Rainbow Trout Fishing in Au Sable River

Rainbow Trout fishing on the Au Sable River is excellent throughout the warmer months, with peak activity in spring and fall. Anglers often use 5-weight to 8-weight fly rods, employing techniques that imitate their varied diet of insects and small fish.

Rainbow Trout, also known as 'steelhead' when they migrate to the Great Lakes, are a non-native but well-established species in the Au Sable River system. They are known for their aggressive takes and incredible aerial displays when hooked. Rainbows are adaptable and can be found in a variety of habitats, from fast-moving riffles to slower pools. Their diet is diverse, including aquatic insects, terrestrial insects, crustaceans, and small fish. Spring and fall are particularly good times to fish for them as they feed actively before and after spawning. We often target them with streamers, nymphs, and dry flies, depending on conditions and their feeding behavior.