The Au Sable River and Mio Pond

The Au Sable River runs right through the heart of Oscoda County. For many people, it’s the whole reason to be here. This is the middle of its long run. The same water starts up in the Crawford County headwaters near Grayling and finishes at its mouth in Oscoda on Lake Huron. 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. 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. It has a lake-like feel that suits small motorboats as well as canoes and kayaks. Trout, walleye, pike, and panfish are all in the mix. The long-running Au Sable River Canoe Marathon passes through Mio, too, on its overnight run to Lake Huron.

If you’re buying along the river, a few things are worth a look. Ask about the water and septic setup on older riverfront places (see the well-and-septic note). Know where your property line meets the river. And remember the dam: water levels here are managed, not natural. It’s a special stretch of water — quiet, cold, and clean.