The Au Sable River originates near Grayling in Crawford County and flows roughly 138 miles east to Lake Huron at Oscoda. Several dam impoundments along its length — including Mio Pond — create slack-water sections that reviewers note feel more like lakes than river. The river is a major tributary of Lake Huron and drains a large watershed across north-central Lower Michigan.
The Au Sable is a flowing river, so ice conditions are highly variable and unreliable. Some of the dam impoundments like Mio Pond may freeze enough for ice fishing in cold winters, but moving river sections remain open or develop dangerously thin ice. Always check local conditions and exercise extreme caution.
Can you kayak or canoe the Au Sable River?
Where are the best launch points on the Au Sable River in Oscoda County?
Are there campgrounds along the Au Sable River?
Is the Au Sable River good for beginners?
What is the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon?
Is there cell service along the Au Sable River?
Is there a fee to launch on the Au Sable River?
Can you swim in the Au Sable River?
The Au Sable River is one of Michigan's most celebrated rivers — a designated National Wild and Scenic River that winds roughly 138 miles from its headwaters near Grayling east through Oscoda County to Lake Huron. It's nationally recognized as a premier trout stream, holding brown trout, rainbow trout, and brook trout throughout its upper stretches. The river also hosts the Au Sable River Canoe Marathon each July, a 120-mile overnight race from Grayling to Oscoda that's been running since 1947 and draws paddlers from around the world.
With 12 launches spread across the Oscoda County section alone, access is excellent — mostly rustic state forest launches with gravel or sand ramps suited to canoes, kayaks, and small boats. The river flows at roughly 3 mph through heavily wooded corridors with crystal-clear water, making it ideal for multi-day paddle-camping trips. Rustic state forest campgrounds like Parmalee Bridge, Keystone Landing, and others line the banks — expect vault toilets, hand-pump water, and serious privacy between wooded sites. Towns like Mio and Luzerne are nearby for supplies. Cell service is spotty to nonexistent along much of the corridor, which is either a dealbreaker or the whole point depending on your perspective. The fishing regulations vary by section and can be confusing — study the DNR maps carefully before you go.