| FISHING

Loading...

Fishing in Indian River

Welcome to Indian River, Michigan, the heart of the Inland Waterway—a fishing haven in Northern Michigan! Nestled between Burt and Mullett Lakes, Indian River offers anglers access to pristine waters teeming with diverse fish species. Whether you’re casting from a boat, pier, or shore, this guide provides everything you need to plan your fishing adventure, including launch sites, fish species, rules, marinas, bait shops, charters, and boat rentals.

The Inland Waterway

The Inland Waterway, Michigan’s longest chain of rivers and lakes, spans 38 miles through Emmet and Cheboygan Counties, connecting Lake Huron to Crooked Lake. This scenic route includes Crooked Lake, Crooked River, Burt Lake, Indian River, Mullett Lake, and the Cheboygan River, passing through charming communities like Indian River, Alanson, and Cheboygan. Historically used by Native Americans to bypass rough Lake Michigan waters, the waterway is now a premier destination for fishing, motorboating, and paddling, offering serene landscapes and abundant wildlife.

Plan Your Fishing Trip

Indian River’s prime location on the Inland Waterway makes it an angler’s dream, with diverse fish species, scenic waters, and ample amenities. Whether you’re targeting walleye on Burt Lake, trout in the Crooked River, or sturgeon near Black Lake, Indian River has it all. For more information, visit the Indian River Chamber of Commerce (irchamber.com) or the Michigan DNR (www.michigan.gov/fishing). For a comprehensive handbook of boating laws and regulations visit the Michigan DNR website.
Safety Tip: Check weather conditions, wear life jackets, and carry a VHF radio or cell phone for emergencies. Always inform someone of your fishing plans.

The Inland Waterway and its surrounding lakes and rivers are a fishing mecca, hosting 17 species of fish. Common catches include:
• Walleye: A prized game fish, abundant in Burt and Mullett Lakes.
• Northern Pike: Aggressive predators found throughout the waterway.
• Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass: Popular in Burt Lake, Mullett Lake, and the Indian River.
• Brown and Rainbow Trout: Thrive in the Crooked and Indian Rivers.
• Steelhead: Seasonal migrants in the rivers, especially in spring and fall.
• Yellow Perch: Plentiful in all lakes, great for panfishing.
• Bluegill: Common in shallower waters, ideal for beginners.
• Sturgeon: Black Lake, accessible via the Cheboygan River, is known for its excellent sturgeon habitat.

Nearby rivers like the Sturgeon and Pigeon also offer excellent trout and steelhead fishing, while smaller lakes near Indian River provide secluded spots for panfish and bass.

Indian River and the Inland Waterway offer several public and private launch sites for anglers:

• Marina Park (Indian River): Operated by Tuscarora Township, this public launch is centrally located, providing access to Burt Lake (west) or Mullett Lake (east). Features parking, an overflow lot, and a shopper’s dock.
• Burt Lake State Park (Indian River): A popular public launch on Burt Lake, currently under improvement, with ample parking and shoreline access. Ideal for walleye and bass fishing.
• Witt Street Ramp (Indian River): A small public ramp suitable for small boats, with limited parking.
• The Landings on Indian River (Indian River): A private marina offering launch facilities with 20- and 40-foot slips for larger boats.
• Aloha State Park (Cheboygan): Public launch ramps on Mullett Lake, perfect for accessing sturgeon and perch fisheries.
• The Forks (Cheboygan): A modern public launch south of Cheboygan off Straits Highway, ideal for the Cheboygan River and Mullett Lake.
• Conway Township Ramp (Crooked Lake): Located off US-31, great for accessing Crooked Lake’s trout and bass.
• Pickerel Lake DNR Ramp: A small gravel ramp for small boats, suitable for quieter fishing trips.

Use the Michigan DNR’s Boating Access Finder (MiBFF) for real-time updates on closures and conditions: www.michigan.gov/boating.

These marinas provide docking, fuel, repairs, bait, and rentals for anglers:

• Indian River Marina (Indian River): Located between Burt and Mullett Lakes, offering boat rentals, sales, service, parts, bait, and docking. Contact: (231) 238-9373. www.indianrivermarina.com.
• The Landings on Indian River (Indian River): Full-service marina with pontoon and fishing boat rentals, fuel, bait, tackle, and a fish cleaning house. Offers 20- and 40-foot slips. Contact: (231) 238-9955. www.experienceindianriver.com.
• Howe Marine (Indian River): Specializes in pontoon rentals, repairs, and bait, particularly for wooden boats. Contact: (231) 238-9374.
• Ryde Marine (Alanson): Offers rentals, fuel, bait, and docking on the Crooked River. Contact: (231) 347-8273.
• Cheboygan Area Marinas: Multiple marinas near the Cheboygan River provide fuel, docking, bait, and supplies. Contact the Cheboygan Area Trailways for details: cheboygantrailways.com.

Stock up on live bait, tackle, and fishing licenses at these Indian River locations:

• The Landings on Indian River (Indian River): Offers live bait (minnows, worms), tackle, and a fish cleaning house. Contact: (231) 238-9955.
• Indian River Marina (Indian River): Sells bait, tackle, and fishing supplies alongside rentals and repairs. Contact: (231) 238-9373.
• Howe Marine (Indian River): Provides bait and basic tackle for anglers. Contact: (231) 238-9374.
• Pat & Gary’s Party Store (Indian River): A convenient stop for bait, licenses, and snacks near downtown. Contact: (231) 238-0935.
• DNR-Approved Bait Suppliers: Check the Indian River Chamber of Commerce Member Directory for additional suppliers: irchamber.com.

Hire a professional guide to maximize your catch and learn the best spots on the Inland Waterway:
• Marcels Guide Services: Specializing in Smallmouth Bass with 20+ years experience.
Contact: (810) 923-5035 https://www.marcelsguideservice.com
• True North Fishing Charters (Cheboygan): Specializes in walleye, bass, and pike on Mullett and Burt Lakes. Offers half- and full-day trips with all gear provided.
Contact: (231) 625-0123 www.truenorthfishingcharters.com
• Sturgeon for Tomorrow (Black Lake, accessible via Cheboygan River): Offers guided sturgeon fishing trips, focusing on conservation and education. Contact: (231) 625-2776  www.sturgeonfortomorrow.org
• Michigan Charter Boat Association: Represents over 600 captains, including those serving the Inland Waterway. Find licensed guides for Burt Lake, Mullett Lake, or the Cheboygan River at www.micharterboats.com
• Local Guides via DNR: Contact the DNR Gaylord District Office at (989) 732-3541 for a list of licensed fishing guides operating in Indian River.

Explore the Inland Waterway with a rental from these trusted providers:

• Indian River Marina (Indian River): Rents 12- or 15-passenger tri-toon pontoons and fishing boats with live wells, rod holders, and safety gear. Contact: (231) 238-9373. www.indianrivermarina.com.
• The Landings on Indian River (Indian River): Offers pontoon and fishing boats with bait, tackle, and fish cleaning facilities. Contact: (231) 238-9955. www.experienceindianriver.com.
• Howe Marine (Indian River): Specializes in pontoon rentals for fishing Burt or Mullett Lakes. Contact: (231) 238-9374.
• Indian River Sports Center (Indian River): Provides pontoon boats and Jet Skis for Mullett Lake fishing trips. Contact: (231) 238-9372.
• Ryde Marine (Alanson): Rents pontoon and fishing boats on the Crooked River, ideal for trout fishing. Contact: (231) 347-8273.

In addition to the Inland Waterway’s major lakes (Burt, Mullett, Crooked), Indian River is surrounded by smaller lakes offering diverse fishing opportunities. These secluded waters are perfect for anglers seeking solitude and abundant panfish, bass, and pike.

Notable Smaller Lakes

• Wildwood Lake (Wolverine, 10 miles from Indian River): A 200-acre lake known for bluegill, crappie, and largemouth bass. Ideal for small boats, kayaks, or ice fishing. Public access off Wildwood Road includes a gravel launch and parking.
• Long Lake (Alanson, 8 miles from Indian River): A 400-acre lake with northern pike, smallmouth bass, and yellow perch. Features a DNR public access site with a ramp and parking.
• Twin Lakes (Cheboygan County, 12 miles from Indian River): Two connected lakes totaling 300 acres, rich in bluegill, pumpkinseed sunfish, and largemouth bass. Public access via a gravel ramp off Twin Lakes Road.
• Lancaster Lake (Cheboygan County, 15 miles from Indian River): A 100-acre lake with walleye, perch, and bass. Public access is limited, but shore fishing is possible near the DNR ramp.
• Paradise Lake (Carp Lake, 20 miles from Indian River): A 1,900-acre lake with walleye, smallmouth bass, and perch. Public access via a DNR ramp off Paradise Trail.

Fish Species in Smaller Lakes

• Bluegill and Crappie: Abundant in Wildwood and Twin Lakes, perfect for panfishing.
• Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass: Common in Long Lake and Paradise Lake, offering exciting fights.
• Northern Pike: Found in Long Lake and Twin Lakes, known for their aggressive strikes.
• Yellow Perch: Plentiful in Lancaster and Paradise Lakes, great for ice fishing.
• Walleye: Present in Paradise and Lancaster Lakes, though less common than in Burt or Mullett.
Disclaimer: Information is accurate as of May 16, 2025. Verify details with local authorities or the DNR before your trip.