Au Sable River (North Branch)
Current Conditions
Flows are around 230 cfs and holding steady, above normal for late August. Water was 60°F at the gauge. Gates Au Sable Lodge reported terrestrials, Isonychia and Tricos on Aug 28. Streamers and nymphing for rainbow trout and carp in recent reports.
Au Sable River (North Branch) Fishing Report
The North Branch is fishing beautifully for wild browns on small dries. The fly-only section from Sheep Ranch down demands long leaders and careful approaches — fish are spooky in the clear, slow water. Brook trout are present throughout and will take small attractors. Evening sulphur and brown drake hatches have been the most productive window.
Live Flow Conditions
Hatch Calendar
Gear Recommendations
| Gear | fly Dry FlyRecommended | rod Nymphing | rod Euro Nymph | fish Streamer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Rod | 7.5–8ft 3-weight or 4-weight | 8ft 4-weight | 10ft 2-weight or 3-weight | 8ft 5-weight |
| Line | DT3F or WF4F floating | WF floating | Level mono rig | WF floating |
| Leader | 9–12ft tapered leader | 7.5ft tapered to 5X | Short mono rig (12–15ft) adapted for tight brush | 6ft tapered to 1X |
| Tippet | 5X–6X | 5X–6X | 6X–7X | 1X–2X |
| Waders | Hip waders or wet wading in summer | Hip waders | Hip waders | Hip waders |
| Boots | Lightweight wading shoes or wading sandals | Wading sandals or lightweight wading shoes | Lightweight wading shoes | Wading sandals |
Find Your Guide
Local Fly Shops
Public Access Points
River History & Character
The North Branch of the Au Sable River flows southeasterly through Crawford and Otsego Counties, passing through the tiny hamlet of Lovells before joining the main stem several miles below the South Branch confluence. It is one of the most intimate and rewarding branches of the Au Sable system — smaller and more technical than the mainstream, with slick pools and educated brown trout that demand precise presentations. A designated fly-fishing-only section runs from Sheep Ranch downstream to the confluence, offering 20-plus miles of artificial-only water managed for quality. The North Branch is also one of the last strongholds for stream-resident brook trout in the northern Lower Peninsula, and its remote character has kept fishing pressure lower than the better-known Holy Water downstream. The river flows through a landscape of jack pine, northern hardwood, and cedar swamp that is quintessentially northern Michigan.