Salmon Trout River
Salmon Trout River Kayaking Guide
The Salmon Trout River of Marquette County is one of the Upper Peninsula's most storied trout streams: a 20.8-mile river in the Huron Mountains that flows to Lake Superior several miles northwest of Big Bay. Its headwaters lie in the Yellow Dog Plains, and the river is famous as home water of the 'coaster' brook trout — the big, lake-running brook trout of Superior.
For paddlers, the defining fact is access. A large tract of the Huron Mountains, including a portion of the Salmon Trout River, is owned by the private Huron Mountain Club, which zealously restricts access to its property. Much of the river is effectively off-limits, and no public paddling route is documented.
The river has also been at the center of public attention because its headwaters lie near a proposed sulfide mine, with opponents warning of acid mine drainage risks and proponents arguing mining can be done safely. That controversy underscores what the Salmon Trout is: a celebrated, sensitive, and largely private wild river — not a recreational paddling destination.
Salmon Trout River at a Glance
- Region: Central UP — Marquette County, Huron Mountains
- Difficulty: Not a public paddling river — extensive private land
- Character: 20.8-mile wild trout river; coaster brook trout water
- Signature reach: None publicly accessible/documented
- Watch for: Private Huron Mountain Club land; no public route
Paddling the Salmon Trout River
A famous river with closed doors
The Salmon Trout's reputation comes from its fish and its wilderness — but the Huron Mountain Club's large private holding across the mountains, including river frontage, means most of the river cannot legally be accessed. This is the single most important fact for any paddler researching the name.
No public route exists
No put-in, take-out, mileage, or portage information is documented for public paddling on this river. Do not confuse it with the smaller Houghton County stream of the same name, and do not trespass on private club land hoping to find access.
Hazards & Portages
Trespass risk on zealously guarded private land; undocumented gradient and obstructions; remote Huron Mountain terrain; Lake Superior exposure at the mouth.
Access & Parking
There is no documented public access for paddling the Marquette County Salmon Trout River. Respect private property absolutely; check current Michigan DNR maps for any public reaches and verify ownership before any visit.
Map
Paddle It With the Club
The West Michigan Kayaking Club paddles rivers like the Salmon Trout River all season long. Come float with us!
