What the Au Train River offers anglers

The Au Train River is a short, productive warmwater system in Alger County that flows into Lake Superior near the town of Au Train. The river holds walleye, northern pike, and smallmouth bass in its lower reaches, where it widens and slows before meeting the lake. Most fishing happens in the 3 to 4 miles closest to Superior—the upper river is shallow and rocky, better for wading than boat work. The walleye bite is strongest in spring and fall, when fish move into deeper pools. Pike are present year-round but most aggressive in early summer and again in October.

Access is straightforward: a public boat launch sits at the mouth where County Road H-13 meets the river, and there is roadside parking for wade fishers upstream. The river is narrow enough that a 16-foot boat is plenty, and many anglers fish it from canoes or kayaks. Water levels vary with snowmelt and rain, so spring can bring high, fast current that makes wading difficult. By mid-summer the river settles into a slower, clearer state—good for sight-casting pike but tougher for walleye, which prefer the turbidity of spring.

Key Takeaways

  • The Au Train River holds walleye and pike in its lower 3 to 4 miles, with a public launch at the mouth where it meets Lake Superior.
  • Spring and fall are peak walleye seasons; pike bite best in early summer and October when water temperatures favor active feeding.
  • Water levels rise sharply in spring from snowmelt, making wading difficult until late May or early June.
  • The river is narrow and shallow upstream of the launch, so most productive fishing is within sight of the lake.

Spring fishing and high water

March through May brings the strongest walleye bite of the year, but also the highest and fastest water. Snowmelt from the Upper Peninsula interior pushes the Au Train into a current that can make wading unsafe and boat control tricky. Many anglers wait until late May when flows drop and water temperature climbs into the low 50s. Early spring walleye are hungry after winter and will chase jigs and live minnows in the deeper pools near the launch.

If you fish early spring, focus on the slowest water you can find—the inside bends of the river and the deeper holes where current breaks. A 1/4-ounce jig tipped with a fathead minnow or leech will work in current. Casting upstream and letting the jig swing through the pool is more effective than dragging bottom in fast water. By late May, as flows ease and water clears slightly, you can move into shallower areas and work the edges of weed growth if any is present.

Summer conditions and pike hunting

June through August brings clearer water and slower current, which shifts the fishing dynamic. Walleye become harder to find because they move deeper or into the lake itself to escape warm water. Pike, however, become more predictable. They hold in the weedier sections and around submerged wood, and they will chase topwater lures and large swimbaits in the low-light hours of early morning and evening.

Summer is also when the Au Train becomes a wade-fisher's river. The water is warm enough to be comfortable, and the slower pace lets you cover ground on foot. Walk the shallows with a 6-inch swimbait or a large streamer fly, and watch for pike cruising the edges. The river narrows and shallows as you move upstream from the launch, so you will find the best wading a half-mile to a mile up. Smallmouth bass also become active in summer and will take the same lures as pike, though they are smaller and less aggressive.

Fall walleye and pike transition

September and October bring a second strong walleye bite as water temperature drops and fish move back into the river from the lake. The fall bite often lasts longer than spring because the cooling is gradual and water levels are more stable. Walleye will chase live minnows and jigs in the deeper pools, and the bite can extend into early November if the weather stays mild. Pike also become aggressive again in October as they prepare for winter, making this a good month for anglers who want to target both species.

Fall fishing is often clearer than spring, so lighter jigs and more natural colors work better. A 1/8-ounce jig in white or chartreuse will draw strikes from walleye in the deeper holes. Pike will chase larger offerings—3 to 4-inch swimbaits or live shiners if you can find them. The river is also less crowded in fall, so you can work the pools more thoroughly without pressure from other boats.

Winter and ice-out timing

The Au Train freezes solid by December in most years, and ice fishing is possible but limited. The river is narrow, so ice is often unsafe near the current, and the best ice fishing happens in the wider, slower sections near the mouth. Many anglers skip the Au Train in winter and fish nearby Lake Superior or the larger inland lakes of Alger County instead. Ice-out usually occurs in late April, though this varies by year and weather.

If you do fish the Au Train in winter, check ice thickness carefully and fish only the slowest sections. Tip-ups with live minnows will catch walleye and pike, but the season is short and the fishing is unpredictable. Most local anglers wait for spring when the river opens and the walleye bite becomes reliable.

Tackle and technique for the Au Train

A medium-power spinning rod in the 6 to 7-foot range is ideal for the Au Train. The river is narrow enough that long casts are not necessary, and a shorter rod gives you better control in current and around wood. Pair it with a reel that holds at least 150 yards of 8 to 10-pound monofilament or braided line. Braided line is better for feeling bottom and detecting strikes in current, but monofilament is easier to manage if you are new to river fishing.

Jigs are the most reliable lure for walleye. A 1/4-ounce jig in white, chartreuse, or natural colors, tipped with a live minnow or leech, will work in most conditions. For pike, larger offerings work better: 3 to 4-inch swimbaits, spinnerbaits, or topwater plugs in low light. If you fly fish, large streamers in black, white, or olive will take both walleye and pike. The river is shallow enough that you do not need a boat—many anglers catch fish from shore or by wading.

Launch access and parking

The public boat launch at the mouth of the Au Train River is located where County Road H-13 meets the river, just south of the town of Au Train. The launch is a single-lane concrete ramp with parking for about a dozen vehicles. There is no fee to launch, and the ramp is maintained year-round, though it can be rough in early spring when ice is breaking up. The parking area is small, so arrive early on weekends if you want a spot close to the ramp.

Wade fishing access is available along County Road H-13 and at several pullouts upstream of the launch. The road runs close to the river for the first mile or so, making it easy to stop and fish. Be respectful of private property—most of the land along the river is private, but roadside access is public. If you plan to wade far upstream, park at the launch and walk along the river rather than trespassing on private land.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best time to fish the Au Train River?

Spring (late May through June) and fall (September through October) offer the most consistent walleye fishing. Pike are most aggressive in early summer and October. Summer is best for wade fishing and sight-casting pike. Winter is possible but unpredictable and limited to the slower sections near the mouth.

Do I need a boat to fish the Au Train?

No. The river is narrow and shallow enough that wading and shore fishing are productive, especially in summer. A boat is helpful for covering more water and fishing the deeper pools near the launch, but many anglers catch fish on foot. A canoe or kayak is a good middle ground if you want to cover more water without a motor.

What size fish can I expect?

Walleye in the Au Train average 12 to 16 inches, with occasional fish in the 18 to 20-inch range. Pike are typically 18 to 26 inches, with some larger fish present. Smallmouth bass average 10 to 14 inches. These are not trophy waters, but the fishing is consistent and the fish are healthy.

Is there a Michigan fishing license requirement?

Yes. You need a valid Michigan fishing license to fish the Au Train River. Licenses are available online through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website, at sporting goods stores, and at some gas stations. Daily, annual, and multi-day licenses are available.

Can I fish the Au Train from shore?

Yes. Shore and wade fishing are productive, especially in summer and fall. The river is accessible from County Road H-13 and from the parking area at the launch. Wading is easiest in summer when water levels are lower and water temperature is warm enough to be comfortable.