take out whatever you bring in.

Local Fish

  • 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 River

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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