Proposal 4 – Consistency in Au Sable River Trout Fishing Seasons

Proposed Resolution #4

Requires 2/3 Majority

Submitted by: Patrick Murphy, Individual Member
Passed: December 2, 2023 Conservation Policy Board Meeting
Title: Consistency in Au Sable River Trout Fishing Seasons

WHEREAS: Downstream of the headwaters of major trout streams in central and northern Michigan including the Pere Marquette, Muskegon, and Manistee Rivers are regulated as Type 3 or Type 4 Trout Streams and/or have Special Gear Restrictions, making them open for fishing opportunities year-round,

and;

WHEREAS: All portions of the Au Sable River system downstream of their headwaters, including the North Branch, South Branch, and Au Sable mainstream above Evans Road McKinley Bridge) are regulated as Type 4 or Special Gear Restriction streams, making them open for fishing opportunities year-round,

and;

WHEREAS: The Au Sable mainstream from Mio Dam to Alcona Pond is approximately 24-mile uninterrupted, continuous stretch of river,

and;

WHEREAS: The Au Sable River below Alcona Pond extending into Iosco County is classified as a Type 4 Trout Stream, making it open for fishing opportunities year-round,

and;

WHEREAS: The final portion of this uninterrupted, continuous stretch of the Au Sable mainstream from Evans Road (McKinley Bridge) to 4001 Bridge is regulated as a Type 2 Trout Stream in which fishing is closed from October 1 until the last Saturday in April,

NOW;

THEREFORE BE IT RESOLVED: Michigan United Conservation Club shall work with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and the NRC to change the classification and/or fishing regulations of the stretch of the Au Sable River from Evans Road (McKinley Bridge) to 4001 Bridge to provide year-round trout angling opportunities consistent with the remainder of the Au Sable river system above Alcona Pond.