West Michigan Kayaking Club · River Guide
Leland River Kayaking Guide: Launches, Dams & Flows
Lower Peninsula Paddle Guide
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.
River History
The Leland River drains Lake Leelanau into Lake Michigan and was long called the Carp River, a name many locals still use. In 1854 a dam was built that raised the river and Lake Leelanau by as much as 12 feet, and the river has been divided by that dam ever since.
Below the dam, the river passes Fishtown, Leland's historic commercial fishing village of weathered shanties, smokehouses and fish tugs, one of the last working fishing villages of its kind on the Great Lakes. Paddlers can see river otters and great blue herons on the river and finish with a view of Fishtown from the mouth.
Interactive River Map
Pinch or use the + / – buttons to zoom.
Use the launch table below for exact access points, and confirm them before a club trip.
River Overview
Headwaters
Lake Leelanau (North Lake Leelanau).
Major Tributaries
- Lake Leelanau
Communities
- Leland
Sections
Lake Leelanau to the dam: Short, calm river from the lake into town.
Dam: Boat launches on both sides for portaging.
Fishtown to Lake Michigan: Busy harbor river past the historic fishing shanties.
Mouth
Lake Michigan at Leland.
USGS Flow & Water Conditions
Primary USGS Gage
USGS Interactive Map
Explore every USGS stream gage on and near the river. Tap a site for live flow and gage height.
Water-Level Considerations
| Level | What to Expect |
|---|---|
| Low | Rare; dam-controlled. |
| Normal | Calm above the dam. |
| High | Stronger flow at the dam; stay well clear. |
| Storms | Lake Michigan surf at the mouth; stay off. |
Paddling Character
The Leland River is a short scenic add-on, not a full-day river. Most paddlers launch on Lake Leelanau for a lake paddle, or launch below the dam to see Fishtown from the water on a calm day.
Recommended Boats
- Recreational kayak
- Touring kayak
- Canoe
- SUP
Potential Hazards
- Leland dam
- Fishtown boat traffic
- Lake Michigan waves at the mouth
- Wind on Lake Leelanau
Best Conditions
Calm, early mornings before Fishtown gets busy.
Michigan Water Trails
Not a designated state water trail. The Lake Michigan shore at Leland may be part of the Lake Michigan Water Trail.
Dams & Portages
Use the boat launches beside the Leland dam to portage.
| Structure | Type | Portage | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Leland dam | Lake-level dam, built 1854 | Use launches on both sides | Raised Lake Leelanau up to 12 feet |
Never paddle near a dam face or spillway. Take out well upstream and confirm portage access before the trip.
Public Kayak & Canoe Launches
| Launch | Area | Type | Parking | Restrooms | Fee / Pass | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Launch above the dam | Lake Leelanau side | Boat launch | Verify | Verify | Verify | Access to Lake Leelanau |
| Launch below the dam | Fishtown side | Boat launch | Verify | Verify | Verify | Access to Fishtown and the harbor |
Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available in Leland and on North Lake Leelanau.
Camping
Leelanau State Park
Wildlife & Fishing
Wildlife
- River otters
- Great blue herons
- Gulls
- Mergansers
- Bald eagles
Fishing
- Smallmouth bass
- Salmon and steelhead (below the dam) [V]
- Northern pike (Lake Leelanau)
Safety
Required / Recommended Gear
- PFD worn at all times
- Paddle + spare
- Whistle
- Dry bag
- First-aid kit
- Bright colors for harbor traffic
- Cold-water layers
River-Specific Concerns
Stay well away from the dam face. Below it, watch for boats in the narrow harbor, and don't paddle out into Lake Michigan when waves are running.
Best Time & Access
Best Time to Paddle
Access & Regulations
Trip Planning
What to Pack
- Everything in the Safety gear list, plus drinking water.
- A wind forecast for Lake Michigan.
Leave No Trace: pack out everything you bring. Clean, Drain, Dry all boats and gear between rivers to stop invasive species.
River Difficulty
Class I
Not listed by American Whitewater. Flatwater.
Ratings rise at high water. Check the USGS gage before paddling. American Whitewater
Quick Reference
Sources & Current Information
- Wikipedia — Leland River
- Leelanau Peninsula Visitor's Guide — Best places to kayak
- Michigan Water Trails
Last updated: October 2026. Water levels, hazards, launches, camping rules and closures change. Verify current USGS flow, weather, river conditions, access and regulations immediately before launching.
Come paddle with us
Sign the member agreement, then pick your first trip.
Wild Rivers. Rugged Trails. Real Adventure.