Pine River, Michigan
Managing Agency:
U.S. Forest Service, Huron-Manistee National Forest
Designated Reach:
March 3, 1992. The segment from Lincoln Bridge to the east 1/16th line of Section 16, T21N, R13W.
Classification/Mileage:
Scenic — 26.0 miles; Total — 26.0 miles.
RELATED LINKS
Huron-Manistee National Forest
Pine River Management Plan (7.3 MB PDF)
Photo Credit: Tim Palmer
Pine River
The Pine River is located in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan near the town of Cadillac and offers small-craft boating, high-quality fishing and outstanding scenery. The river is well-known for boating (primarily canoeing) and trout fishing. However, several other recreational activities are popular, including picnicking, hunting, wildlife viewing and swimming. Trout fishing is a popular activity during the early morning and evening throughout the summer. The majority of anglers fish from shore, but access by boat is also common. Numerous user-developed foot trails to popular fishing areas are located along the shoreline.
The U.S. Forest Service has established a watercraft permit system that restricts watercraft use to 616 watercraft/day on weekdays and 240 watercraft on weekends from May 15 through September 10th. Watercraft permits are available at local U.S. Forest Service offices and private liveries.
Camping within the river corridor on National Forest System lands is allowed only at designated sites. Fees for camping and using access sites are charged under the Recreation Fee Enhancement Act. U.S. Forest Service access sites are plowed in the winter, providing year-round access.
