| About Huron-Manistee National Forest |
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| Pere Marquette River |
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Length:
37
Reservation:
No
Season:
Year-round
From Baldwin, MI, Bowman Bridge: Travel 5 miles west of Baldwin on 52nd Street (Carr Road).
Location Information
The Pere Marquette River is a very popular fishing and canoeing stream. Its crystal clear water and the variety of terrain and vegetation along its banks were attractive enough for it to be classified as a National Scenic River and a State Natural River. The Pere Marquette is one of the best fishing streams in Michigan, especially noted for brown trout, steelhead and salmon. Year-round fishing can be enjoyed below M-37. Watercraft permits are required and are available at the Baldwin Ranger Station from May 15 through September 10. The average rate of fall is about 6 feet per mile. The current is fairly swift, but the river is free of hazardous rapids and can be canoed rather easily. Submerged logs and rocks, however, do cause some canoe upsets. Peace and tranquility are natural features of the river. The quiet canoeist and angler may sight many species of wildlife. The canoeable segment (43 miles) of the Pere Marquette begins 3 miles south of Baldwin in Lake County and ends approximately 43 miles west at Custer Bridge in Mason County. A Huron-Manistee National Forest Vehicle Pass is required at most sites along the Pere Marquette. Contact the Baldwin Ranger Station for details. Float Times (In Hours):
Forks Landing to M-37, 0.25
M-37 to Green Cottage, 2.75
Green Cottage to Gleasons, 1.00
Gleasons to Bowman, 1.00
Bowman to Rainbow Rapids, 2.00
Rainbow Rapids to Upper Branch, 1.00
Upper Branch to Elk, 0.20
Elk to Lower Branch, 1.05
Lower Branch to Indian Bridge, 6.00
Indian Bridge to Custer, 2.00 To prevent river bank erosion, please do not climb banks.
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