Fishing at Pine River in Michigan

Access Sites

Anglers have a variety of access points along the Pine River. These include Low Bridge, Peterson Bridge, Dobson Bridge and Elm Flats. A recreation pass is required at these access sites and it can be purchased at any Forest Service office. Other access sites with no passes required include Edgetts, Skookum Bridge and Lincoln Bridge. Additionally, two outfitters offer fishing guides and access: Outcast River Guides and Schmidt Outfitters.

Pine River / Manistee Ranger Station
412 Red Apple Road
Manistee, MI 49660
231-723-2211

Species and Fishing Season

The river is designated as a National Wild and Scenic River as well as a Blue-Ribbon Trout Stream. It is a wild fishery with trout species such as brown, rainbow and brook trout. Fishing season at the Pine River is from the last Saturday in April until Sept. 30, as of March 2010.

Camping and Watercraft Fishing

Anglers who want to take advantage of park facilities can use any of the four National Forest access sites along the river: Elm Flats, Dobson Bridge, Peterson Bridge North and Low Bridge. All four access sites have amenities such as toilet facilities, picnic tables, grills and parking areas. Camping is only allowed at Peterson Bridge South Campground, along with private campgrounds nearby. Fishing with watercraft is allowed within the courtesy hours of 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. A watercraft permit is required for all anglers on the river from May 15 to Sept. 10. Anglers can also rent canoes and kayaks from a local livery, where permits can be obtained. If you have your own canoe or kayak for fishing, reservations can be made by calling the Baldwin Ranger Station.

U.S. Forest Services/ Baldwin Ranger Station
650 Michigan Ave.
Baldwin, MI 49304-7128
231-745-4631