ALL WAYS
LAKES AND RIVERS NEAR CADILLAC
From easygoing river floats to summer boating adventures, our waterways provide scenic beauty for any age and skill level.
CADILLAC AREA WATERWAYS
Between the rivers & lakes, the area boasts an incredible sport fishery. You can find walleye, pike, perch, rainbow trout, and all manner of panfish in the immediate area.
Lakes Cadillac, Lake Mitchell, and nearby Lake Missaukee have large populations of walleye, northern pike, crappie, bluegill, perch, largemouth, and smallmouth bass. Lake Cadillac & Mitchell are connected by a man-made canal built during the logging era. 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 are within 30 minutes of downtown Cadillac. The Big Manistee is known for its wide, smooth-flowing waters, while the Pine is known nationwide for its swift currents and challenging turns (especially in early spring).
Permits: If you are not renting your watercraft from one of our local liveries, then you may need a permit in certain areas. Watercraft permits are required for all watercraft (including tubes) on the Pine River between Elm Flats and Low Bridge, from the Friday of Memorial Day Weekend through the Monday of Labor Day Weekend.
STAY IN CADILLAC
We have a variety of resorts, hotels, motels, cabins & campgrounds perfect for all seasons!
GRAB A RIVER MAP
STOP INVASIVES: CONTROL THE SPREAD OF DIDYMO!
Currently, there are no effective methods to eradicate didymo once it is established in a river or stream. To prevent spreading didymo and other aquatic invasive species to new locations, it is critical for recreational users to thoroughly clean, drain and dry waders, equipment and boats upon leaving a waterway.
- Clean by removing mud and debris from all surfaces.
- Drain water from all bilges, wells and tanks.
- Dry equipment for at least five days or disinfect with hot water or a dilute bleach solution.