The Au Sable River and Mio Pond

The Au Sable River runs right through the heart of Oscoda County, and for many people it’s the whole reason to be here. It’s one of the most famous trout and canoe rivers in the country — a designated Wild and Scenic River and a state “blue ribbon” trout stream — and it draws fly anglers and paddlers from all over.

At Mio, the river widens behind the Mio Dam into Mio Pond, a calm impoundment with public boat launches and fishing access (there’s a popular spot just below the dam, off M-33). From Mio downstream, a 23-mile stretch is the Au Sable National Scenic River, with a lake-like feel that’s friendly to small motorboats as well as canoes and kayaks. Trout, walleye, pike, and panfish are all in the mix, and the long-running Au Sable River Canoe Marathon passes through Mio on its overnight run to Lake Huron.

If you’re buying along the river, a few things are worth checking: the water and septic setup on older riverfront places (see the well-and-septic note), where your property line meets the river, and the fact that the dam means water levels here are managed rather than natural. It’s a special stretch of water — quiet, cold, and clean.