Pere Marquette River

More than 500 heritage resource archaeological sites, spanning more than 10,000 years of human history, have been recorded within the Pere Marquette watershed. The earliest archaeological sites date to the time following the recession of glacial ice. The cultures of many peoples, from ancient Paleo-Indian hunters through woodland farmers to the period of written history represented by Euro-American traders, loggers, and settlers, are found in the watershed and designated corridor. This rich historical and archaeological record offers a wide and fertile array of interpretive and educational opportunities.

Most of the Pere Marquette River mainstem is designated as trout waters, and the system supports a renowned cold-water fishery. It is a designated “Blue Ribbon” trout stream from Reek Road upstream to Switzer Bridge on the Middle Branch. It has a self-sustaining resident fishery and also supports runs of salmon and steelhead from Lake Michigan that attract thousands of anglers to the river each year.

Most notably, the Pere Marquette River was the location of the first brown trout introduction in the United States (1884). Rainbow trout were planted in 1885, and this early introduction developed into a self-sustaining steelhead population. Coho and chinook salmon were introduced into Lake Michigan in 1966. The only fish stocking of salmon within the Pere Marquette River system occurred in Ruby Creek in 1967. However, a naturally reproducing salmon population is now established in the river.

Because the Pere Marquette is both free-flowing and includes public ownership, the historic record of the lands along the river is likely to be both well preserved and well represented. This record is unique in the sense that the historical record, the mix of physical resources, and their specific characteristics could not be duplicated elsewhere because of geographic, environmental, and cultural variables.

The river is a major recreational attraction for northwest Michigan and is within a two-hour drive of over one million people. The river provides a significant contribution to the regional economy and draws national and international attention for its high-quality fisheries.

The Pere Marquette watershed has “north country appeal” with a mixture of public and private land, rivers, lakes, and wooded hillsides. The variety of topography, vegetation, and the river’s clear water and sinuous alignment are the primary scenic features. River features, such as rocks, logs, pools, and eddies, make the river interesting and challenging to canoeists and anglers. In addition, the change of river character from open marshes and broad valleys near Lake Michigan to the confined reaches above Walhalla Bridge adds to the scenic value.