The best time to canoe the Sturgeon River is when the water is high, between April 30 and the end of June, or after mid-September.

The Sturgeon River is a relatively slow moving river with many meanders. Fallen tress and heavy brush occasionally block the river and require portaging. Two areas of rapids and rock riffles add excitement to the trip.

Access 1 to Access 2
County Road 440 to 442
This is recommended as an overnight trip. There is a long stretch of private land. There are no intermediate access points. This is the most remote section of the river. Rocky riffles in the last two miles and many log jams along with heavy brush may necessitate either liftover or portaging.

Access 2 to Access 3
County Road 442 to Bridge on Forest Highway 13
The entire river course lies within National Forest lands. A few log jams require liftover or portaging, but in general, this section is easy going. No intermediate access points are on this stretch.

Access 3 to Access 4
Forest Highway 13 to Flowing Well Campground
The entire river course is within National Forest lands. This is a good trip for those camping at the Flowing Well Campground. Ten mile rapids offers a challenge, and care should be taken by the inexperienced canoer.

Access 4 to Access 5
Flowing Well Campground to County Road 497
This is a good trip for those camping at the Flowing Well Campground.

Access 5 to Access 6
County Road 497 to Big Bay de Noc
Private property lies along the last mile of the river on the east. The river is extremely meandering with log jams and shallows that make portaging necessary. Channel is often choked with fallen debris and this stretch is not highly recommended for canoeing

Location