Clinton River Cut Off Boat Launch

Once you launch, go slow for the first couple hundred yards out. Floating debris and shallow muck accumulate near the channel mouth, especially after wind events. Don't hammer the throttle until you're clear.

There's nowhere to rig your boat before you get in line for the ramp. If you start prepping in the queue, the staff will let you know about it — loudly. Get your plugs in, straps off, and electronics set up in the parking lot before you ever get in line.

The concrete gets coated in algae as the season wears on, and not all six lanes stay usable. By midsummer you might find only two or three lanes in decent shape. Walk the ramp surface before you back down if you're not sure — it can get slippery enough to lose traction.

This ramp handles serious boats — I've seen 27-footers launch here without issue. The post-rebuild layout, 166 trailer spots, and direct Lake St. Clair access make it the best option on this stretch. Way better than paying $15 a pop at the old 9 Mile ramp. Day launch is $9 non-resident, but Michigan residents can grab an annual pass for $11.

The dock lights are unreliable — they work maybe half the time. If you're coming in after dark on a busy evening and all the docks are occupied, you're basically backing a trailer blind. Bring a good headlamp and have someone on the dock with a flashlight if you fish late.