Au Gres River

Au Gres River Kayaking Guide — Michigan

River Overview

Category

Information

River Length

Approximately 47 miles

Difficulty

Beginner

Water Type

Slow-moving lowland river

Best For

Relaxed paddling, kayak fishing, wildlife viewing

Closest Town

Au Gres

Region

Northeast Lower Peninsula

Best Season

May–October

Typical Trip Length

2–12 miles

Water Conditions

Mostly calm with light current

Mouth

Saginaw Bay / Lake Huron

The Au Gres River is a peaceful northeast Michigan river flowing through forests, wetlands, and agricultural countryside before emptying into Saginaw Bay at the town of Au Gres. It is known more for quiet paddling and fishing than fast current or technical water.

This river is ideal for:

Beginner kayakers
Family paddles
Kayak anglers
Birdwatching
Relaxed evening paddles
Exploring marshes near Lake Huron

Best Kayaking Sections

Twining Road to Au Gres

Distance: ~6–8 miles
Difficulty: Easy
Time: 3–5 hours

This is the most popular paddle section. Expect:

Slow current
Marshlands
Small wooded sections
Occasional log obstacles
Excellent wildlife viewing

The lower river becomes wider and calmer as you approach town.

Launch options include:

Twining Road access
Au Gres Riverfront launches
Mouth of the river near Lake Huron

River Character

The Au Gres is very different from rivers like the Au Sable or Pine River.

What to Expect

Tea-colored water
Gentle current
Little elevation drop
Minimal rapids
Wetlands and cattail marshes
Bald eagles and herons
Excellent fishing access

This river is more of a “quiet exploration paddle” than an adrenaline river.

Kayak Fishing

The Au Gres River is popular for:

Smallmouth bass
Northern pike
Walleye
Panfish

Near the river mouth and Saginaw Bay, anglers also target:

Perch
Catfish
Seasonal salmon and steelhead

Early mornings and evenings usually provide the calmest paddling and best fishing conditions.

Hazards & Conditions

Common Obstacles

Fallen trees
Shallow stretches during dry summers
Muddy banks
Wind near the river mouth
Mosquitoes in marsh sections

The river is generally beginner-friendly, but strong winds near Lake Huron can create rough conditions near the mouth.

Best Time to Paddle

Season

Conditions

Spring

Higher water and cooler temps

Summer

Warm, calm, best for beginners

Fall

Beautiful colors and fewer bugs

Summer is the most popular season for casual paddling.

Camping Nearby

Nearby camping options include:

Au Gres Riverfront Park
Point Au Gres Park
Rustic state forest camping inland

The area also offers easy access to the Lake Huron shoreline and Saginaw Bay beaches.

Recommended For

The Au Gres River is best for:

Beginner kayakers
Recreational paddlers
Nature photographers
Kayak anglers
Families with kids
Relaxed half-day trips

It is not ideal for:

Whitewater paddling
Fast current training
Technical kayaking
Long wilderness expeditions

WMKC River Rating