What You'll Find on the Au Train River

The Au Train River is a small, cold-water stream in Alger County on Michigan's Upper Peninsula, roughly 15 miles west of Munising. It flows north into Lake Superior and holds a reputation for brook trout and coaster brook trout — a lake-run strain that migrates between the river and Superior. The river itself is narrow and intimate, rarely more than 20 feet wide in its lower sections, with a mix of pools, runs, and pocket water that rewards wading and careful casting.

The Au Train is not a high-volume fishery. You won't find crowds here, and you won't find easy fish. What you will find is a genuine coldwater stream where trout are selective, the water is clean, and the setting is quiet. Most of the productive water lies in the lower 3 to 4 miles above the mouth, where the river widens slightly and holds deeper pools. The upper reaches are smaller and steeper, better suited to hikers than anglers.

Key Takeaways

  • Brook trout and coaster brook trout are the primary species; coasters return to the river in spring and fall, making those seasons most productive.
  • The lower 3 to 4 miles of river, accessible from Au Train Lake Road and Forest Service access points, hold the best fishing water.
  • A Michigan fishing license and a trout stamp are required; the river is open year-round but is most fishable from May through October.
  • Small flies (size 14 to 18) and nymphs work better than large streamers; the water is clear and trout are wary.
  • Coasters are present but not abundant; catching one is possible but not may provide, even in peak seasons.

Seasons and When Coasters Are Present

Spring (May through June) and fall (September through October) are the prime windows for coaster brook trout. Coasters spend most of the year in Lake Superior but return to the Au Train to spawn and feed. Spring runs are typically smaller and less predictable than fall runs, which can bring more fish into the river system. Summer (July and August) sees resident brook trout activity, though water temperatures can climb and fishing slows during the warmest weeks.

Winter is technically open, but the Au Train is difficult to fish from November through April. Ice forms on slower sections, water levels fluctuate with snowmelt, and access becomes challenging. Most anglers focus their effort between May and October. If you're specifically targeting coasters, September and October offer the best odds, though even then success is not certain.

Access Points and How to Reach the River

The primary access is via Au Train Lake Road, which runs south from M-28 (the main east-west highway in the area) and parallels the lower river. Several Forest Service pull-offs and informal parking areas line this road, particularly near the mouth where the river enters Au Train Lake. From these spots, you can walk downstream to reach the river's lower sections and the best pools.

A second access point is the Au Train Falls area, reached by continuing south on Au Train Lake Road past the lower access points. A short walk leads to a scenic waterfall and a small pool below it, though this section is more of a destination hike than a serious fishing spot. For upper-river access, you'll need to scout Forest Service roads and be prepared for longer walks through less-developed terrain.

There is no formal boat launch on the Au Train itself. The river is too small and shallow for motorboats, and wading is the standard approach. Parking is free at all Forest Service access points.

Regulations and Licensing

Michigan requires a valid fishing license and a trout stamp for anyone 17 and older. Both are available online through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website or at sporting goods retailers throughout the Upper Peninsula. A license costs roughly $30 for a resident annual license; non-resident licenses are higher. The trout stamp adds an additional fee.

The Au Train River is open year-round with a daily limit of five trout per person. There are no special restrictions on brook trout or coasters on this river, though regulations can change. Check the current Michigan fishing guide before you go, as rules vary by water body and season. Catch-and-release is not required, but many anglers practice it to preserve the small population of coasters.

What Flies and Tackle Work Best

The Au Train's clear, cold water demands small, realistic flies. Nymphs in sizes 14 to 18 — particularly Hare's Ear, Pheasant Tail, and small stonefly patterns — are the most consistent producers. Dry flies work during mayfly and caddis hatches, typically in late May and June, but you'll spend most of your time fishing subsurface. Small streamers (size 12 to 14) can draw strikes from coasters in spring and fall, but they're not the primary approach.

A 7 to 8-foot rod rated for 4 to 5-weight line is ideal. The river is small enough that longer rods become a liability in tight sections, but you need enough reach to cover the pools effectively. Use a 7x or 8x tippet in summer when water is low and clear; 6x is acceptable in spring and fall when water is higher and slightly off-color. Wading boots with good grip are essential — the riverbed is rocky and slippery.

What to Expect: Difficulty and Fish Size

The Au Train is not a beginner's river. Trout are selective, the water is clear, and mistakes are visible. You'll spend time reading water, making long casts, and fishing patiently. Resident brook trout typically run 6 to 10 inches; catching a 12-inch fish is noteworthy. Coasters, when present, are larger — 12 to 16 inches is common — but they are also fewer and more cautious.

Success on the Au Train depends on skill, timing, and luck. A skilled angler fishing during a coaster run in fall might catch two or three fish in a day. An average angler might catch one or two resident brookies. It's entirely possible to fish a full day and catch nothing. The river rewards persistence and good technique, but it does not reward effort alone.

Nearby Alternatives and Lodging

If the Au Train is not producing or you want to explore other options, the Munising River and Miners River are nearby and also hold brook trout. Both are slightly larger and more forgiving than the Au Train. The Tahquamenon River, about 30 miles east, is a more substantial stream with better access and higher catch rates, though it's also more crowded.

Munising, 15 miles east, has motels, restaurants, and a grocery store. The town is the gateway to Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and sees steady tourism traffic. Camping is available at several Forest Service campgrounds in the area, including Au Train Lake Campground, which sits near the river's mouth and offers a quieter alternative to town lodging.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between a brook trout and a coaster?

A coaster is a brook trout that lives in Lake Superior and returns to rivers to spawn and feed. Coasters grow larger than resident stream trout because they have access to the lake's abundant food. Genetically, they're the same species, but coasters are rarer and more prized by anglers.

Do I need a guide to fish the Au Train?

No guide is required. The river is small and public access is straightforward. However, a local guide familiar with coaster timing and current conditions can increase your odds, especially if you're targeting coasters in spring or fall. Several outfitters in Munising offer guide services.

Can I fish the Au Train in winter?

Technically yes, but it's not practical. Ice, high water, and difficult access make winter fishing on the Au Train unrewarding. May through October is the realistic season.

What if I don't catch a coaster?

Catching a coaster is not may provide, even in peak season. The Au Train holds resident brook trout year-round, and they're solid fish in their own right. Many anglers enjoy the river for the resident population alone and view a coaster as a bonus.

Is the Au Train crowded?

No. The Au Train is quiet and rarely sees more than a handful of anglers on any given day. It's a destination for people seeking solitude and clear water, not high catch rates or social fishing.