Craft & Seasonality
✓
Motorboat ✓
Kayak / Canoe ✓
Jet Ski / PWC ✗
Large 22ft+ ✗
Winter Access Site Details
Conditions change rapidly due to water levels, prop wash, and weather. Always visually inspect before backing down.
RampUnimproved, 1 lane
Trailer Parking8 spots · gravel
Vehicle-Only4 spots
FeeMI Recreation Passport (annual, on vehicle registration)
HoursOpen at all times
RestroomsVault toilet (1)
Not Available Fish cleaning · Fishing pier · Pier
Scout's Notes
Ramp Quirks & Etiquette
Mason Tract Takeout
This is the classic endpoint for the Mason Tract float. If you're paddling that stretch, Smith Bridge is where you want to pull out — easy landing, gentle bank, no scrambling up a muddy hillside.
Canoe/Kayak Focus
Don't come here expecting to launch a big boat. This is a carry-down access on the South Branch — canoes, kayaks, and tubes. The single lane and eight trailer spots are really geared toward folks shuttling smaller craft.
Wade Fishing Gold
Brook trout water right at the bridge. You can gear up in the parking area and be wading productive runs within a minute. Early mornings midweek you'll often have the whole stretch to yourself.
Deer on the Bridge
The bridge approach is through thick woods, and deer cross constantly — especially at dawn and dusk. Drive slow coming in. Seriously.
Parking Holds Up
Eight spots sounds tight, but turnover is fast since most people are dropping boats and shuttling vehicles. Summer weekends can get snug by mid-morning, but I've never seen it truly full with no options.
Sources: DNR GIS data, Google Reviews, Google Street View
About This Lake
Au Sable River - South Branch →