Presque Isle Flowage

Michigan dnr > wildlife viewing guide > upper peninsula > presque isle

05 Presque Isle Flowage

wildlife viewing | directions and facility information

The marsh marigold is a wetland plant
that bears bright yellow flowers.
Photo: © Ray Rustem

Located in the bottomlands of the Presque Isle River, this site is an excellent example of the high productivity of wetland habitats. The flowage is actually a large impoundment. Stretching nearly 6 miles and ranging from one half to three quarters of a mile wide, this man-mad lake features some 15 miles of shoreline with many unique and picturesque inlets and bays. All this shoreline provides abundant shallow habitat for many plants and animals. Wildlife viewing at this site is probably best done from a canoe or small boat, although limited opportunities do exist from the shore as well. The dam washed out in the summer of 2002 due to heavy rains. It was rebuilt in the fall of 2003. Habitat conditions and wildlife use are expected to return to the original conditions following restoration of water levels and plant growth.

Wildlife Viewing

bald eagle nest
If undisturbed, bald eagles often
return to the same nest year after year.
Each season, they add more sticks
and material to the nest. An old eagle nest
can weigh as much as a ton!
Photo: David Kenyon, MI DNR

Eagles have nested here in the past but abandoned the nest when the dam washed out in 2002. When re-flooded, the productivity of this aquatic system is expected to attract eagles and ospreys back to nest. This site also offers good viewing of waterfowl and wading birds like great blue herons and shorebirds from May through October. A silent, stealthy canoeist may even see the secretive American bitterns and black terns that call this site home. The best months to see these birds are June through August.

Portions of this area are open to public hunting. Contact the Michigan Department of Natural Resources for hunting seasons and locations.

Directions

From Marenisco, drive south on M-64 about 2.5 miles to the site entrance on the right (west) side of the road.

Ownership: U.S. Forest Service (906) 667-0261

Size: 800 acres

Closest Town: Marenisco

Weather and Driving Directions for Marenisco

Plan Your Trip with travel.michigan.org!

Facilities and Opportunities

Restrooms
Boat Ramp
Fishing
Hunting

top

* learn more about the symbols