HomeMichiganDelta County

Little Fishdam River

Delta County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
1 launchRec Passport required
Little Fishdam River Access Map 1 launch
Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Little Fishdam River
Little Fishdam River Boat Launch
Fayette Historic State Park · Paved ramp, 1 lane, 50 trailer spots
Open Motorboat Kayak Large Boat Rec Passport
View ramp details →
Connected Waterways

The Little Fishdam River flows approximately 6 miles through Delta County before emptying into Big Bay de Noc, which is part of Lake Michigan. It's one of several small tributaries feeding the bay, alongside the larger Fishdam River to the north.

Winter & Ice Safety

The river itself is too small and flowing for reliable ice. Big Bay de Noc does develop fishable ice in most winters and draws serious ice anglers targeting walleye, but bay ice conditions vary significantly — always check local reports before heading out.

Frequently Asked Questions
Where is the Little Fishdam River?
It's in Delta County on Michigan's Upper Peninsula, flowing roughly 6 miles before emptying into Big Bay de Noc on Lake Michigan.
What fish are in the Little Fishdam River?
The river itself is a small stream, but its mouth at Big Bay de Noc can hold walleye, smallmouth bass, and other species that stage near tributary inflows. Big Bay de Noc is one of Michigan's top walleye and smallmouth fisheries.
Is there a boat launch on the Little Fishdam River?
Yes, there's one launch site. It's primarily useful as an access point to get onto Big Bay de Noc rather than for fishing the river itself.
Are there campgrounds near the Little Fishdam River?
Nahma Resort Campground is nearby and serves as a base for fishing Big Bay de Noc and exploring the surrounding UP coastline.
Can you swim near the Little Fishdam River?
Ozzie Hazen Township Park nearby offers beach access on the bay. The river itself is a narrow stream — not a swimming destination.
What is Big Bay de Noc?
Big Bay de Noc is a large bay on the northern shore of Lake Michigan in Delta County. It's nationally recognized for trophy walleye and smallmouth bass fishing, and the Little Fishdam River is one of several tributaries that feed into it.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

The Little Fishdam River is a 6-mile stream in Delta County's Upper Peninsula that flows into Big Bay de Noc on Lake Michigan. This isn't a lake destination — it's a small river access point that gets you onto one of the UP's most productive fisheries. Big Bay de Noc is legendary for walleye and smallmouth bass, and the river mouth where the Little Fishdam enters the bay can concentrate fish, especially during spring runs. The single launch here is a gateway to the bay rather than a standalone fishing hole.

The surrounding area is classic UP north woods — sparse population, long winters, and easy access to miles of Lake Michigan shoreline. Nahma Resort Campground is nearby for overnighters, and Ozzie Hazen Township Park offers beach access on the bay. If you're fishing the Little Fishdam itself, expect a narrow, shallow stream — but the real draw is what it connects to.

Sources: Wikipedia, Google Reviews, DNR data, campground & beach reviews, ShorelineScout enrichment