Tucked in the rugged Upper Peninsula near St. Ignace, the Carp River at U.S. Forest Service 3458 is a trout angler’s quiet paradise. This spot in Mackinac County, just downstream of the South Branch Carp River confluence, blends cold currents and wild fish into a Northern Lake Huron gem. Whether you’re chasing brook trout, brown trout, or steelhead, this stretch off M-123 delivers a raw Michigan fishing experience—if you can dodge the overhanging trees.
A Tale of Two Streams
The Carp River here is a mashup of two worlds. The main stem is a Type 4 Trout Stream—open to fishing year-round with liberal gear rules—while the colder South Branch, a Type 1, sticks to stricter regs and a shorter season. Check the Michigan Fishing Guide for the nitty-gritty on Inland Trout and Salmon Regulations, because this split personality shapes the fishery. The South Branch’s chill feeds brook trout up to 11 inches, likely swimming down to this spot, while the main river’s stocked brown trout (up to 15 inches) and steelhead mix with naturally spawned fish.
Casting’s tricky—overhanging trees turn it into a ninja game. Spinners or flies work if you’ve got finesse, but the payoff’s worth it: a public river in Hiawatha National Forest, surrounded by cedar swamps and sandy ridges, flowing toward Lake Huron’s Les Cheneaux Islands, 17 miles downstream.
The Wild Around You
This isn’t just about fish. The Carp River cuts through the UP’s wild heart—think beaver dams, otters, and the occasional black bear nosing around. Birders might catch kingfishers or herons along the banks, while the forest’s mix of pines and hardwoods glows gold in fall. It’s remote but accessible, with U.S. Forest Service 3458 (aka Nogi A Road) leading you 1.4 miles from Burma Road to a riverside pull-off. No frills here—no bathrooms, no picnic tables—just pure wilderness off a gravel track.
Last surveyed in 2017, this spot’s a known producer, with DNR stocking records showing brown trout and steelhead bolstering natural runs. Spring and fall are prime, when water’s high and fish are feisty, but summer’s low flows can still tempt a patient angler.
Plan Your Trip
Getting here’s straightforward: from Moran, head north on M-123, swing west on Burma Road, then north on U.S. Forest Service 3458 for 1.4 miles. It’s public land, free to fish with a Michigan license—just bring your own gear and grit. St. Ignace, 20 miles south, is your nearest hub for supplies or a post-fish burger; check stignace.com for local vibes. Dress for UP weather, watch for muddy ruts, and pack out what you pack in.
The Carp River at 3458 is Michigan fishing at its rawest—cold water, wild trout, and a forest that doesn’t care about your schedule. Bring your A-game and a tight line for this Upper Peninsula sleeper.
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