Western U.P. Convention & Visitor Bureau
P.O. Box 706
Ironwood, MI 49938
(906) 492-5485 or (800) 522-5657
www.explorewesternup.com

Explore the Western U.P.
Get away from the everyday and reconnect with the wild inside of you. Come to the western most corner of Michigan's Upper Peninsula. Embrace our endless rivers and countless waterfalls, clean and clear and fresher than you ever knew. Discover Lake Superior, mighty and proud. Find yourself in the wandering trails through mystic old growth forests deep in The Ottawa National Forest. Whether biking the numerous trails, loops, or single tracks; hiking through the old growth forest, along the shores of Lake Superior, or high above the tree line; or paddling a calm inland lake, stream, or rapid river the Western U.P.is your place for outdoor recreation thrills. Explore the Porcupine Mountains, rugged and raw. Visit the over 150 majestic waterfalls that flow through the Western U.P

Porcupine Mountains
The jewel of the Western U.P. is sixty thousand acres of some of nature's most untamed forest teeming with wildlife. Interpretive programs, gentle hikes through old growth forests, rugged treks along pristine rivers, amazing waterfalls and a friendly staff away your visit in any of the four seasons. The Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park was established in 1945 by Michigan's Legislature and today is Michigan's largest State Park. With more than 90 miles of hiking trails, numerous camping and lodging opportunities, 35,000 acres of old growth forest and numerous historic sites; the Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is a true vacation destination. Porcupine Mountains Wilderness State Park is one of nineteen Keweenaw Heritage Sites, who work in partnership with the National Park Service at Keweenaw National Historical Park to interpret the region's copper mining heritage.

Western U.P. Fishing
Fishing in the Western U.P.is good clean fun! Our endless variety of lakes and rivers will provide you with whatever type of fishing you want. From "Big lake" charter boat fishing, to the fishing with a float tube on a small secluded lake, and every thing in between.

In 13,380 acres of prime fishing water, Lake Gogebic offers walleye, small mouth bass, northern pike, jumbo perch and some whitefish. With shores that range from sandy to rocky to clay banks, you'll always be challenged. Learn to read the lake and how to use the right fishing method in the right place for the big reward. Throughout the season, the Lake Gogebic Area Chamber of Commerce hosts a tagged fish contest with thousands of dollars in prizes. Guide service is available through the Timbers Resort.

Lake Superior offers many choices for the angler. Charter boat fishing is available at Ontonagon, Black River and Saxon Harbor. Many of the charter boats have a no fish-no pay policy. You may take your own boat out from one of the boat launches at Ontonagon, Silver City, Black River Harbor, Little Girls Point and Saxon Harbor.

Sylvania Wilderness area has special regulations for non-motorized fun on beautiful clear water. Enjoy excellent catch and release bass fishing with no live bait. You can get more information from Bob Z., owner of Sylvania Outfitters.

The "Porkies" - Spring and the Steelhead run is on the Presque Isle, Big & Little Carp Rivers, Union and the Big Iron rivers. In mid-summer you will find excellent catch and release fishing of smallmouth bass on the very scenic Lake of the Clouds. Over 500 named lakes, and nearly 2,000 miles of river and stream fishing await the angler in the Ottawa National Forest.

Stream fishing is available throughout the Forest, while lake fishing is concentrated in the southern half of the area. The Forest Service can provide you with details on the lakes and streams at 906-932-1330.

The Cisco Chain has 15 lakes with some being remote and adventurous. Access is available on Cisco and Thousand Island Lake. With 271 miles of shoreline take a map and compass. You can use a small motor boat, canoe or whatever. There is nice underwater structure around the many islands. Species include trout, musky, walleye, northern, small & large mouth bass and panfish.

With all the talk about lakes our region is also rich with clean rivers and streams. Fly-fishing is alive and well with brook, brown, and rainbow trout. A few streams have spring creek characteristics while others are classic freestoners. Insect hatches are wide and varied. Guides are available.