North Branch Sees a Drop in Trout Population

It started in the spring, when guides reported far fewer fish being caught in the North Branch. Later in the spring and in the summer, numerous residents and visitors to the North Branch also reported catching fewer fish and seeing fewer fish feeding during hatches. The Foundation and other interested groups, including Anglers of the Au Sable, Michigan TU, DNR and DEQ have been meeting and investigating in an effort to determine the severity of the population decrease and any potential causes. We still do not know why this has occurred but the Michigan DNR has published a very good article on the topic. Access it HERE.