Filion Road Boat Launch

This launches into Wild Fowl Bay, and you're only looking at about 3.5 feet of depth even at high water. Late summer is the worst — heavy weed growth clogs up the approach and can wreak havoc on jet ski impellers if you're idling through it. Stick to smaller boats and expect to pick vegetation off your lower unit.

Once you're off the ramp, you're on your own navigating the bay. There are no channel markers, so if you don't already know where the shallow spots and sandbars are, take it very slow heading out. A depth finder isn't optional here.

The spots closest to the launch are only about 30 feet long, so if you're pulling a bigger rig you'll need to grab one of the spots further back. With 43 total spaces, parking isn't really an issue — I've never seen this place full. It's a quiet launch even on summer weekends.

There's a carry-down concrete ramp at the far end of the site that doubles as winter access. If you're ice fishing Wild Fowl Bay, this is your entry point. The main launch gates close at 11 PM and don't open until 5 AM, so plan accordingly.

Wild Fowl Bay earns its name. If you show up in spring or fall migration, the waterfowl numbers are impressive — herons, ducks, the whole show. Even if the fishing is slow, the scenery and wildlife make the trip worthwhile. Great spot for a quiet weekday morning on the water.