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Au Sable River - South Branch

Crawford County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
6 launchesRec Passport required
Au Sable River - South Branch Access Map 6 launches
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Boat Launches on Au Sable River - South Branch
Canoe Harbor State Forest Campground Boat Launch
North Higgins Lake State Park · Carry-in only ramp, 0 lane
Open Kayak Rec Passport
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Chase Bridge Boat Launch
North Higgins Lake State Park · Carry-in only ramp, 0 lane
Open Kayak Rec Passport
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Meads Landing
North Higgins Lake State Park · Carry-in only ramp, 0 lane
Open Kayak Rec Passport
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Meads Landing
North Higgins Lake State Park · Carry-in only ramp, 0 lane
Open Kayak Rec Passport
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Smith Bridge Boat Launch
North Higgins Lake State Park · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 8 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
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Steckert Bridge Boat Launch
North Higgins Lake State Park · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane, 2 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
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Connected Waterways

The South Branch is a major tributary of the Au Sable River, which flows 138 miles southeast to Lake Huron at Oscoda. The South Branch joins the main branch east of Roscommon. The Au Sable's name comes from the French 'Rivière au sable' — Sand River — reflecting the sandy substrate that defines its character and makes it ideal trout habitat.

Frequently Asked Questions
What fish are in the South Branch of the Au Sable River?
Brown trout are the primary target — the entire Au Sable system is designated a blue ribbon trout stream by the MDNR and is considered one of the best brown trout fisheries east of the Rockies. Brook trout are also present, particularly where cold feeder streams enter. Special regulations apply on much of the South Branch, so check current MDNR rules before fishing.
How long does it take to kayak the South Branch of the Au Sable?
Float times vary by section. Chase Bridge to Smith Bridge runs about 4–6 hours by kayak. Campbell's to Chase Bridge is a shorter, more leisurely trip. The river is shallow with no rapids, so pace is relaxed. Campbell's Canoe and Kayak Rental offers shuttle service and equipment rental in the area.
Is the South Branch of the Au Sable good for beginners and kids?
Yes — the South Branch is shallow, slow-moving, and has no rapids, making it one of the better rivers in northern Michigan for first-time paddlers and families with kids. Multiple reviewers mention letting children splash around at the access points. The gentle current means you're floating, not fighting the water.
Where are the boat launches on the South Branch Au Sable?
There are five access points along this stretch in Crawford County. Chase Bridge is the most popular — it has a proper dock for kayaks and canoes, a large parking area, and clean pit toilets. Smith Bridge and Steckert Bridge are other commonly used put-in/take-out points. These are all carry-in launches for paddlecraft, not motorized boats.
What is the Mason Tract on the Au Sable River?
The Mason Tract is roughly 4,500 acres of undeveloped wilderness along the South Branch, donated by auto industrialist George Mason to preserve the river corridor. No cabins or development line the banks — it's one of the most pristine stretches of river in the Lower Peninsula. The Mason Tract Pathway runs along the South Branch for miles and is excellent for hiking in any season.
Is there a fee to launch on the South Branch Au Sable?
The access sites are public and free to use. No launch fee is charged. Some sites may require a Recreation Passport on your vehicle if they're within state forest land — check signage at the specific access point.
Are there campgrounds near the South Branch Au Sable?
South Branch Campground is located right along this stretch — a state forest campground with basic amenities. It's a good basecamp for multi-day paddling or fishing trips. Sites are rustic, which fits the wild character of the Mason Tract area.
Can you swim in the South Branch of the Au Sable?
The river is shallow enough for wading and splashing around at most access points — reviewers mention putting chairs in the water and letting kids play. AuSable Haven nearby offers a more formal beach area. The water is clear and sand-bottomed, typical of the Au Sable system.
Can you use a motorboat on the South Branch Au Sable?
No. The South Branch is a shallow, narrow river suited only for canoes, kayaks, and tubes. The launches are carry-in access points — there are no ramps for trailered boats. This is paddlecraft and wade-fishing water.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

The South Branch of the Au Sable River flows through Crawford County as one of the quieter, more pristine stretches of Michigan's most celebrated trout stream. The Au Sable system — 138 miles total from headwaters to Lake Huron — holds blue ribbon trout stream designation from the MDNR, and the South Branch is where serious fly anglers go to escape the more trafficked main branch. Much of this stretch runs through the Mason Tract, a 4,500-acre wilderness area donated by industrialist George Mason specifically to keep it wild. No development, no cottages — just river and forest.

With five launch points along this section, the South Branch is heavily used by kayakers and canoeists. Float times between bridges run 4–6 hours depending on the stretch, and the river is shallow and gentle — no rapids, making it genuinely family-friendly for kids in kayaks or tubes. Chase Bridge gets the most praise as a launch — clean, good parking, pit toilets, and a proper dock for paddlecraft. Campbell's Canoe and Kayak Rental operates shuttle service in the area. The South Branch Campground sits nearby for overnighters, and the Mason Tract Pathway offers miles of riverside hiking. Brown trout are the main draw for anglers, though the shallow, sandy-bottomed river also holds brook trout in the colder feeder streams.

Sources: Wikipedia, Google Reviews, DNR data, campground & beach reviews, ShorelineScout enrichment

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