The Cheboygan River flows from Mullett Lake seven miles north to Lake Huron at the city of Cheboygan. It's the final segment of Michigan's 38-mile Inland Waterway, which connects Crooked Lake, Burt Lake, and Mullett Lake via rivers and streams, nearly spanning the Lower Peninsula from Little Traverse Bay to Lake Huron. The Black River is its largest tributary, joining from the west.
As a flowing river, the Cheboygan River does not freeze uniformly and ice conditions can be unpredictable — river ice is generally unsafe compared to the connected lakes. For ice fishing, nearby Mullett Lake and Burt Lake are better bets with more reliable freeze-up.
How long is the Cheboygan River?
Is the Cheboygan River part of the Inland Waterway?
Can you take a boat through the locks on the Cheboygan River?
Is there a fee to launch a boat on the Cheboygan River?
Are there campgrounds near the Cheboygan River?
When is the salmon run on the Cheboygan River?
Where is the Cheboygan River?
Can you kayak or canoe the Cheboygan River?
The Cheboygan River is a seven-mile stretch connecting Mullett Lake to Lake Huron, flowing through the city of Cheboygan. It's a key segment of Michigan's famous Inland Waterway — the 38-mile chain of lakes and rivers that nearly links Lake Michigan to Lake Huron. The river features a dam and lock system that lets boats traverse between the Inland Waterway and Lake Huron, and watching boats go through the locks is a genuine local attraction. The Black River joins as the largest tributary.
Fishing is the main draw here, especially during the fall salmon run when fish stack up below the dam and spillway — reviews describe it as "HOT HOT HOT" when the timing is right. Walleye, pike, and panfish are available in the system too. Three launches serve the river, including a well-rated four-lane ramp near the locks with deep water access. An $11 launch permit is required. The city of Cheboygan sits right at the mouth, with multiple marinas, and Cheboygan State Park is just minutes away for camping and beach access. The whole setup makes it a natural staging point whether you're heading into the Inland Waterway or out onto Lake Huron.