Michigan
Au Sable River near Red Oak
Current River Rating
Poor · 40
Conditions are unfavorable based on the available readings.
Scores are model-specific and are not directly comparable across water types.
Partial water evidence · Low confidence
Should I Go?
Wait
Limited opportunity
Timing Outlook
No reliable fishing window is recommended while current river conditions remain Poor.
Why
- Recent observed air temperature suggests unfavorable river water temperature for trout.
- Water temperature is unavailable.
Favorable Factors
- Recent precipitation has been light.
- Light wind should make casting and boat control easier.
Cautions
- Recent observed air temperature suggests unfavorable river water temperature for trout. Verify with a stream thermometer; this is not a measured water temperature.
Timing Evidence
Overcast or filtered daylight is favorable.
Current Readings
- Flow
- 911 CFS
- Gage Height
- 3.33 ft
- Water Temperature
- Not available
- Observation Time
- Sep 5, 2026, 7:30 AM
Updated recently · USGS station 04136000 · Direct monitoring location
Readings from past 7 Days
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Historical readings are provided for context. Readings outside the current freshness window are not used to rate current conditions.
Better Nearby Options
Checking nearby StrikeTracks waters…
Preliminary guidance only. Always assess current weather, access, water depth, current speed, and your own ability before entering the river.
Changing Conditions Advisory
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Weather Near Gauge
Current Weather
Clear
Temperature
62°F
Feels like
64°F
Wind
3 mph NE
Wind gust
7 mph
Current precipitation
0.00 in
Updated
Sep 5, 2026, 1:15 AM
Recent Rainfall
Estimated precipitation near this gauge
Last 6 hours
0.00 in
Last 24 hours
0.00 in
Last 48 hours
0.00 in
Little recent rainfall near this river.
Next 24 Hours
Sat 4 AM
Clear
Temp 60°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Sat 8 AM
Mostly clear
Temp 59°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 3 mph
Sat 12 PM
Clear
Temp 71°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Sat 4 PM
Clear
Temp 76°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Sat 8 PM
Clear
Temp 67°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 6 mph
Sun 12 AM
Clear
Temp 59°F
Chance 0%
Precip 0.00 in
Wind 5 mph
Four-Day Forecast
Sat, Sep 5
Fog
High 76°F / Low 58°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 15 mph
Sun, Sep 6
Overcast
High 74°F / Low 53°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 17 mph
Mon, Sep 7
Overcast
High 80°F / Low 53°F
Chance 1%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 17 mph
Tue, Sep 8
Overcast
High 82°F / Low 57°F
Chance 28%
Precip 0.00 in
Max gust 34 mph
Weather and rainfall are estimated for this river's coordinates. Local conditions can vary, especially in mountainous terrain and during isolated storms.
Recent rainfall can influence river flow, but the timing and magnitude depend on watershed size, soil conditions, upstream reservoirs, and dam releases.
Weather data: Open-Meteo
Historical Flow
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Fishing Overview
Au Sable River near Red Oak, Michigan. Monitoring-Backed from USGS (live 00010, 00060, 00065).
Fishery Profile
Documented species you may encounter at Au Sable River.
Species images are AI-generated illustrations for visual reference and may simplify natural variation. Fishery records are based on the cited agency sources. About fish illustrations
Fishery overview
The Au Sable near Red Oak is the Grayling-to-Mio mainstem trout reach above Mio Dam, including the famous Holy Waters corridor. StrikeTracks publishes Monitoring-Backed conditions from USGS 04136000 (live discharge, stage, and water temperature). Distinct from Au Sable at Mio 04136500 and from the Oscoda / Lake Huron reach 04137500. Hydro dams block Lake Huron salmon and steelhead from this inland trout water. Flow Context remains default-deny. Hatch Match publishes general fly suggestions only.
Target species

Brown Trout
Salmo trutta
- Expectation
- Primary
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
MDNR Au Sable Holy Waters / Red Oak brown trout. USGS 04136000. Distinct from Mio and Oscoda.

Rainbow Trout
Oncorhynchus mykiss
- Expectation
- Common
- Population
- Unknown
- Native status
- introduced
- Confidence
- High confidence
MDNR Au Sable rainbow trout. Not a Lake Huron steelhead identity.

Brook Trout
Salvelinus fontinalis
- Expectation
- Present
- Population
- Wild
- Native status
- native
- Confidence
- High confidence
MDNR Au Sable brook trout in colder tributary-influenced water.
Fishery characteristics
- Composition
- Mixed wild and stocked
- Great Lakes tributary
- No
- Flow regime
- Natural flow
Cold mainstem Au Sable in Oscoda County upstream of Mio Dam, distinct from Mio Pond and from the lower river at Oscoda.
Best seasons
- Spring
- Summer
- Fall
Common techniques
- Dry flies
- Fly fishing
- Nymphing
- Spinning
- Streamers
Access and Public Fishing Rights
Public fishing is documented by MDNR inland trout maps and Huron-Manistee National Forest Au Sable access. Catalog coordinates are USGS 04136000. Private frontage occurs; use posted public access.
Stocking information
MDNR manages Au Sable trout with wild and stocked components by reach. Confirm current official stocking separately.
Official sources
MDNR Type/gear-restricted Au Sable trout rules change by reach. Migratory steelhead (Oncorhynchus mykiss) are not a StrikeTracks species-selector ID; they are described in overview and regulation caution only. Distinct from Mio 04136500 and Oscoda 04137500. Confirm current MDNR Fishing Regulations.
Hatch Match
General fly suggestions
- Parachute-style dryGeneral attractor dry family — not a claim that a named mayfly is hatching.
- Pheasant-tail-style nymphGeneral nymph family for trout rivers without destination hatch timing.
- Elk-hair-style dryGeneral dry/attractor family. Pattern choice only — not a report that caddis are hatching.
- Woolly-bugger-style streamerGeneral streamer family. Not a forage or insect Hatch event.
These are general fishing suggestions, not a report of insects currently hatching at this destination.
Location and Access
USGS monitoring location
Oscoda, Michigan
The map marker represents the cataloged waterbody or monitoring location and may not indicate legal parking or public access. Confirm access through the official information before visiting.
River Details
County
Oscoda
Management Category
Inland fly-fishing trout river
Regulation Scope
Au Sable River near Red Oak
Regulation Summary
Au Sable near Red Oak: MDNR inland trout and salmon stream rules for the Grayling–Mio mainstem. Confirm current official regulations.
Target Species
brown-trout, rainbow-trout, brook-trout
Access, Parking, and Regulations
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