Ontonagon County :
Ontonagon River
The Ontonagon River, along with its four branches and tributaries drains
an enormous area of the western Upper Peninsula in Ontonagon, southwest
Houghton and northern Gogebic Counties. The system offers a wide diversity
of opportunities for wading, canoeing, shoreline, and even boat anglers.
Much of the flow is through wild, secnic country. Sevral beautiful waterfalls
and whitewater rapids appear along its journey.The river is currently a
candidate for inclusion in the National Wild and Scenic Rivers Act.. A 12
mile stretch of the East Branch (from Lower Dam Falls to Sparrow Rapids
has been designated as a Michigan Blue Ribbon Trout Stream. The Middle Branch
supports a good population of resident Brown, Rainbow, and Brook Trout.
Access is fairly good with sections flowing along the Ottawa National Forest.
A few anglers tube or canoe and the river is wide enough to permit flyfishing
in most stretches. Overall, the Middle Brance supports the best trout fishing
on the ! Ontonagon and the village of Watersmeet is in the heart of several
of these great fishing areas. Down stream from Agate Falls, the river becomes
receptive to anadromous fish, and anglers enjoy an extended fishing season.
Espect good Steeelheading in spring, with browns up to 6 pounds and salmon
showing up in the fall. Some Brook trout also frequent the river here. Resorts
and Motels in Watersmeet and Ontonagon. Fly/Bait/Tackle
Guides-Fast Water Guide Service. (906-932-4038)
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