Biting right now — October
Water temperatures cool. We find trout actively feeding. Mornings and evenings bring the best action.
Brown Trout
We find big browns actively feeding on the surface and in the current.
Brook Trout
Brook trout are aggressive and we catch them on streamers and dry flies.
Rainbow Trout
We catch rainbow trout on nymphs and streamers as they feed on baitfish.
Every species, every month
We fish the Au Sable River year-round. Different species move and feed at different times. We track these shifts to find the best action.
← Swipe the table to see every month →
| Species | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | OctNOW | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Brown Trout | off | off | good | peak | peak | peak | good | good | peak | peak | slow | off |
| Brook Trout | off | good | peak | peak | peak | good | good | good | good | peak | good | off |
| Rainbow Trout | off | good | peak | peak | peak | peak | good | good | peak | peak | good | off |
Fishing regulations, including seasons, size limits, and bag limits, change annually. Always check with the Michigan DNR before harvesting any fish.
Month by month
What the water's doing, what's turned on, and which trip fits.
January
34-38°FThe Au Sable River runs cold. Ice can form along the edges. We focus on finding open water and targeting fish holding in deeper pools.
February
34-38°FWater temperatures remain low. We find brook and rainbow trout in deeper sections and near springs. Some early spawners may move into shallower areas.
March
36-42°FThe river begins to stir. We see increased activity from brook and rainbow trout. Brown trout start to move into more accessible holding spots.
April
45-55°FThe Au Sable River wakes up in April. Water temperatures rise, bringing active hatches. We target big brown trout and eager brookies on the main river.
May
50-60°FMay is prime time on the Au Sable. Stoneflies and caddisflies bring trout to the surface. We see excellent action for all three trout species.
June
55-65°FJune offers consistent fishing. Terrestrial insects start to appear, and hatches continue. We focus on big rainbows and browns throughout the river system.
July
62-68°FWater temperatures are ideal. We fish the main river and its tributaries. Expect good action on all trout species.
August
60-66°FThe Au Sable River continues to offer excellent fishing. We focus on the cooler morning and evening hours. Dry fly fishing is often productive.
September
55-62°FFall colors arrive and trout become more aggressive. This is a prime month for big browns and rainbows. We target riffles and deeper pools.
October
55-62°FWater temperatures cool. We find trout actively feeding. Mornings and evenings bring the best action.
November
48-55°FColder water slows the bite. Trout move to deeper pools. We focus on patient presentations.
December
40-48°FIce forms along the banks. Fishing becomes challenging. We discuss dates and conditions for your trip.
Where we fish, and when it's best
- 01Au Sable RiverBest Apr - Oct — We fish the Au Sable for trout as the water warms in spring and cools in fall. Salmon and steelhead run the lower river in autumn.
- 02North Branch Au SableBest May - Sep — This smaller tributary offers excellent dry-fly fishing for brook and brown trout. We focus on hatches throughout the warmer months.
- 03Upper Manistee RiverBest May - Oct — We find large brown trout here, especially during evening hatches. Steelhead fishing is good in the spring and fall.
- 04Higgins LakeBest May - Sep — This clear lake holds lake trout and rainbow trout. We target them with streamers and poppers when they are near the surface.
- 05Houghton LakeBest May - Sep — We chase bass and pike in the shallows of this large, shallow lake. Weed beds are prime locations during the summer.
- 06RoscommonBest Apr - Oct — This area gives us access to several productive stretches of the Au Sable River. We fish for trout and salmon depending on the season.
Common questions
What is the best month to fish the Au Sable River?
Many anglers find the spring months of April, May, and June offer excellent fishing for multiple trout species. September and October also bring strong opportunities.
Is it worth fishing the Au Sable River in the off-season?
Yes, we can find fish even when the weather is cooler. Early spring and late fall can provide rewarding days on the water.
When do the trout species typically show up?
Brook and rainbow trout are often active from March through May and again in the fall. Brown trout fishing peaks in April, May, June, September, and October.
What is a realistic day of fishing in the middle of the season?
In peak season, we expect consistent action throughout the day. We might catch several species, with opportunities for large trout on dry flies or streamers.
Can I fish for more than just trout?
While trout are our primary focus, the Au Sable River also supports other species. We can discuss opportunities for different fish depending on the time of year.
Ready to Get on the Water?
Dates fill up fast in season. Reach out to Evening Rise Fly-Fishing Guide Service to lock in your charter.