Michigan’s Au Sable River named America’s BEST for Fly Fishing
Keith Lusher 07.03.25

When it comes to fly fishing, no one has a better river than Michigan. That’s according to USA Today readers, who were asked to identify the best rivers in the U.S. for fly fishing. The prestigious ranking, released on June 11, was curated by an expert panel and voted on by readers across the country. After all the votes were tallied, Michigan’s Au Sable River claimed the top spot, beating out legendary waters from coast to coast.
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The Au Sable River’s victory shouldn’t surprise serious fly fishermen. This historic waterway spans 138 miles through northern Michigan towns like Grayling, Lewiston, Roscommon, Mio, and Oscoda before reaching Lake Huron. The river combines pristine water quality, stunning scenery, and world-class cold-water fishery that creates perfect habitat for the brown trout that have made this river famous.
“For visiting fly fishers, brown trout are a particularly common catch, with the surrounding shores offering perfect conditions for the fish to thrive each year,” USA Today noted.
Beating the Nation’s Best
The Au Sable’s first-place finish becomes even more impressive considering the competition. This Michigan gem finished ahead of world-class waters including Ohio’s Rocky River, North Carolina’s Nantahala River, the South Fork Holston River in Tennessee and Virginia, Alaska’s mighty Kenai River, and the Snake River flowing through Idaho and Wyoming.
Other notable rivers that couldn’t match Michigan’s champion included the Spokane River, Montana’s Madison River, the Youghiogheny River, and the Grand Ronde River in Washington and Oregon.
Why Michigan’s Au Sable River Stands Above the Rest
The Au Sable’s victory highlights Michigan’s often-overlooked status as a premier fly fishing destination. While western states typically dominate fly fishing conversations, Michigan proves that world-class angling opportunities exist throughout the country without the expense and difficulty of remote destinations.
The Great Lakes State offers something many western destinations can’t match: accessibility without compromising quality. You don’t need expensive guides, grueling hikes, or specialized equipment to access productive water. The Au Sable provides legitimate opportunities for both novice and expert anglers to test their skills against quality fish.
Michigan’s four-season fishing also sets it apart from competitors. While some rivers shine during specific hatches or seasons, the Au Sable offers consistent opportunities throughout the year.
What This Means for Anglers
The USA Today ranking puts Michigan on the map for serious fly fishermen who may have overlooked the state in favor of more famous western destinations. For traveling anglers, this ranking provides compelling reason to explore Michigan’s waters. The combination of excellent fishing, reasonable costs, and easy access makes the Au Sable an attractive alternative to more expensive and crowded western rivers.
With its new status as America’s top fly fishing river, the Au Sable now carries the official distinction as the country’s premier fly fishing destination. The USA Today readers have spoken, and their message is clear: when it comes to fly fishing excellence, Michigan leads the nation.