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Mio Dam Pond - Au Sable River

Oscoda County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
3 launchesRec Passport required
Mio Dam Pond - Au Sable River Access Map 3 launches
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Boat Launches on Mio Dam Pond - Au Sable River
Camp Ten Bridge Boat Launch
Rifle River State Recreation Area · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 8 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
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Mio Pond State Forest Campground Boat Launch
Rifle River State Recreation Area · Paved ramp, 1 lane, 8 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Large Boat Rec Passport
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Mio Pond T-Dock Boat Launch
Rifle River State Recreation Area · Paved ramp, 1 lane, 7 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Large Boat Rec Passport
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Connected Waterways

Mio Dam Pond is an impoundment on the Au Sable River — one of Michigan's most famous trout streams. The Au Sable flows east from its headwaters near Grayling through a series of six hydroelectric dams before emptying into Lake Huron at Oscoda. Mio Dam is one of the upstream dams in that chain, and the river below it continues through the Au Sable State Forest toward Alcona Dam Pond and eventually the river's lower stretches.

Winter & Ice Safety

As a relatively shallow impoundment, Mio Dam Pond typically freezes reliably in winter. However, impoundments with dam-controlled water flow can have unpredictable ice conditions near the dam and in areas with current. Always check ice thickness carefully, especially near the dam and any inflows.

Frequently Asked Questions
How big is Mio Dam Pond?
Mio Dam Pond covers roughly 600+ acres. It's an impoundment created by the Mio Dam on the Au Sable River in Oscoda County, near the village of Mio.
What fish are in Mio Dam Pond?
Perch are commonly caught — some anglers report surprisingly large ones. The pond connects to the Au Sable River, which is famous for trout, but fishing in the pond itself gets mixed reviews. Many visitors report beautiful scenery but tough fishing, especially from shore.
Is there a boat launch on Mio Dam Pond?
Yes, there are three launches on the pond. Reviews note easy in-and-out access, with docks available for shore fishing. Be aware of submerged stumps throughout the pond — they're a real hazard for boats.
Can you kayak on Mio Dam Pond?
Absolutely. The pond is calm and was described by reviewers as a good place to learn to kayak. Several canoe liveries operate nearby, and many paddlers use the pond as a starting or ending point for Au Sable River trips. Tubing is also popular.
Are there campgrounds near Mio Dam Pond?
Several. Mio Pond State Forest Campground is right on the water. Other nearby options include Mio Pine Acres Cabins, Oscoda County Park, Au Sable Loop Campground and Day Use Area, and River Dune Campground.
Can you swim in Mio Dam Pond?
There are beach areas nearby at Oscoda County Park. The pond itself has submerged stumps and a silty bottom typical of impoundments, so designated beach areas are your best bet for swimming.
What is the Mio Scenic Overlook?
It's a scenic viewpoint above the Mio Dam that offers panoramic views of the pond and surrounding area. It's a popular spot — locals note it's especially meaningful, though some trees have started to obstruct the view.
Is Mio Dam Pond good for fishing?
Opinions are split. Some anglers do well — particularly for perch — but many reviewers suggest the pond is better for scenic boating and paddling than serious fishing. Fishing above and below the dam on the Au Sable River proper tends to be more productive.
Where is Mio Dam Pond?
It's in Oscoda County, adjacent to the village of Mio in north-central Lower Michigan. It's about 30 miles west of Oscoda and roughly 90 miles northeast of Midland.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

Mio Dam Pond is a 600+ acre impoundment on the Au Sable River in Oscoda County, created by the Mio Dam — one of six hydroelectric dams on Michigan's most celebrated trout river. The pond sits right next to the village of Mio and has a distinct character: wide, shallow backwater with submerged stumps throughout, making it more of a scenic paddling and relaxation spot than a hardcore fishing destination. Three launches provide easy access, and the Mio Scenic Overlook above the dam offers panoramic views of the impoundment.

Fishing here gets mixed reviews — some anglers pull surprisingly large perch, while others report getting skunked from shore. The stumps demand attention if you're running a motor. Below the dam, the Au Sable continues as one of Michigan's premier fly-fishing rivers. The area is well-supported with campgrounds, including the Mio Pond State Forest Campground right on the water. Kayakers and tubers use the pond as a starting or ending point for Au Sable River trips, and multiple canoe liveries operate nearby. It's a quiet, scenic spot — more about the setting than the catch.

Sources: Wikipedia, Google Reviews, DNR data, campground & beach reviews, ShorelineScout enrichment

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