HomeMichiganLivingston County

Huron River

Livingston County, Michigan Inland Lake Connected Water
5 launchesRec Passport required
Huron River Access Map 5 launches
Click markers for details
Boat Launches on Huron River
Big Eric's Bridge State Forest Campground Boat Launch
Baraga State Park · Carry-in only ramp, 0 lane
Open Kayak Rec Passport
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Huron Boat Launch
Proud Lake State Recreation Area · Unimproved ramp, 1 lane
Open Motorboat Kayak Rec Passport
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Huron River Fishing Site Boat Launch
Island Lake State Recreation Area · Carry-in only ramp, 0 lane, 3 trailer spots
Open Kayak Rec Passport
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Kent Lake Dam Portage Boat Launch
Island Lake State Recreation Area · Carry-in only ramp, 0 lane
Open Kayak Rec Passport
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Placeway Boat Launch
Island Lake State Recreation Area · Carry-in only ramp, 0 lane
Open Kayak Rec Passport
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Fish Species
Brown trout Rainbow trout
DNR Fish Stocking History
Rainbow trout 292,639 stocked
Brown trout 7,743 stocked
Recent Stocking Events (2020–2025)
Date Species Number Avg. Size
5/9/2022 Rainbow trout (Michigan) 8,442 6.38"
5/8/2023 Rainbow trout (Eagle Lake) 435 12.39"
4/9/2024 Rainbow trout (Michigan) 18,817 7.48"
4/8/2024 Rainbow trout (Michigan) 31,231 7.48"
4/21/2022 Rainbow trout (Michigan) 28,588 8.11"
4/16/2025 Rainbow trout (Michigan) 17,650 7.64"
4/14/2025 Rainbow trout (Michigan) 32,135 7.76"
4/14/2022 Rainbow trout (Michigan) 27,640 8.03"
4/13/2023 Rainbow trout (Michigan) 27,558 7.48"
4/10/2023 Rainbow trout (Michigan) 28,237 7.52"
Source: Michigan DNR Fish Stocking Database · Search all stocking records →
Connected Waterways

The Huron River originates from Huron Swamp in northern Oakland County and flows 130 miles southeast through Livingston, Washtenaw, Wayne, and Monroe counties before emptying into Lake Erie. In Livingston County, the river passes through Island Lake State Recreation Area, where impoundments create wider, lake-like sections. Downstream, the river flows through Dexter, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, and the Belleville Lake impoundment before reaching Lake Erie between Wayne and Monroe counties.

Frequently Asked Questions
Can you launch a motorboat on the Huron River in Livingston County?
Some launches have full cement ramps suitable for trailered boats, but the 10 mph speed limit means this is a no-wake zone — no skiing, tubing, or high-speed boating. Other launches are kayak/canoe-only with no constructed ramp. Check the specific launch before hauling a boat out there.
Is the Huron River good for kayaking?
It's one of the most popular paddling stretches in southeast Michigan. The 10 mph speed limit keeps motorboat wakes down, the water is relatively clear, and the scenery through Island Lake State Recreation Area is excellent. Kayak and paddleboard rentals are available on-site at cheap prices. On busy summer days, expect some congestion at launches.
How deep is the Huron River at Island Lake?
The impoundment at Island Lake is shallow — about 20 feet at its deepest based on diver reports, with most areas much shallower. The river sections connecting the impoundments are shallower still.
Can you swim in the Huron River at Island Lake?
Yes. Island Lake State Recreation Area has a beach with a bath house that reviewers describe as clean and well-maintained. It's a popular family swimming spot in summer.
Where does the Huron River flow?
The Huron River rises from Huron Swamp in Springfield Township (northern Oakland County) and flows 130 miles southeast through Livingston, Washtenaw, Wayne, and Monroe counties before emptying into Lake Erie. It passes through Dexter, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Belleville, Flat Rock, and Rockwood along the way.
Is there a fee to launch on the Huron River in Livingston County?
Launches within Island Lake State Recreation Area require a Michigan Recreation Passport (included with vehicle registration for $12–$17, or available as a daily pass). Some launches outside the state recreation area may be free — check individual launch details.
Are there campgrounds near the Huron River in Livingston County?
Island Lake State Recreation Area offers camping and is right on the river. The surrounding area has additional parks and recreation areas — thirteen parks, game areas, and recreation areas are associated with the Huron River corridor overall.
Can you fish on the Huron River in Livingston County?
Yes, both from boats and from shore. The shallow, warm water supports warm-water species. The slow speed limit makes it practical to fish from kayaks and small boats. Shoreline fishing access is available at several launches.
Can you paddle upstream on the Huron River?
You can, but your starting point matters. Reviewers note that if you want to paddle upstream on the Huron, launching further east gives you a better experience. The river's current is generally gentle enough for upstream paddling in most sections.
Scout's Notes
Lake Vibe & Fishing Intel

The Huron River is a 130-mile river flowing from Oakland County's Huron Swamp southeast through Livingston County and onward through Dexter, Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti, Belleville, Flat Rock, and Rockwood before emptying into Lake Erie. In Livingston County, the river passes through Island Lake State Recreation Area, where it widens into impoundments and connects to several small lakes — the experience here is more "lake paddling" than river running, with a 10 mph speed limit that keeps things calm for kayakers, paddleboarders, and canoes.

Five launches serve this stretch, ranging from full cement ramps capable of handling multiple boats to kayak-only put-ins along the bank. The water is shallow — reviewers report about 20 feet max in the Island Lake impoundment — and relatively clear. This is primarily a paddling and family recreation destination rather than a big-boat fishing lake. Kayak, paddleboard, and paddleboat rentals are available in the recreation area, and the surrounding parks offer hiking, biking, and nature trails. The 4.7 Google rating across 1,300+ reviews reflects well-maintained facilities and a reliably pleasant experience.

Sources: Wikipedia, Google Reviews, DNR data, campground & beach reviews, ShorelineScout enrichment