What are the fishing regulations on the North Branch Au Sable River, Michigan?

North Branch Au Sable River fishing regulations

The North Branch Au Sable River is designated Type 1, Type 2 and Type 3 trout water over 17.0 of its 37.0 mapped miles. The season on Type 1 Designated water runs Last Saturday in April–September 30th. The creel limit there is 5 fish, with no more than 3 trout 15“ or greater. Zero (0) Arctic Grayling. 27.0 miles of it are named Blue Ribbon trout stream. The posted signs and the current digest are the authority, not this page.

Open North Branch Au Sable River on the map See North Branch Au Sable River on the live map → Every reach coloured by water temperature, with the public land and access points along it.

By designated reach

Type	Miles	Season	Creel
Type 1 Designated	17.0	Last Saturday in April–September 30th	5 fish, with no more than 3 trout 15“ or greater. Zero (0) Arctic Grayling.

Gear and tackle

Type 1 Designated — Artificial lures and all types of natural bait may be used.

Minimum sizes

Brook trout: 7″
Brown trout: 8″
Rainbow trout / steelhead: 10″
Splake: 10″
Lake trout: 10″
Chinook salmon: 10″
Coho salmon: 10″
Pink salmon: 10″
Atlantic salmon: 10″

Type 1 Designated, 17.0 miles of this river.

Blue Ribbon water

Stretch	From	To	Miles
North Branch AuSable River	Dam No. 2	Main Branch AuSable	25.0
West and East Branches Big Creek	East Branch: County Line, West Branch: Townline Road	N. Branch AuSable, N. Branch AuSable	1.4
Main Branch AuSable River	Upper Section: Co. 612, Lower Section: Mio Dam	Upper Section: Luzerne Co. Pk., Lower Section: Alcona Line	0.6

Named stretches with their own rules

North Branch Flies-Only

Rules change every year and the posted signs are the authority, not this page. The full state tables, with the date they were read, are on Michigan fishing regulations.

More about North Branch Au Sable River

North Branch Au Sable River — live water temperature, regulations and access