Class I East Branch Whitefish River, MI

The Whitefish River is cold, swift, and deep in the early spring, challenging canoeists and kayakers and providing good steelhead fishing. During the summer, much of the river becomes too shallow for canoeing, but offers fishing for brook trout in the upper reaches and a variety of warm-water species downstream from the confluence of the East and West Branches. The river is located on the Hiawatha National Forest in Michigan's Upper Peninsula.

This stretch can be canoed through summer and fall, though several shallow areas will require towing. This is a mixture of federal and private lands with no public access points. The final 3-4 miles require strenuous paddling as the current slows.

rivers.gov/East Branch Whitefish River