Willow Metropark offers a useful combination for a relaxed day: shore fishing along the Huron River and a paved trail for a walk or ride. Start with one activity, then leave the other optional. Big Bend is a practical reference point for the fishing plan, while the park map helps you choose a route that matches your time and equipment.
Start at Big Bend for a fishing visit
The park’s official Fishing Exploration itinerary directs visitors to park at Big Bend and walk to the river to choose a shoreline fishing spot. It describes a mix of paved, dirt, and grass surfaces. Check the path and bank before carrying all your gear down, especially after rain or high water.
Use a permitted position with room to cast and space for other people to pass. Keep hooks, clipped line, and tackle bags off the shared route. If your chosen spot is crowded or restricted, choose another permitted position rather than setting up in a canoe-loading area.
Review Michigan fishing regulations and applicable license requirements before casting. Before keeping fish to eat, check the Huron River entry in the MDHHS Eat Safe Fish Guides for the exact river stretch and species. Consumption advice is separate from legal harvest limits.
Use the Willow map to choose your destination
The official park map identifies Big Bend, Washago Pond, canoe/kayak access, shore-fishing symbols, parking-related facilities, and trail connections. It distinguishes roads, paved hike-bike routes, and other paths. An entrance address alone does not identify the best parking for every activity.
The map and park directory list 23200 South Huron Road, New Boston, MI 48164, 734-697-9181, and park hours of 7 a.m.–10 p.m. A daily or annual Metroparks vehicle pass is required. Confirm current fees and any gate or facility changes before your trip.
Choose a trail loop before adding connections
The official park page describes a 3.75-mile paved hike-bike loop and links toward Lower Huron and Oakwoods Metroparks. It permits dogs on a six-foot leash on the trail. Pick a route and turnaround in advance rather than assuming the entire connected system fits into a short visit.
A simple approach is to take a short walk first, return to the car, and then decide whether to fish. For a longer ride, save the park map and identify your return route before departure. Account for the time spent stopping beside the river as well as the distance traveled.
Check Big Bend flooding and seasonal services
The official conditions page, checked October 22, 2026, listed Willow’s hike-bike trail and the Lower Huron connector as open, with warnings that flooding can make parts impassable, including the Big Bend area. It also listed the Willow pool and pool-area bicycle rental as closed for the season. Recheck those notices before relying on a particular route or service.
An open listing is not a report on every section of pavement or riverbank. Turn around at flooded or closed routes and use only permitted alternatives. If someone needs step-free access, ask staff about the exact parking-to-water connection; a relatively flat paved trail does not establish an accessible fishing bank.
For a paddle, settle the return plan first
The park map includes a canoe/kayak launch and Huron River Water Trail connections. Before carrying a boat to the water, confirm your put-in, take-out, transport, and current river conditions. Ask staff about obstructions and any downstream portage restrictions that affect the route you intend to use. Do not assume a trail connection on land establishes an uninterrupted paddling route.
Bring drinking water, a layer for wind, and a bag for litter and fishing line. Keep the day flexible enough to switch to a walk if the riverbank or water conditions do not suit your group. Prepare loose equipment away from shared loading and travel routes.
More Huron River and lakefront options
Our Oakwoods guide covers nearby nature trails and river-access planning. For a lakefront fishing or launching outing, compare the Lake Erie Metropark guide. Check each property’s own rules and current conditions.
Official information checked October 22, 2026. This article was created with AI assistance. The header photograph shows the Huron River at Big Bend in November 2012 and does not establish current bank, trail, or water conditions.
Map to Willow Metropark
This map uses the official park address. Use the park map and signs to reach Big Bend or your chosen trailhead; the pin does not identify a specific fishing position or canoe launch.
Leave a Reply