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Chippewa River

Boat Ramps
0
Access Points
0
Species
35

The Chippewa River in Michigan is a significant waterway that flows approximately 90 miles from its headwaters in Mecosta County through Isabella County before joining the Tittabawassee River in Midland County. This river system offers diverse fishing opportunities in a picturesque setting. The river features a mix of deep pools, shallow riffles, and varied structure, creating ideal habitat for multiple fish species. The riverbed is primarily comprised of clay and sand, which contributes to occasional flash flooding but provides good fish habitat despite environmental challenges. Connected to the Saginaw River system and ultimately Lake Huron via the Saginaw Bay, the Chippewa River represents an important ecological corridor and a valuable recreational resource for anglers in central Michigan.

Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

  • Rainbow Trout13,423 fish · 7.4 inApr 30, 2026
  • Rainbow Trout13,182 fish · 7.2 inApr 11, 2025
  • Rainbow Trout13,179 fish · 7.5 inApr 16, 2024
  • Rainbow Trout13,172 fish · 7.8 inApr 11, 2023
  • Rainbow Trout13,183 fish · 6.5 inMay 4, 2022

Source

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Sizes are the length the agency reports. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

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Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Chippewa River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Little Forks Outfitters

Little Forks Outfitters

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Schafer's Bait

Schafer's Bait

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Know where you can legally fish on Chippewa River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Michigan licenses and regulations

Michigan Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Michigan Fishing License

You must purchase a fishing license if you are 17 years of age or older to fish. If you are under 17, you may fish without a license, but you are required to observe all fishing rules and regulations. Any adult actively assisting a minor who does not have a license must have a fishing license. Please note, a license is required when targeting fish, amphibians, crustaceans and reptiles. Michigan's annual fishing license is valid from March 1 of a given year through March 31 of the following year.

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Michigan Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Michigan Stream Access Laws

The public has a right to use a waterway for pleasure, travel, or commercial navigation. The right extends to wading on the streambed or traveling on ice. While constant movement is not required, neither can a vessel be permanently moored or use the waterway as a parking spot. The riparian owner (the owner of the land along the water) owns the streambed, but that right is subordinate to the right of navigation. On non-navigable waters the riparian owner has the right to fish and can exclude the public from fishing on such waters. But on navigable waters, the rights of the private owners are inferior to the public trust right to fish the waters.

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Take Chippewa River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Chippewa River to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Chippewa River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Chippewa River and check the forecast before you go.

CHIPPEWA RIVER AT DREW RD NR DREW, MI

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Chippewa River fishing guides

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