The Kawkawlin River flows 17.5 miles before emptying into Saginaw Bay on Lake Huron, approximately one mile west of the Saginaw River mouth. Its location near the bay means it's part of the broader Saginaw Bay watershed, one of the most significant fishery areas on Lake Huron.
What fish are in the Kawkawlin River?
Can you launch a boat on the Kawkawlin River?
Where is the Kawkawlin River?
Is the Kawkawlin River good for kayaking?
Can you swim in the Kawkawlin River?
Are there campgrounds near the Kawkawlin River?
Is there a fee to launch on the Kawkawlin River?
The Kawkawlin River is a 17.5-mile stream in Bay County that flows into Saginaw Bay about a mile west of the Saginaw River mouth. It's not a lake — it's a small, slow-moving river that locals use primarily for kayaking, canoeing, and fishing. The name comes from a Native American word meaning "River of Pike," and northern pike remain the signature catch here. The river's proximity to Saginaw Bay means it also sees some seasonal runs of fish moving upstream.
The single public launch is bare-bones — unpaved rock and dirt, no dock, very limited parking. It's suited for canoes, kayaks, and small boats only; don't try trailering anything substantial. Reviews have flagged rough road conditions and pothole problems, though there are signs of improvement as of 2025. Bay City State Park and several marinas on Saginaw Bay are just minutes away, so most boaters in the area use this river as a quiet paddle or a pike fishing spot rather than a primary launch destination.