Blacksmith Bayou Access Site boat launch
Blacksmith Bayou Access Site
The site is operated by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources and is open year-round, weather permitting. The Betsie River is a popular destination for fishing, kayaking, and canoeing. Motorized boats are permitted on the river, but there are some restrictions on the types of craft that can be used.
According to the latest information available, the Blacksmith Bayou Access Site is in good condition and is regularly maintained by the state. It is a popular spot for locals and visitors alike, offering easy access to the Betsie River and the many recreational opportunities it provides.
Plan your launch down to the hour
Same weather feed Snoflo's iOS app uses -- updated continuously from NOAA / yr.no.
Next 5 days, hour by hour
Temperature line with weather symbols on top, snow + rain accumulation as columns, humidity as a dotted line.
5-day forecast table
Every 3 hours, broken out across temperature, snow, rain, humidity, and wind.
| Time | Condition | Temp (°F) | Snow (in) | Rain (in) | Humidity (%) | Wind (mps) | Wind dir |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Loading detailed forecast… | |||||||
15-day temperature & precipitation
Daily temperatures, snow, and rain projected over the next two weeks.
Area streamflow levels
USGS streamgauges around Blacksmith Bayou Access Site -- the same readings that determine whether your launch is safe and your boat is the right craft.
| Streamgauge | Discharge | View |
|---|---|---|
| Manistee River Near Wellston | 2,120 cfs | → |
| Manistee River Near Mesick | 1,450 cfs | → |
| Pine River At High School Bridge Nr Hoxeyville | 231 cfs | → |
| Manistee River Near Sherman | 1,310 cfs | → |
| Pere Marquette River At Scottville | 717 cfs | → |
| East Branch Pine River Near Tustin | 18 cfs | → |
Plan a longer trip
The closest paddle runs, fishing spots, and other boat launches so you can extend a day on the water.
River runs
- Kings Road Bridge (2 Miles West Of Town Of Luther In T19n, R12w To Slackwater Of The State Fish Weir In T21n, R16w
- Southern Boundary Of Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore To Mouth At Lake Michigan
Boating safety & etiquette
- Check the conditions before you launch
- Use the streamflow numbers, weather, and wind forecast on this page. High-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
- Wear your life jacket
- Statistically the single biggest survival factor in a boating incident. State law often requires one per passenger.
- File a float plan
- Tell someone on shore your put-in, take-out, and expected return time. Especially for multi-day or remote trips.
- Yield at the ramp
- Prep gear in the parking lot, not on the ramp. Launch and clear quickly so others can use the lane.
- Clean, drain, dry
- Inspect, clean, drain and dry your boat between waters to prevent the spread of aquatic invasive species.
Set push alerts in the Snoflo app
Save Blacksmith Bayou Access Site as a favorite, set a discharge threshold or a wind/precipitation alert, and the iOS app will push the moment conditions cross.
About Blacksmith Bayou Access Site
Can I launch a motorboat here?
Most Snoflo-tracked launches support motorboats; check the operator for any horsepower restrictions, paddle-only zones, or seasonal closures.
How fresh is the streamflow data?
USGS streamgauges report continuously (every 15 minutes); the table on this page pulls the latest reading at page load.
Is there a fee?
Many federal and state boat launches charge a day-use fee. Check the operator's site before driving out.
What boat is right for these conditions?
Use the nearby streamflow numbers and river-run panel on this page to gauge current conditions. Wider, slower water is friendly for casual paddling and powerboats; high-cfs whitewater requires whitewater-specific craft and skill.
Can I get alerts when conditions change?
Yes -- alerts are managed in the Snoflo iOS app. Favorite this launch, set a threshold (discharge, wind), and you'll get a push the moment it crosses.
Other launches near here
Snoflo-tracked boat launches within driving distance of Blacksmith Bayou Access Site.