Maple River Kayaking Guide: Launches, Dams & Flows

River History

The Maple River's West Branch rises in Pleasantview Swamp and drains Pellston, while the East Branch carries water from Douglas Lake. For more than a century the branches met behind the Maple River Dam, built in 1884 for a sawmill, later converted to hydropower and rebuilt in 1967 to form Lake Kathleen. The dam failed several times and was classed as high-hazard.

In 2019 the Lake Kathleen dam was removed as the capstone of 21 restoration projects costing about $10 million, and all 55 stream miles of the Maple now flow freely. A University of Michigan study found the river recovering, with more insects and crayfish and, by one angler's account, the best fishing in years. The East Branch is one of the few homes of the federally endangered Hungerford's crawling water beetle.

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

West Branch: Pleasantview Swamp and Stutsmanville Bog, central Emmet County. East Branch: outflow of Douglas Lake.

Sections

West Branch: Small cold-water stream through Pellston.

East Branch: Warmer, intermittent flow from Douglas Lake; endangered beetle habitat.

Former Lake Kathleen to Burt Lake: Free-flowing main stem since 2019, ending in "the spreads" into Maple Bay and Bullhead Bay.

Mouth

Burt Lake, through outflow channels ("the spreads") into Maple Bay and Bullhead Bay.

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

Paddling Character

Parts of the Maple are described as a pleasant paddle, but published route details are scarce. Plan short, scouted trips on the main stem below the old Lake Kathleen site, and expect beaver dams and wood. The spreads at Burt Lake are shallow and braided.

Best Conditions

Normal summer flow, with a scouting drive first.

Michigan Water Trails

Not a designated state water trail. Burt Lake at the mouth is part of the Inland Waterway.

Dams & Portages

No dams remain on the main stem. The Lake Kathleen dam was removed in 2019. Beaver dams are common.

Never paddle near a dam face or spillway. Take out well upstream and confirm portage access before the trip.

Public Kayak & Canoe Launches

Camping

Burt Lake State Park

Wildlife & Fishing

Safety

Required / Recommended Gear

• PFD worn at all times
• Paddle + spare
• Whistle
• Dry bag
• First-aid kit
• Folding saw (trip leaders)
• Water shoes for lift-overs

River-Specific Concerns

The channel is still settling after the dam removal, so wood and sediment shift. Expect beaver dams and shallow braids near Burt Lake.

Best Time & Access

Best Time to Paddle

Access & Regulations

Trip Planning

What to Pack

• Everything in the Safety gear list, plus drinking water.
• Notes and photos for a club trip report.

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. Easy moving water with wood.

Ratings rise at high water. Check the USGS gage before paddling. American Whitewater

Quick Reference

Sources & Current Information

• WCMU — Maple River is among the first to flow freely (2024)
• Tip of the Mitt Watershed Council — Maple River
• Wikipedia — Maple River (Burt Lake)
• Michigan DNR — Maple River fishery status report

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.