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Photo by Todd & Brad Reed Photography 

Visit the Pere Marquette River

World-Class Fishing & More

The Pere Marquette River is a designated National Wild and Scenic River covering 66 miles over four counties.

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The Pere Marquette River flows westerly from Lake County, through the communities of Baldwin, Branch, Walhalla, Custer, Scottville, and Ludington. The river drains into Pere Marquette Lake and eventually Lake Michigan. The PM River is not deep, averaging two to four feet deep and about 30-40 feet wide.

The Pere Marquette Loop makes for a nice short trip. It starts at Old US-31 in Ludington and circles near the State Road Bridge. From there to Scottville Riverside Park, the river becomes wider with no landings, making for a long trip. Custer Park and Indian Bridge are two landing spots within the section between Scottville and Walhalla, where the river is wide and deep. Starting in Walhalla, there are three major sections: Walhalla to the Upper Branch Bridge; Upper Branch to Bowman’s Bridge and Bowman’s Bridge to the M-37 Bridge in Baldwin. 

Fishing the PM River

The PM River is an extremely popular fishing location, due to the abundance of rainbow trout. Steelhead are also very prominent, as well as various species of frogs, crayfish, snakes, and turtles. Within the Manistee-Huron National Forest that surrounds the Pere Marquette River, there’s an abundance of wildlife including deer, wild turkey and small game. 

Canoeing & Kayaking the PM River

The current of the Pere Marquette River is steady and considerably clear, which makes it perfect for paddlers with basic skills. Depending what section you decide to canoe or kayak, your trip can take you anywhere from a few hours to a few days. There are numerous canoe liveries along the river, and over 2,000 private campsites dispersed throughout the watershed.

Boat Launches & Fishing License Information

Locally, you can enter the Pere Marquette River from old Pere Marquette Highway, just south of Ludington…Scottville Riverside Park…Indian Bridge on Reek Road southeast of Custer and Walhalla Road Bridge south of Walhalla. 

Whatever your preference- sport fishing, a relaxing canoe trip, or camping in the forest, the Pere Marquette River and surrounding area is the perfect spot for your next vacation or day trip.

Pere Marquette River Business Directory

The Pere Marquette Loop makes for a nice short trip. It starts at Old US-31 in Ludington and circles near the State Road Bridge. From there to Scottville Riverside Park, the river becomes wider with no landings, making for a long trip. Custer Park and Indian Bridge are two landing spots within the section between Scottville and Walhalla, where the river is wide and deep. Starting in Walhalla, there are three major sections: Walhalla to the Upper Branch Bridge; Upper Branch to Bowman’s Bridge and Bowman’s Bridge to the M-37 Bridge in Baldwin. 

Pere Marquette River Business Directory

Events Along Pere Marquette River

The communities along the Pere Marquette River host many unique events throughout the year. In Baldwin, one of the most popular events is the annual Troutarama which includes rides, a beer tent, live music, food booths, and more. The event spans over four days in July. Pere Marquette Expeditions hosts the popular Monster Pike Fishing Tournament each February. This tourney is only for pike and awards a 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place winner. Scottville’s Riverside Park on Pere Marquette River hosts the West Michigan Old Engine Club Shows which are held periodically from May-October. 

For travel information or to request a visitors guide contact:

The Ludington & Scottville Area Chamber of Commerce

119 S. Rath Ave., Ludington, MI,  49431

(231) 845-0324

ludington.org

More Pere Marquette River area info:

Planning a visit to the Pere Marquette River area? Have questions about your trip? Here’s where you can find help: 

Scroll below for more articles about the Pere Marquette River area.
 

Experience the Pere Marquette River

Top Events Along the Pere Marquette River

All year long, there are activities going on in the Scottville area to keep everyone happy. No matter what the season, there’s always plenty of great events to keep you coming back. Boredom is never a problem here!