Rustford Pond Boat Launch

There's no ramp and no trailer parking here — this is strictly a kayak and canoe drop. You'll carry your boat a short distance from where you park to the river's edge. Don't show up with anything bigger than a tandem kayak expecting to get on the water easily.

The Little Muskegon runs skinny through here with gravel bars and woody debris. Great for a light kayak, but even canoes will scrape bottom in late summer. Tubing is a bad idea — you'll be walking more than floating.

They did significant stream restoration work that turned this stretch into solid small trout water. Fly fishing is the move here — wade right in and work the pools. Smallmouth are around too, especially downstream.

This used to be the town of Rustford — there's an old 1912 bridge/dam remnant made of concrete still visible. The whole area has a ghost-town vibe with no services for miles. Bald eagles nest nearby, and you'll likely have the place completely to yourself on a weekday.