Craft & Seasonality
✓
Motorboat ✓
Kayak / Canoe ✓
Jet Ski / PWC ✓
Large Boat ✗
Winter Access Site Details
Conditions change rapidly due to water levels, prop wash, and weather. Always visually inspect before backing down.
RampPaved, 1 lane
Dock1 boating pier · ADA
Trailer Parking13 spots · gravel
Vehicle-Only5 spots
FeeMI Recreation Passport (annual, on vehicle registration)
HoursOpen at all times
RestroomsVault toilet (1)
PierYes
AccessibilityAccessible pier, restroom
Not Available Fish cleaning
Scout's Notes
Ramp Quirks & Etiquette
Solid Depth Here
The ramp drops off nicely — you won't have the shallow-water headaches common at other UP lake launches. Even mid-summer when levels dip, backing a standard bass or walleye rig in is no problem.
One Lane, No Rush
Single lane with 13 trailer spots, but this is South Manistique — not Houghton Lake. I've rarely had to wait, even on Saturday mornings. If you're launching a pontoon or bigger rig, just take your time; nobody's honking behind you.
Fishing Pier Bonus
A local group put in and maintains a fishing pier right at the launch. Great spot to let the kids drop a line while you're rigging up, and handy for tying off temporarily when you're pulling the trailer around solo.
Wide Open Water Access
South Manistique is over 4,000 acres and this launch puts you right into Wolfe Bay with a clear shot to the main lake. You can run northeast toward the deeper basin or work the weedlines along the bay edges — it's a versatile starting point.
Quiet Alternative
Most people default to the launches on the north end closer to Curtis. Wolfe Bay gets a fraction of the traffic, which means calmer water in the bay early morning and no jockeying at the ramp on holiday weekends.
Sources: DNR GIS data, Google Reviews, Google Street View
About This Lake
South Manistique Lake →