AuSable River Outfitters

{
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  "organizationId": "44a62fbe-eba6-4794-a7d7-3dca56906872",
  "name": "AuSable River Outfitters",
  "guideName": null,
  "slug": "ausable-river-outfitters",
  "bio": "AuSable River Outfitters has built a reputation for orchestrating the full seasonal rhythm of the AuSable River in Michigan. From March through October, the operation focuses on full-day float trips timed to prime hatches—particularly the explosive Hex hatch and mouse-pattern topwater action—targeting brown trout, bass, and pike. During the quieter off-season from November through February, shorter trips and wading instruction provide intimate opportunities for dedicated anglers to refine their skills. The guide's approach blends technical instruction with strategic timing, ensuring clients experience the river's best conditions and most memorable encounters.",
  "yearsExperience": null,
  "descriptionShort": "AuSable River Outfitters, based in Mio, Michigan, specializes in fly fishing the legendary AuSable River with full-day float trips, wading instruction, and seasonal expertise. Operating March through October with shorter winter trips, they target brown trout, bass, and pike across hatches ranging from Hex emergences to nighttime topwater action.",
  "descriptionLong": null,
  "editorialPitch": "On Michigan's AuSable River, AuSable River Outfitters orchestrates the full seasonal symphony—from explosive Hex hatches and mouse-pattern topwater in summer to intimate autumn wading and instruction that hones technique year-round.",
  "fishinessRating": 5,
  "rating": null,
  "reviewCount": 0,
  "vertical": "guide_service",
  "isOutfitter": false,
  "hasMultipleGuides": false,
  "guideType": "fly_guide_freshwater",
  "tripStyle": "serious_angler",
  "fishingTypes": [
    "fly fishing",
    "float trips",
    "wading",
    "instruction",
    "hex floats",
    "mouse floats",
    "bass fishing",
    "pike fishing",
    "streamer fishing",
    "dry fly presentations",
    "nighttime topwater action"
  ],
  "bestFor": [
    "fly-fishing",
    "freshwater",
    "advanced",
    "intermediate",
    "beginner",
    "instructional",
    "catch-and-release"
  ],
  "hasGoogleMaps": true,
  "qualityTier": "excellent",
  "thinData": false,
  "possiblyClosed": false,
  "city": "Mio",
  "stateProvince": "NY",
  "countryCode": "US",
  "country": null,
  "timezone": "UTC-4",
  "canonicalUrl": "https://ausableriveroutfitters.com/ccms/index.cfm/ausable-river-info/river-guide-rates",
  "tripAdvisorUrl": null,
  "googleMapsUrl": "https://maps.google.com/?cid=10445991922693778185&g_mp=CiVnb29nbGUubWFwcy5wbGFjZXMudjEuUGxhY2VzLkdldFBsYWNlEAIYBCAA",
  "openMonths": [
    1,
    2,
    3,
    4,
    5,
    6,
    7,
    8,
    9,
    10,
    11,
    12
  ],
  "peakMonths": [
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    5,
    6,
    7,
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  ],
  "fishingSeasonsNarrative": "My guiding year on the AuSable River is a tale of two seasons, each offering a distinct yet equally thrilling fly fishing experience. From March through October, I focus on full-day float trips, targeting the prime hatches and warmer weather species. This period is ideal for experiencing the river's vibrant life, from the explosive action of Hex floats and mouse patterns to the aggressive strikes of bass and pike. My specialty during these months is tailoring trips to specific events like the Hex hatch, ensuring clients are on the water at the optimal time for a memorable encounter.\n\nWhen the leaves begin to turn and the air grows crisp, my focus shifts to the 'off-season' from November through February. While the float trips are shorter and include a warm snack, the angling remains exceptional. This quieter time on the river is perfect for those seeking a more intimate experience, with opportunities for dedicated anglers to hone their skills or simply enjoy the solitude of the AuSable. My wading and instruction trips are available year-round, providing a consistent opportunity to learn or refine casting and nymphing techniques regardless of the season.",
  "meetingPoint": null,
  "providesGear": true,
  "gearNotes": "All fly rods, reels, waders, and flies are provided. Clients are welcome to bring their own gear if preferred. Warm snacks are included on winter trips.",
  "kidFriendly": null,
  "skillLevel": null,
  "cancellationPolicy": null,
  "licenseInfo": null,
  "whatToExpect": "Full-day float trips from March through October rotate between Hex hatches, mouse-pattern topwater sessions, and streamer fishing depending on conditions and season. Winter trips (November–February) are shorter and include warm snacks, ideal for wading and instruction-focused days. Year-round wading and casting instruction trips are available, with the guide tailoring each outing to client skill level and target species.",
  "status": "enriched",
  "profileTier": "standard",
  "pipelineId": 367,
  "createdAt": "2026-06-08T18:25:23.524Z",
  "updatedAt": "2026-06-16T14:51:19.234Z",
  "credentials": [
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      "credentialType": "state_fishing_license",
      "issuingAuthority": "Michigan DNR",
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  "geom": {
    "type": "Point",
    "coordinates": [
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  },
  "tags": [
    {
      "slug": "beginner",
      "name": "Beginner",
      "tagType": "ability"
    },
    {
      "slug": "intermediate",
      "name": "Intermediate",
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    {
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      "name": "Freshwater",
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    {
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      "name": "Drift Boat",
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    {
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      "name": "Shore / Wade Only",
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    {
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    {
      "slug": "summer",
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    {
      "slug": "autumn",
      "name": "Autumn",
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    },
    {
      "slug": "winter",
      "name": "Winter",
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    },
    {
      "slug": "year-round",
      "name": "Year-Round",
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    },
    {
      "slug": "dry-fly",
      "name": "Dry Fly",
      "tagType": "technique"
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    {
      "slug": "nymphing",
      "name": "Nymphing",
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    {
      "slug": "streamer",
      "name": "Streamer",
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    {
      "slug": "topwater",
      "name": "Topwater",
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    {
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      "name": "Full Day",
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      "name": "Wade Trip",
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    {
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      "name": "Float Trip",
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    },
    {
      "slug": "instructional",
      "name": "Instructional",
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    {
      "slug": "catch-and-release",
      "name": "Catch & Release",
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    {
      "slug": "gear-provided",
      "name": "Gear Provided",
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  ],
  "faqs": [
    {
      "id": "af7b69d5-1683-4c48-bce2-5196e9e14151",
      "question": "What is the rate for a full day trout float trip?",
      "answer": "Full Day (8 Hours): $500 – One or Two Anglers. Available March, April, May, June, July, August, September, and October.",
      "category": "booking",
      "sortOrder": 0
    },
    {
      "id": "daddc669-5da9-4b27-a940-a9ff64e948ab",
      "question": "What species can I catch with AuSable River Outfitters?",
      "answer": "AuSable River Outfitters targets brown trout, bass, and pike. They are experienced with various hatches and fishing techniques for these species.",
      "category": null,
      "sortOrder": 0
    },
    {
      "id": "ee418425-06fa-4796-ba14-22a2604b7cfb",
      "question": "What is the rate for a Hex Floats / Mouse Floats trip?",
      "answer": "Full Day: $500 – One or Two Anglers.",
      "category": "booking",
      "sortOrder": 1
    },
    {
      "id": "b6b38c60-94a6-449d-b228-4b4c4fa25bd3",
      "question": "What type of fishing trips does AuSable River Outfitters offer?",
      "answer": "They offer full-day float trips, wading instruction, and seasonal trips including Hex and nighttime topwater action. They also offer shorter winter trips.",
      "category": null,
      "sortOrder": 1
    },
    {
      "id": "70e615a6-f903-4574-a377-79328c3fe0e7",
      "question": "What is the rate for a Bass/Pike Day Float Trip?",
      "answer": "$500 – One or Two Anglers.",
      "category": "booking",
      "sortOrder": 2
    },
    {
      "id": "4e95a3b1-7db8-457a-b596-daa7f6a88cbe",
      "question": "Where does AuSable River Outfitters operate?",
      "answer": "AuSable River Outfitters is based in Mio, Michigan, and specializes in guiding on the AuSable River.",
      "category": null,
      "sortOrder": 2
    },
    {
      "id": "93c133fb-34ac-4139-9ea9-7d798f7b7bbb",
      "question": "What is the rate for a Wading / Instruction Trip?",
      "answer": "1-2 Anglers: $350, $50 Each Additional Angler. Available all year, average 4 hours.",
      "category": "booking",
      "sortOrder": 3
    },
    {
      "id": "4cd5a44a-a317-4000-8a1c-18785123e86e",
      "question": "What is the best time of year to fish with AuSable River Outfitters?",
      "answer": "Their main season runs from March through October, offering a variety of fishing opportunities including Hex emergences and nighttime topwater action. They also offer shorter winter trips.",
      "category": null,
      "sortOrder": 3
    },
    {
      "id": "2dbb541d-ff96-4386-9b16-3bc4da32f96c",
      "question": "What is the rate for an Off-season Float?",
      "answer": "Available November, December, January, and February. 5-6 Hours, includes snack: $400.",
      "category": "booking",
      "sortOrder": 4
    },
    {
      "id": "44f7372b-0bcf-4e1e-b13d-34e1598412f1",
      "question": "What is the cancellation policy?",
      "answer": "A $100 fee is charged for trips cancelled less than five days from their scheduled date. Trips canceled within 24 hours are charged the full rate of the float and will not receive a refund.",
      "category": "policies",
      "sortOrder": 5
    },
    {
      "id": "4d2d6c34-6d7c-430b-8c1c-c4b7eb4e0f12",
      "question": "What is included in a day trip?",
      "answer": "Day trips include a lunch, drink, and snack. Half day trips include a snack and drink.",
      "category": "trip",
      "sortOrder": 6
    }
  ],
  "destinations": [
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  ],
  "primaryDestinationSlug": "montana",
  "accommodations": [],
  "species": [
    {
      "slug": "brown-trout",
      "commonName": "Brown Trout",
      "category": "freshwater",
      "availableMonths": [
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      "peakMonths": [
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        6,
        7,
        8,
        9,
        10
      ],
      "seasonalityNotes": "While not explicitly detailed by month, the mention of \"Hex Floats\" and general fly fishing implies trout are a primary target, especially during the warmer months. Wading and instruction trips are available year-round, suggesting trout are present and catchable throughout the year, with peak opportunities likely aligning with hatches.",
      "notes": null
    },
    {
      "slug": "australian-bass",
      "commonName": "Australian Bass",
      "category": "freshwater",
      "availableMonths": [
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        4,
        5,
        6,
        7,
        8,
        9,
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      "peakMonths": [
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        6,
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      "seasonalityNotes": "Bass fishing is specifically mentioned as a 'Day Float Trip' option, indicating they are targeted during the warmer months when float trips are most prevalent.",
      "notes": null
    }
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      "altText": "Smiling man in a dark jacket holding a large, spotted Brown Trout in a wooded stream.",
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      "altText": "Angler in waders holding a Brown Trout in a river at sunset with an orange sky.",
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      "altText": "Smiling man in a boat holding a large, spotted Brown Trout under a cloudy sky.",
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