The Escanaba River flows 52 miles through Delta County before emptying into Little Bay de Noc, a large sheltered arm of Lake Michigan's Green Bay. Launching from the river mouth puts you into the bay with access to the broader Great Lakes. The river system drains a significant portion of the central Upper Peninsula.
Little Bay de Noc freezes reliably most winters and is one of Michigan's premier ice fishing destinations — walleye are the main draw, with anglers setting up shanties across the bay. The area also hosts ice races in winter. Always check local ice reports before heading out, as conditions near the river mouth can be less stable due to current.
Where does the Escanaba River boat launch take you?
Is there a fee to launch a boat on the Escanaba River?
Can you kayak the Escanaba River?
Are there campgrounds near the Escanaba River?
How long is the Escanaba River?
The Escanaba River runs 52 miles through Delta County on Michigan's Upper Peninsula before emptying into Little Bay de Noc — one of the most productive walleye and smallmouth bass fisheries in the Great Lakes. The river mouth is the real draw here: launches put you directly into the bay, which means access to world-class walleye fishing, salmon runs, and miles of sheltered Great Lakes water. There's a $4 daily launch fee, and the facilities are solid — fish cleaning station, boardwalk, three fishing piers, and plenty of parking.
The river itself is popular for kayaking and offers calm, accessible water close to the city of Escanaba. Reviews mention salmon fishing (expect kings and coho in the fall), and the piers draw shore anglers year-round. In winter, Little Bay de Noc is a major ice fishing destination — reviewers mention ice races on the bay, and the area draws anglers from across the Midwest chasing walleye through the ice. If you're launching here, you're really launching into Bay de Noc, and that changes everything about what this spot can offer.