Whitefish River
Rapid River, Mi. The Whitefish River flows into Little Bay de Noc on Lake Michigan in Delta County after coursing south for some 50 miles. It is currently a canditate for inclusion into the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act. Besides good Brook and Rainbow Trout fishing in both its East and West Branches, the river hosts dependable runs of Steelhead, Chinook Salmon, Brown and Coaster Brook Trout, as well as Splake. The East Branch drains about 55,000 acres of land, more than half of which lies within the Hiawatha National Forest. The remote undisturbed river runs for 17 miles before joining the West Branch in Central Delta County. It is one of the U.P.'s largest rivers to support a good population of native brook trout. The West Branch arises in Northwest Alger and Northeast Marquette Counties. It flows over bedrock shield terrain with some cascading drops and rock ledges. Mostly wadeable at 20-30 feet wide, the river! averages 4 feet deep. The West Branch is a very good Wild Steelhead river. Natural reproduction of Steelhead is good on gravel riffles located downstream from FR-2236 in scattered areas between FR2236 and Trenary. Fishing pressure is light to moderate. All eight tributaries of the West Branch are designated trout streams.
Fox River
Seney, MI. Brook Trout. The Fox River rises from a semi-open marsh draining the Deadman Lake in eastern Alger County about 10 miles southwest of Grand Maris. It flows in a southeasterly direction for 35 miles mostly in Schoolcraft County until it empties into the Manistique River near the village of Germfask. The Fox River Basin is about 10 miles wide and 26 miles long. An excellent brook Trout Stream it is widely accepted that this is the river Ernest Hemingway fished when he wrote the Nick Adams stories and not the Big Two-Hearted. No one knows for sure but they are both excellent Brook Trout streams. The Fox and its east Branch have been included in Michigan's Natural Rivers Program. In addition, 18 miles of the Main Stream above Seney and 15 miles of the East Branch from M-77 to the Luce County line have beeen designated Michigan Blue Ribbon Trout streams. It is still possible to catch the 2 or 3 pound Brookie here although most are in the 10-11 inch range. It ! is a beautiful pristene trout stream largely unchanged since the days of Hemingway's visit. It is not an easy stream to flyfish or canoe. But, those with some skills at both pursuits will be amply rewarded.
Manistique River
Manistique, Mi. (Rivermouth) Germfast, Mi. (Headwaters) Brook Trout fishing is good in the Upper Portion of the Manistique River just south of the confluence of the Main Branch and East Branch of the Fox. This is the beginning of the Manistique. From this point it twists and turns its way southwesterly some 50 miles adding several tributaries along the way and emptying into Lake Michigan at Manistique. The upper river is basically warm water and does not hold many trout. Below the Upper Dam in the city of Manistique there is a long flume which contains rapids and broken rocks and is wadeable. This area, of course, is where you'll find the Steelhead and Chinooks during their spawning runs. Other warm water species of fish are also very plentiful here. Motels in area.
Two-Hearted River
"While Nick walked through the little stretch of meadow alongside the stream, trout had jumped high out of water. Now as he looked down the river, the insects must be settling on the surface, for the trout were feeding steadily all down the stream. As far down the long stretch as he could see, the trout were rising, making circles all down the surface of the water, as though it were starting to rain."
- Big Two-Hearted River by Ernest Hemingway
Newberry, Mi. Brook Trout, Rainbow Trout, The Two-Hearted River and its four branches run west to east across northern Luce County for over 100 miles. The system made famous by the Ernest Hemingway "Nick Adams Stories" bears the same name and drains a watershed of over 180 square miles of mostly remote lowland forests, marsh and bog. The high quality of the tea-colored water reflects relatively undisturbed natural conditions. The Two-hearted is the only Michigan stream to be designated a wilderness river under the states Natural Rivers program. Most of it can be fly-fished and fishing pressure on the upper reaches is low to moderate. It is canoeable from the High Bridge on County Road 407 to the mouth. At the mouth is the Rainbow Lodge.
Sturgeon River Canoe Trail
The Sturgeon River canoe trail starts 3 miles west of Forest Highway 13 at County Road 440 near the Alger-Delta County line. This is approximately 35 miles east of Rapid River, and 44 miles west of Manistique. The trail is 41 miles in length and has 6 access points. Most lands along the Sturgeon River are National Forest lands, but private properties exist. If you intend to camp, check your map to be sure you do not trespass on private property. There are primitive camping areas and one developed campground. Waterfowl and deer sightings are intend to camp, check your map to be sure you do not trespass on private property. There are primitive camping areas and one developed campground. Waterfowl and deer sightings are common. Brown trout fishing is best north of US 2. Steelhead, brook trout, and salmon also frequent the river.
The best time to canoe the Sturgeon River is when the water is high, between April 30 and the end of June, or after mid-September.
The Sturgeon River is a relatively slow moving river with many meanders. Fallen trees and heavy brush occasionally block the river and require portaging. Two areas of rapids and rock riffles add excitement to the trip.
In early spring, the river can be deep, swift, cold, and dangerous for inexperienced canoeists. Wear a life jacket. Extra clothes, food, bedding, and matches should be in waterproof bags tied into the canoe. Leave a trip plan at home.
Craig Lake State Park
Craig Lake is a remote Michigan State Park located in Baraga County in the Ottawa National Forest north of Lake Michigamme. This is an area of pristine lakes and forest inhabited by many different types of wildlife and fish and its scenic beauty is unmatched. No gasoline motors are allowed on Craig Lake also live fishing bait is prohibited. It is an excellent fishing lake for Walleye, Northern Pike, Smallmouth, and Muskie.
Camping is allowed at Craig Lake and there are 3 rustic campsites with firepit and outhouse or you may camp anywhere within the park. There is a $9.00 overnight fee per party and is payable at a pay pipe at the entrance to the park. Payment is on the honor system. There are also 2 Rustic Cabins for rent through the park system at $50.00 per night. They sleep about 10 campers. Wildlife abounds here. Moose, Deer, Bear, Eagles, Loons, Otters, Beaver, Fisher, Porcupine and Timber Wolf all live within the park. Hopefully, you'll get to see one.
We have 15 and 17 foot canoes that are just great for transporting you around Craig Lake. The 15's are 2 passenger and the 17' three passenger. We have fishing equipment if you need some and tents as well.
This is also and excellent to kayak if you are interested in honing your skills on a kayak.
Michigamme River
The Michigamme River system has been utilized as a means of travel for hundreds of years dating back to the 17th century and before when the French Explorer Etienne Brule, who discovered Lake Superior, noted the river in his travels while exploring the region. He obviously obtained this information from the Native Americans in the area.
The Michigamme and its upper tributary the Peshekee River can be traveled in spring and early summer from just a few miles from Lake Superior all the way to Lake Michigan at Green Bay in Menominee, Michigan via the Michigamme, Brule, and the Menominee Rivers.
As you travel this river, you can relive the some of the beauty and quiet solitude of the region, its wildlife, geological formations, fauna, and of course history.
Not all of its history is good either as 29 miners died in 1893 in an iron ore mine collapse and cave in below the river near of Ghost Town of Mansfield just east of Crystal Falls, Michigan. The underground tunnels of the mine ran 5 stories below the river.
You can begin your Michigamme River tour at either the Van Riper State Park on Lake Michigamme, at the Republic Sportsman’s Club northwest of Republic, or just south of the village of Republic.
You can do tours ranging from 1 day to as long as 4 days or longer on the Michigamme. A typical day run can go from Republic through the Whitbeck Rapids (Class 1-II) or the full 4/5 day trip from Lake Michigamme all the way down the river through the Michigamme Reservior and down to M-69 just east of Crystal Falls, Michigan. You can even continue on down through the Peavey Reservoir and out to the Brule and Menominee Rivers. You can determine your own pace for either traveling or going slower to fish for the walleye, pike, bass and muskie that inhabit the river. Lake Michigamme, the Michigamme Reservoir, and the Peavey Reservoir are all quite formidable bodies of water with many islands, bays and coves.
In 2009 we plan to introduce whitewater rafting trips in the spring at the Whitbeck Rapids.
When considering a river to canoe or kayak you have to consider the Michigamme as it is very diverse and can offer you a great adventure.
Call us at 906-228-5447 and we’ll help you plan this adventure. We have almost all the equipment you will need and will assist you in planning a trip just right for you.
