Dear Guest,

Welcome to AuSable Lake! We're delighted to have you stay with us and hope you have a fantastic time enjoying the beautiful surroundings and all the activities the lake has to offer. To ensure your safety and enjoyment during your stay, we've compiled important information about safety guidelines, boating rules, and more. Please take a moment to review these guidelines carefully.

Safety Guidelines:

• Swimming Safety:
  • Only swim in designated areas.
  • Always swim with a buddy.
  • Never swim alone, especially at night.
  • Keep an eye on children at all times near water.
• Boating Safety:
  • Wear life jackets while on the boat.
  • Follow all posted speed limits and navigation rules.
  • Avoid boating under the influence of alcohol or drugs.
  • Check the weather forecast before heading out on the water.
  • Know the location of emergency equipment on the boat.
• Fire Safety:
  • Use designated fire pits for campfires.
  • Keep a bucket of water or fire extinguisher nearby when using a fire pit.
  • Do not leave fires unattended.
  • Follow local regulations regarding fire bans or restrictions.
• Wildlife Safety:
  • Do not approach or feed wild animals, especially our LOONS!
  • They may be protecting their nest or young, please keep a safe distance.
  • Note loon nesting area buoys and stay out of the marked area. On AuSable Lake the loon nesting area is on the southwest corner of the lake. There is no entrance to this area while the buoys are in place and the loons are nesting.
  • It is a federal offense to bother or harass loons or other wildlife on the lake.
  • Keep food securely stored to prevent attracting wildlife.
  • Be aware of your surroundings, especially when hiking or exploring wooded areas.
• Emergency Procedures and Phone Numbers:
  • Familiarize yourself with the location of emergency exits and first aid kits.
  • In case of emergency, dial 911.
  • Nearest hospital – West Branch Regional Medical Center, 989-345-3660, 2463 S M-30 West Branch
  • State Police – West Branch Post 989-345-0956
  • County Sheriff – Ogemaw County 989-345-3111
  • Inform the property owner immediately in case of any accidents or emergencies.

Boating Rules:

• Boating Permits: Check Michigan Law regarding any required permits or licenses for boating activities. The Handbook of Michigan Boating Laws and Responsibilities is available online at this link.
• A Boating Certificate is required for anyone who will be using a motorized vehicle on the lake. Boaters born after June 30, 1996, and most personal watercraft operators who operate a vessel in Michigan must have a boater education card (boating safety certificate). Students can earn their boater safety certificate by completing the traditional classroom, online or interactive course. If you do not have one, it can be obtained on this site or this site. The general pattern of traffic flow on the lake is counter clockwise. Be courteous of anchored vessels that may be fishing or swimming and avoid causing too much wake near them.
• Boat Direction: Boats are to travel in a counterclockwise direction around the lake and stay 100 ft from docks, boats, and swimmers. 200 ft is recommended for Boats in wake sport mode.
• Speed Limits: Obey all posted speed limits and no-wake zones to ensure the safety of swimmers, other boaters, and wildlife.
• Watch out for kayaks, canoes, paddleboards and sailboats.
• Spotters: If your boat is pulling skiers, kneeboard or tubing, etc. at least one competent person, in addition to the driver, is required as spotter to observe the progress of the person being towed.
• Docking: Use designated docking areas when mooring your boat. Avoid blocking access to other boats or obstructing navigation paths.
• Navigation Lights: Ensure that your boat has proper navigation lights for nighttime boating and visibility in low-light conditions.
• Alcohol Consumption: Do not operate a boat under the influence of alcohol or drugs. Boating while impaired is dangerous and illegal.
• Environmental Conservation: Respect the natural environment by avoiding spills, properly disposing of trash, and refraining from littering.
• Also remember if you bring your own watercraft, you must clean, drain and dry your boat before it is put into another body of water. It is a State of Michigan law.

Personal Watercraft PWC – (Jet Skis, Wave Runner, Sea-Doos):

• Those less than 14 years of age may not legally operate a PWC.
• Those 14 and 15 years of age must have a boating safety certificate and adult supervision as specified by boating regulations.
• Those at least 16 years of age and born after Dec 31, 1978 must have a boating safety certificate.
• Those born on or before Dec 31, 1978 may operate a PWC legally without restrictions.

Fishing Rules:

• 2024 Michigan Fishing Regulations available online at this link.
• Those 17 years of age or older are required to have a fishing license. Daily fishing licenses are $10/day. Other categories of fishing licenses range from $11/yr to $76/yr.
• Fishing licenses may be purchased online at this link or locally from:
  • Parkview Acres 2575 Rose City Rd, Lupton, 989-473-3555
  • Rose City Ace Hardware 2727 Michigan 33, Rose City, 989-685-3945
  • Forward-Rose City #127 103 Williams, Rose City, 989-846-4501
  • South Branch General Store 6386 E County Line Rd, South Branch
  • Forward-Hale #128 103 N Washington St, Hale, 989-426-8226
  • Hale Hardware 115 S Washington St, Hale, 989-728-9581

Local Attractions and Recommendations:

• Boat Rentals: Rollways resort offers boat rentals: this link
• Fishing charters: Tawas Fishing Charters: this link
• Hiking Trails: Rifle River Recreation Area or this link
• Local Dining: Long Lake Bar, Cedar Tavern, Faull Inn, Sportsman's lounge, Big Bob’s, Rose City Cafe
• Tourist Attractions: Lumbermen’s’ Monument on River Road between M65 and Oscoda. The Bear Store on M65 north of Hale. Tawas Beach Park on M23 in Tawas near M55. AuSable River Queen Paddle Boat (2 hour tour)

We hope you find this information helpful and have a wonderful stay at AuSable Lake.

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