There are five (5) improved boat launches between Croton Dam the community of Newaygo, Michigan. Included below are photographs and descriptions of the launches. Winter anglers should take extreme caution on these launches when ice is present — poor judgment can result injury and a submerged vehicle. When using these launches, respect posted regulations, pay fees and acquire vehicle stickers where required. If you need a car/trailer spotting services — contact us for recommendations.
| ACCESS | MANGED BY | FEE | Drift Boat Float Time | Float Miles |
| Croton Dam | DNR | NONE | 0.5 hrs to Pine Street | 1 Mile |
| Pine Street | DNR | NONE | 3.0 hrs to Thornapple | 6 miles |
| Thornapple / High Rollway | DNR | Resident: $11 – Annual | 3.5 hrs to Henning | 6.5 miles |
| Non-Resident: $9 Daily – Annual $31 | ||||
| Henning Park | County | DAILY $6 – ANNUAL $30 | 0.5 hrs to New Bridge | 1.5 miles |
| New Bridge / Newaygo | DNR | NONE |
CROTON DAM BOAT LAUNCH – Muskegon River @ Kimble County Park
The launch area near Croton Dam is on the north side of the river and accessible from Croton Drive. The launch is steep, narrow and the water can be swift during high flows. There are two tiers of parking near the launch area, the lower for cars only and the upper area for trailer parking. There are a small number of parking spaces at this launch (by comparison to other launches). The river is cautiously wadable downstream of the launch, along the north bank / river right when river levels are below 6 ft and 2500 cubic feet per second. There are outhouses in the parking area.
PINE STREET BOAT LAUNCH – Muskegon River @ Pine Street
The Pine Street Boat launch is accessible on the north side of the river and accessible from Croton Drive at Pine Street. The launch is paved, wide and very accessible and there is ample, convenient parking for trailers and access is FREE.
The river is cautiously wadable upstream of the launch, along the north bank / river right when river levels are below 6 ft and 2500 cubic feet per second. Outhouses are in the parking area. Respect private property on the southern border of the public launch.
THORNAPPLE – HIGH ROLLWAY BOAT LAUNCH – Muskegon River @ Thornapple
The Thornapple – High Rollway access site offers FREE, paved and gravel, improved boat launch accessible from M-82 on the south side of the river at Thornapple Drive. There is ample trailer parking and outhouses. This is a very popular launch for both anglers and canoe/kayak rental services. The river is cautiously wadable in levels below 6 feet and 2500 cubic feet per second both up and downstream of the launch. The gravel run has many high bars and low dips which can make wading tricky. A very wadable bar and easily end in water that will float your hat and it’s easy to wade yourself into a corner. Wade cautiously in the riffle area. A PERMIT is require for launch and parking (see table above for details).
HENNING BOAT LAUNCH – Muskegon River @ Ed Henning Park, Newaygo, MI
The launch at Ed Henning County Park, in Newaygo, offers improved, paved access from the north side of the river off Croton Drive (near M-37). Â The launch are is extremely wide and accessible with ample trailer parking, fish cleaning station and outhouses. Â The parking area has good lighting for late-night take outs. The river is cautiously wadable in levels below 6 feet and 2500 cubic feet per second along the north side of the river throughout the length of the park.
A PERMIT is required for launch and parking (see table above for fee details).
Here’s a Link for the Boat Launches from Newaygo Downstream