MICHIGAN FLOW REPORT

Last Updated: February 20, 2026

Michigan's water enthusiasts may find the current streamflow situation quite dynamic across the state. The Black River near Bessemer, featuring a streamflow of 366 cubic feet per second (cfs) and an increase of 48.18 cfs in the last 24 hours, is flowing at 62.28% of its normal rate, which could affect local kayaking conditions. The Middle Branch of the Ontonagon River near Paulding is significantly lower at 40.8% of normal with a streamflow of 241 cfs. On the other end of the spectrum, the Tahquamenon River near Paradise is surging at 125.89% of its normal flow with a robust 1580 cfs, indicating a potential for high water conditions that paddlers and anglers should be cautious of. The Menominee River shows variability, with a notable increase at White Rapids Dam near Banat showing a streamflow of 2690 cfs, 17.35% above normal, which may signal flood conditions downstream. Whitewater trails on the Sturgeon and Galien Rivers will also see the impact of changing flows, with streamflow changes of 48.37 cfs and 255.36 cfs respectively in the last day, posing considerations for water-based recreation.

Cities along major rivers like Grand Rapids and Lansing should remain watchful; the Grand River is currently at 7160 cfs in Grand Rapids, 44.42% above normal with a 30.66 cfs rise in the last day, while at Lansing, it's flowing at 1510 cfs or 63.16% of the normal rate. Recreational hotspots such as the Pere Marquette River at Scottville are seeing moderate flows, which may be ideal for fishing and leisure activities. In contrast, the Muskegon River near Croton is flowing at a third above normal, which could affect local water activities. Significantly, the Middle Branch of the Escanaba River at Humboldt is currently at a strikingly high 248.73% of normal flow rate. This could impact local ecosystems and suggests that water levels in the area should be closely monitored for any potential flooding or environmental concerns.