Underwood Drain is a drainage channel that flows into Saginaw Bay, part of the broader Saginaw River watershed. The connection to the bay is the main draw, but the shallow, un-dredged channel limits practical boat access to the open water.
The shallow drain and surrounding area freeze early and reliably. Some locals use the area for winter ice access to Saginaw Bay, but bay ice can be inconsistent due to wind and currents — always check conditions and ice thickness before heading out.
Can you launch a boat at Underwood Drain?
Where is Underwood Drain?
Are there facilities at the Underwood Drain launch?
Is Underwood Drain good for fishing?
Can you ice fish at Underwood Drain?
Are there better boat launches nearby?
Underwood Drain is a small waterway in Bay County that connects to the Saginaw Bay area. Don't let the name fool you — it's essentially a drainage channel, and the launch here is extremely limited. Reviews consistently warn that the water is only about 2 feet deep near the bay end, with no recent dredging. You can get a small boat in, but anything with real draft is asking for trouble. The site has basic amenities (outhouses) and enough room to maneuver a small trailer, but this is not a destination launch — it's a last resort or a spot for kayaks and canoes.
The real value here is proximity to Saginaw Bay. If you can get through the shallow channel, you're into one of the best walleye and perch fisheries in the state. But most boaters heading to the bay would be far better served by the developed launches and marinas in nearby Bay City — Bay Harbor Marina, Pier 7, and several others are all within a short drive. In winter, the area freezes solid and locals use the surrounding area for ice access.