ALL WAYS

LOOKING
FOR WATER & RIVERS

From easy going floats, to white water Springtime adventures our waterways provide scenic beauty, and adventures for pretty much any age and any skill level.

CADILLAC WATERWAYS

Between the lakes and nearby rivers, the area boasts an incredible sport fishery. Anglers can find walleye, pike, perch, rainbow trout and all manner of pan fish in the immediate area.

Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell have large populations of walleye, northern pike, crappie, bluegills, perch, large mouth and small mouth bass. The two lakes are connected by a canal built during the long and interesting northern Michigan logging era. The canal was originally built so lumbermen could float timber from the shores of Lake Mitchell to waiting sawmills on Lake Cadillac. Today the canal serves as a convenient link between two of Michigan’s most popular fishing lakes.

The Big Manistee River and Pine River are two rivers within an hour of each other and access points can be found within 30 minutes of downtown Cadillac. The Big Manistee is known for its wide, smooth flowing waters, while the Pine is known throughout the country for its swift currents and challenging turns (especially in the early spring).

Opening day brings out walleye, pike, and trout anglers

by Dave FoleyAlthough the November 15 deer season opener garners most of the attention, among anglers, the last Saturday of the month, this year the big day is April 29, when pike, walleye, and trout become legal.At dawn on the 29th cars bump down seldom-used two...

Sweet Summertime Weekend for $500 bucks

With summertime in Cadillac, you have outdoor adventure, trails, history and much more. Here is a recommended road map for those families looking to venture to the great outdoors this summer, on a budget. First off, you will need to book your accommodations. The great...

Experience the Clam River Greenway Trail!

by Harmony Boardman I am a 14 year old teenager who likes nature and photography. One of the cool things about Cadillac is the Clam River Greenway Trail Head. This trail starts at the Sound Garden on the north side of Lake Cadillac and ends 7.5 miles to the northeast...

Out & About, Spear Anglers Wait for Pike in Darkhouses

By Dave Foley:When you think of ice fishing, what comes to mind is folks standing on the ice or sitting inside fish shanties. Whether it’s tipups baited with minnows or jigging with ice rods, the vast majority of ice anglers are hoping to hook fish fish...

Cadillac Tuesday Turtles – Cycling for the Novice

by: Ben Hikok, Tuesday Turtle originator, father, friend, community volunteer and attorney. Do you ever think back to the way you felt as a child while riding on your bicycle? Do you miss the wind in your hair (or at least as it blows through the vents in...

Get out on the water!

By Maralee Cook Get out on the water! Boaters, paddlers and fishermen all start itching to get on the water at the first hints of spring. Those fresh fragrances, sights and sounds are a siren’s song to the adventurous as well as for those who seek that...

Birders flock to these 7 NW Michigan locales

By Dave FoleyWith its mixture of lakes and streams as well as forests, meadows, marshes, and agricultural lands, Cadillac is a natural gathering point for birds, both migratory, and year-round resident flocks. To help visitors, I worked with Dave Newhouse, a veteran...

Out and About, Fishing Hotspots for Free Fishing Weekend

By Dave Foley: The Michigan Department of Natural Resources has designated June 10-11 as Free Fishing Weekend. That’s right, no license needed. Residents and out-of-state visitors may fish fish for free on both inland and Great Lakes waters, but fishing regulations...

One with nature at the Carl T. Johnson Hunting & Fishing Center

By Maralee Cook Ever wonder what the difference between a coyote and wolf is? How about between a red and gray fox? How big is an Elk? What does a black bear sound like? You can see, hear and feel for yourself the qualities of many of Northern...

Manistee River Trail & North Country Trail Loop

Manistee River Trail & NCT Loop This is a perfect weekend-size, plus or minus, 20 mile Manistee River Trail & NCT loop that takes you on some of the best terrain in the Lower Peninsula. THE BEST PART -You only need one car… it’s a loop so park up...

Cadillac Stories

Find the latest news and stories about the Cadillac region. Our team of local writers dig deep into the region's culture and provide our travel community the latest about entertainment, art, culture, trails, seasons and so much more.

We welcome you to explore Cadillac.