Oscoda, Michigan, is located in the northeast part of Michigan's Lower Peninsula and has some of the most scenic fishing locations in the state. Whether it's summer, spring, fall or winter, you can find prime fishing grounds on Lake Huron, the AuSable River and the inland Van Etten Lake.
History
Seasonal anglers have known about the abundant fishing in the Oscoda area since the 1840s. A fishing settlement grew up along the AuSable River in 1848, and when lumbering began in earnest in the 1860s, the settlement turned into the twin cities of Oscoda and AuSable by 1877. The region continued to be a popular destination for fishing and outdoor recreation throughout the 1900s, and it was officially named the home of Paul Bunyan by the Michigan Legislature in 2005.
Fishing Reports
There are three main fishing reports that cover the Oscoda area --- the Weekly Fishing Report from the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (MDNR), the Oscoda Fishing Report and the Oscoda Press Fishing Report (see References for links). Each report provides information on the fishing conditions on Lake Huron, the AuSable River and the area's various inland lakes and ponds. The reports typically cover the type of fish available in each location, the bait anglers are using for each species and how crowded the locations are.
Benefits
The three fishing reports on the area are sources of reliable information on specific fish species. For example, if you plan to fish for walleye in the AuSable River, you can find out where they're most plentiful, whether crawlers or leeches are attracting them and the least-crowded locations along the river. Before setting out on your trip, you can consult the Oscoda fishing reports for licensing requirements and to ensure correct seasonal dates for the type of fish you want to catch.
Geography
With Oscoda's location near the AuSable River and Lake Huron, not to mention numerous inland lakes and ponds, you may have trouble figuring out where to fish first. If you're looking for walleye, you might first look to Lake Huron, where anglers have been known to pull walleye up to 30 inches long and weighing 12 pounds. But many locals target Van Ettan Lake for walleye, especially during the spring and summer. And the AuSable River, which runs 80 miles from Grayling to Oscoda, offers some of the best trout streams in the state. Pay special attention to Foote Pond, Cooke and Loud Dam for a wide variety of species, from trout to walleye to northern pike.
Considerations
Fishing reports are valuable resources for fishing success, but advice from the local fishing community is even better. Bait shop owners, in particular, are excellent sources of advice and information. They can give you all the data you want regarding the numbers of fish caught and in which locations, along with which fishing spots are officially sanctioned. They know the ins and outs of regional fishing that can make or break your trip.
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