Upper river
Small and wooded
Narrow water with deadfall in Otsego County.
Lower Peninsula River Guide / Otsego Lake to the Au Sable mainstream near Lovells
North Branch Au Sable River Kayaking Guide: Launches, Dams & Flows
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.
A wide, shallow, crystal-clear trout river that runs from Otsego Lake past the old fishing village of Lovells to the Au Sable mainstream. It's quieter than the mainstream, with gentle current and long riffles, and it's home to the first flies-only trout water in Michigan.
RegionNorthern Lower Peninsula, Au Sable country
CountiesOtsego, Crawford
WatershedAbout 262 sq mi
Great Lake BasinLake Huron
River LengthOtsego Lake to the mainstream
PaddleableLovells area to the mainstream
Best SeasonJune to September
MouthAu Sable River, south of Lovells
Before you launch: shallow water and anglers
- Shallow riffles: the North Branch is wide and shallow. Expect to scrape or walk your boat at low water.
- Old logging dams: remains of logging-era dams, including Dam 4, are on the river. Scout before running them.
- Wading anglers: this is famous fly-fishing water. Pass anglers quietly and give them room.
- Cold water: groundwater keeps the river cold all year.
River History
Logging began on the North Branch around 1870. Crews built a series of dams that backed up about 30 miles of slack water to drive logs downstream, and the last log drive ran around 1906. Some of those old dams, like Dam 2 and Dam 4, still give their names to places on the river. Logging stripped the banks, and the river's native Arctic grayling were gone by the early 1900s.
As the forests regrew, the North Branch became a trout stream, and fishing clubs and lodges grew up around Lovells. In 1907 a stretch of the river became the first flies-only trout water in Michigan. Today it's managed for brook trout, and the village of Lovells keeps its fishing history alive.
River Map
River Overview
The North Branch begins as the outflow of Otsego Lake, south of Gaylord. It flows south-southeast through Otsego County into Crawford County, past Lovells, and joins the Au Sable mainstream south of the village. Big Creek is its main tributary. The river is wide, shallow and clear, with a gravel and sand bottom and steady groundwater flow.
Otsego Lake
The river begins at the lake's outlet south of Gaylord.
Upper river
Smaller water through forest in Otsego County.
Twin Bridges and Eamans Landing
Public access points on the middle river.
Lovells and Kellogg Bridge
The village of Lovells and the USGS gage at Kellogg Bridge.
Dam 4
Logging-era dam site about 4 miles below Lovells. Scout before running.
Au Sable mainstream
The North Branch joins the main river south of Lovells.
USGS Flow & Water Conditions
The USGS gage at Kellogg Bridge near Lovells is the one to check. The North Branch's flow is steady because it's fed by groundwater, but low summer water makes the riffles shallow.
How to read it
Compare today's flow with the typical flow for the date shown on the USGS graph. Well above normal means faster current, debris coming downstream and fewer safe eddies. Well below normal means more dragging and more liftovers.
After heavy rain, check again the morning you launch. Small rivers rise and fall quickly.
Paddling Character
Lovells to the mainstream
Wide and shallow
Clear water over gravel and sand, with long riffles and gentle current.
Michigan Water Trails
The North Branch is not a designated Michigan Water Trail. The DNR lists 13 public access sites on the river for anglers, and many of them work for paddlers too.
Check the official list for updates, since new trails are added over time.
Michigan Water TrailsDams & Portages
Otsego County
Dam 2
Logging-era dam site on the upper river. Scout before running.
Crawford County
Dam 4
Logging-era dam site about 4 miles below Lovells. Scout and carry if in doubt.
Launches
Listed upstream to downstream. Confirm parking, fees and current conditions before you go.
Camping
Lovells area
State forest campgrounds
Rustic DNR campgrounds in the state forest around Lovells and Grayling.
State forest
Dispersed camping
Much of the land around the North Branch is state forest. Some allows dispersed camping under DNR rules.
Wildlife & Fishing
Wildlife
Deer, elk in the Pigeon River country to the north, otter, mink, eagles and kingfishers. The North Branch's clear riffles are also home to many mayflies, which bring trout and anglers.
Fishing
The North Branch is managed for brook trout and holds browns too. The lower river is flies-only, the first such water in Michigan. Check the current fishing guide.
Safety
Safety essentials
- Wear your PFD the whole time.
- Scout the old dam sites before running them.
- Walk your boat through shallow riffles rather than forcing it.
- Pass anglers quietly.
Rules, passes and private land
- Special fishing regulations apply. Know them if you bring a rod.
- A Michigan Recreation Passport is needed at state parks and many state-run launches.
- Much of the riverbank is private. Stop only on public land or where you have permission.
- Leave No Trace: pack out all trash.
What to pack
- Spare paddle, bilge pump, throw bag and whistle
- Dry bag with warm layers
- Map or GPS track with your take-out marked
- Water shoes for walking riffles
Best Time & Access
Spring
Higher water makes the riffles easier. Cold.
Summer
Clear, shallow water. Low by August.
Fall
Beautiful color and fewer anglers.
Winter
Cold. Not recommended.
From Grand Rapids, Lovells is about two and three-quarter hours north. Take US-131 north to Grayling area roads, or I-75 to Grayling, then head northeast on county roads to Lovells.
Trip Planning
Short trips
Pick a few miles between access sites. The shallow riffles slow you down.
Combine with the mainstream
Continue onto the Au Sable mainstream for a longer trip.
Go when it's up
Early summer or after rain gives the best depth.
Check before you go
Look at the Kellogg Bridge gage.
River Difficulty
We use the American Whitewater difficulty scale. The North Branch is easy moving water with riffles, so it's rated Class I. Old dam sites need scouting.
Lovells to the mainstream
Gentle current and shallow riffles.
Dam 2 and Dam 4
Scout and carry if in doubt.
Quick Reference
| Source | Otsego Lake, south of Gaylord |
|---|---|
| Mouth | Au Sable River, south of Lovells |
| Watershed | About 262 sq mi |
| Main tributary | Big Creek |
| Dam sites | Dam 2 and Dam 4, logging era |
| Main town | Lovells |
| Key gage | USGS 04135800, Kellogg Bridge near Lovells |
| Michigan Water Trail | Not designated |
| Best season | June to September |
| Difficulty | Class I |