Au Sable Creel Census

The “Big Water” of the Au Sable that stretches just below Mio Dam is set to undergo a change in fishing regulations. Before that occurs, the public voiced their opinion that they would like to see Michigan Department of Natural Resources collect the most accurate data available for use in the decision making. To accomplish that, Huron Pines is implementing an MDNR-sponsored creel census.

Throughout the 2009 trout season, three creel clerks will be monitoring the river for use by anglers and conducting interviews to gather objective data about fishing pressure, what fish are being caught, and biological information about fish that are harvested.  Once the data is collected and compiled, MDNR fisheries biologists will be better able to understand the entire picture of angling in this 14-mile stretch of water. With that understanding, an accurate assignment of regulations can be designed to balance the ability of anglers to harvest fish and a proper amount of protection for the trophy fish for which the river has become known to produce.

If you are out fishing this stretch of water and are approached by a creel clerk, please take the opportunity to be part of the interview process. This is a helpful way for anglers to participate in the decision making surrounding the fishery found in those waters.