Ames Boat Launch

Don't let the single lane scare you off — it actually handles bigger boats surprisingly well. The approach is right off a busy road though, so you're backing in with traffic passing close. Take your time and ignore the audience.

With only 9 trailer spots, this place fills fast on weekends. By noon on Saturdays you're circling or waiting. If you can get here by 7 AM, you'll launch and park with zero stress. Weekday mornings are a ghost town.

The dock is beat up and needs replacing. Depending on water levels, it can actually be submerged — plan on getting your feet wet during loading. Rubber boots aren't optional here, especially in spring when the river's running high.

This is a killer spot if you're targeting the upper end of Lake St. Clair, Muscamoot Bay, or want to run the St. Clair River itself. It saves you a long run compared to launching farther south, which on a rough river day is a big deal.

One of the underrated perks — it's open 24 hours, which is gold for early-morning walleye runs or night fishing. Most state park launches lock the gate, but Ames lets you come and go. You'll need a Recreation Passport on your plate since it's administered by Algonac State Park.