Canoeing the Manistique River

The Manistique River near Germfask is well serviced by canoe liveries - perhaps too well serviced if seeing wildlife is your objective and you're out at a popular, busy time in summer. Get on the river early in summer to improve your chances of seeing wildlife in the popular stretch through the Seney National Wildlife Refuge. In Canoeing Michigan Rivers: A Comprehensive Guide to 45 Rivers, Jerry Dennis notes that downstream from the confluence with the Fox, just east of Germfask, the Manistique is "wide, with slow current and sand bottom, and is well-suited to combined camping and fishing trips by paddlers of all abilities. . . . Fishing is primarily for pike, bass, and walleye, with some trout in the upper reaches."
Canoeing Michigan Rivers maps the Manistique and 44 other rivers, 17 in the U.P., with extensive notes and tips. It divides the 67-mile river into 3 segments. Putting in at Seney and paddling to Germfask is a two-day trip covering a prime fishing part of the legendary Fox and the Manistique. (Both area canoe liveries offer this trip.)

The most extensive outfitters in the central Upper Peninsula, Northland Outfitters rents perhaps 50 canoes, plus kayaks and mountain bikes. Owners Tom and Sally Kenney offer short two- and four-hour trips on the Manistique River starting at $28. They can arrange and outfit canoeists for long, multi-day canoe trips on the Manistique and Fox rivers and at the Big Island Lake Wilderness Complex south of Munising. Now for the first time they also offer guided overnight and multi-day trips. Their extensive shop sells everything from sweatshirts and supplies to Old Town canoes, kayaks, and gear. 8174 Highway M-77. On the north edge of Germfask just east off M-77, 1 1/2 miles south of the Refuge entrance. 586-9801. Handicap access: call

Big Cedar Campground on the Manistique River offers various trips. It rents 13 canoes and 14 kayaks. The owner fishes frequently. The popular four-hour trip through the Seney Wildlife Refuge is $35. A shorter trip is also available for $25.
On M-77 just south of Germfask, opposite entrance to Northern Hardwoods Ski Area. 586-6684. Open May through October.
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