Outdoor Adventures

The Tahquamenon River immediately upstream from the Lower Falls offers a specific brown-trout opportunity inside Tahquamenon Falls State Park. The water is broad and amber-colored from tannins carried out of the surrounding cedar, spruce and hemlock country.

Where to fish

Michigan DNR’s Tahquamenon area fishing map identifies more than a mile of river upstream from the Lower Falls island as good brown-trout water. The same official profile notes that brown trout have been planted in this stretch for a number of years. Stocking and catch rates can change, so treat that as background rather than a guarantee of current fish numbers.

Below the falls, the fish community changes: the DNR map lists northern pike, muskellunge, walleye, yellow perch and smallmouth bass along the 17 miles toward the river mouth. A fishable dock on the Lower Falls island is accessible by bridge, and rowboats are seasonally rented at the Lower Falls docks.

Access and safety

Use the Lower Falls day-use area rather than the old coordinate previously shown for the Upper Falls. The Lower Falls entrance is about 4 miles east of the Upper Falls along M-123. A paved walkway and the Ronald A. Olson Island Bridge provide access to viewing areas and the island.

Stay on developed access routes and use only designated wading areas near the Lower Falls. The DNR asks visitors to limit wading there to protect eroding shoreline, and current, rocks and cascades make casual river entry unsafe. The North Country Trail route between the falls is a substantial hike; it is not a shortcut to unrestricted bank access.

Regulations and trip planning

Review the 2026 Michigan Fishing Regulations and the inland trout and salmon map for the precise water you plan to fish. The 2026 regulations remain in effect through March 31, 2027. Anglers age 17 and older generally need a fishing license, and a Recreation Passport is required for vehicle entry to the state park.

Check the official Tahquamenon Falls State Park page for current closures, maps and park contact information before traveling.