22-SEP-2008
The 130-mile Au Sable River runs eastward from the center of northern Michigan to Lake Huron. The South Branch of the Au Sable is considered one of the best rivers for brown trout east of the Rockies and has blue ribbon status as a trout stream in Michigan.
22-SEP-2008
The South Branch has been our favorite river to kayak. Traditionalists still use canoes, but kayaks provide a safer and more relaxed trip. Kayaks are still viewed as “new-fangled” toys by many natives. But it is true, that everyone who has canoed the river, has a story of tipping over somewhere along the route. I’ve canoed the river. And I’ve tipped over.
22-SEP-2008
Luckily, except for a few deep holes, the river is relatively shallow, but even shallow water can be cold. Canoeists and kayakers share the river with fly fishermen who wade the river in pursuit of its brook, rainbow and brown trout.
22-SEP-2008
Fishermen are required to use barbless hooks and release all fish. That doesn’t discourage any serious fishermen from coming to the Au Sable.
22-SEP-2008
The shoreline is lined with pine, cedar and a variety of hardwoods, many of which lean over the river on their way to eventually falling into the river, as many have already have done. On a trip several years ago, we encountered a work crew from the Department of Natural Resources who were working along the shoreline with rope and chainsaws. I commented about their work to open up the river. They corrected me. They were felling more trees into the river! They explained that more fallen trees would enhance the river as a fish habitat.
