The Au Gres River flows 46.7 miles through Ogemaw, Iosco, and Arenac counties before emptying into Lake Huron's Saginaw Bay at the city of Au Gres. It historically had an eastern branch, which was severed and rerouted along the Whitney Drain to Lake Huron north of town. The river mouth location gives boaters direct access to Saginaw Bay's productive waters.
How long is the Au Gres River?
What fish are in the Au Gres River?
Can you launch a boat on the Au Gres River?
Is the Au Gres River good for kayaking?
Are there campgrounds near the Au Gres River?
Where does the Au Gres River empty into Lake Huron?
Is the Au Gres River crowded?
Can you access Lake Huron from the Au Gres River?
The Au Gres River runs 46.7 miles through Ogemaw, Iosco, and Arenac counties before emptying into Lake Huron at the city of Au Gres. The launch here at Point Lookout Harbor sits right near the mouth — you can head west upriver for a calm, sheltered paddle or fishing run, or east through a short channel into Saginaw Bay and open Lake Huron. It's a dual-access setup that locals love, and reviewers call it "one of the east side's best-kept secrets."
The river itself is calm and navigable, popular for kayaking, small boats, and fishing — walleye is the main draw, with reviewers claiming you'll limit out if you know what you're doing. The mouth area at Au Gres provides access to Saginaw Bay's excellent walleye fishery, one of the best in the Great Lakes. The river historically had an eastern branch that was severed and rerouted along the Whitney Drain to Lake Huron north of town. Several campgrounds cluster near the mouth, including City of Au Gres Riverfront Campground and Point Au Gres Park & Campground, making it easy to base a multi-day trip here.