Fishdam River Kayaking Guide
The Fishdam River is a 21.5-mile river in Delta County that flows into Big Bay de Noc on Lake Michigan, with its mouth at approximately 45.89833, -86.57917. It drains a quiet corner of the central Upper Peninsula between the better-known Ford and Escanaba river systems, running through forest and lowland on its way to the bay.
Despite its respectable length, the Fishdam River has no documented paddling route, no published put-in or take-out, and no trip reports in the sources reviewed. Its name is easy to confuse with the Little Fishdam River and Fishdam Park facilities elsewhere in the region — those are separate places and should not be assumed to provide access to the Fishdam River itself. Until local knowledge or DNR sources identify a floatable reach, this river is best left to anglers and explorers.
Fishdam River at a Glance
- Region: Central UP — Delta County
- Difficulty: Not documented
- Character: 21.5-mile river to Big Bay de Noc, Lake Michigan
- Mouth: Approx. 45.89833, -86.57917
- Watch for: Name confusion with Little Fishdam River / Fishdam Park — separate places
Paddling the Fishdam River
No established paddling route
No established kayaking or canoeing route is documented for the Fishdam River. No public launch, portage, or hazard survey is published. The river's lower reaches near Big Bay de Noc may hold floatable water, but without confirmed public access points or local beta, any attempt would be exploratory. Consult Michigan DNR maps and local paddling sources before considering this river, and do not assume that facilities bearing the 'Fishdam' name elsewhere in the region serve this river.
Hazards & Portages
No hazards are documented because no paddling route is documented. Lowland rivers in this part of Delta County commonly carry logjams, beaver dams, and slow, meandering water with few landmarks — easy country to get turned around in. Near the mouth, Big Bay de Noc can build wind-driven waves quickly. As always in the UP, plan for cold water and carry for self-rescue.
Access & Parking
No public boat launch or carry-in access is documented specifically for the Fishdam River. The map below marks the river's mouth on Big Bay de Noc. If you scout the river, verify that any road crossing or shoreline you use is public land with legal parking — Michigan DNR and county plat maps are the tools for that job.
Map
Paddle It With the Club
The West Michigan Kayaking Club paddles rivers like the Fishdam River all season long. Come float with us!