West Branch Manistique River

Boat Ramps: 1
Access Points: 1
Species: 10

The West Branch Manistique River is a pristine coldwater stream flowing through Michigan's Upper Peninsula in Schoolcraft County. This waterway is part of the larger Manistique River system, which eventually empties into Lake Michigan at the city of Manistique. The river cuts through the beautiful forests of the central Upper Peninsula, offering anglers a scenic and relatively remote fishing experience amid the natural beauty of Michigan's north country. The West Branch features a variety of habitats from gentle flowing sections to faster riffles and deeper pools, providing diverse fishing opportunities throughout its course.

Michigan licenses and regulations4 to check before you go

Species & education

Learn what type of fish are at West Branch Manistique River and what's needed to catch them.

Find which waters have the species you want to catch

Largemouth Bass

Micropterus salmoides

Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

Brown Trout

Salmo trutta

Brook Trout

Salvelinus fontinalis

Northern Pike

Esox lucius

Brown Bullhead

Ameiurus nebulosus

Burbot

Lota lota

Pumpkinseed

Lepomis gibbosus

Rock Bass

Ambloplites rupestris

White Sucker

Catostomus commersonii

Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on West Branch Manistique 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.

West Branch Boat Ramp

Boat Ramp

Know where you can legally fish on West Branch Manistique 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 West Branch Manistique 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 West Branch Manistique River to use it offline when coverage drops.
Log your catches here
Keep a private fishing journal for West Branch Manistique River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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