Burt Lake State Park

05/20/2026

Maple Bay State Forest Campground is closed due to flooding. Haakwood and Weber Lake are open for camping!

05/20/2026

The sun is shining but our boat launch remains closed due to flooding.

05/13/2026

05/10/2026

The water is very slowly receding

⚠️ MOTHER NATURE UPDATE ⚠️

Well… the rivers are still trying out for “Fast & Furious: Northern Michigan Drift Edition.”

For everyone’s safety, the following waterways remain CLOSED TO ALL BOAT TRAFFIC through MAY 15, 2026:

🚫 Cheboygan River south of the dam
🚫 Black River
🚫 Indian River

A few important reminders:
✔️ NO WAKE laws are now in effect on ALL lakes and rivers
✔️ The lakes ARE still open
✔️ Please use extra caution, high water and floating debris are still very real hazards

At this point, the docks are stressed, the fish are confused, and even the muskrats seem concerned.

We truly appreciate everyone’s patience and cooperation while local agencies continue monitoring conditions. We know everyone is anxious to get back to normal Northern Michigan boating season...trust us, we are too.

Stay safe, boat smart, and maybe keep an eye out for any runaway lawn chairs floating downstream.

04/01/2026

Big trout are on the move in southeast Michigan.

More than 3,000 mature trout from Michigan’s state fish hatcheries have just been stocked in the Huron River and Spring Mill Pond, giving anglers a rare shot at larger, hard-fighting fish this spring. These retired broodstock aren’t your average stockers, they range from 13 to 20 inches and are ready to put a bend in your rod.

The Huron River, downstream of Proud Lake Dam, received nearly 2,500 fish, including brown and rainbow trout. Spring Mill Pond at Island Lake Recreation Area was stocked with more than 600 additional trout, creating another excellent opportunity for anglers looking to connect with quality fish close to home.

Early-season regulations are in place to protect this fishery and spread out opportunity. Portions of the Huron River are closed through March 31, followed by a catch-and-release, flies-only period through April 25, with a small exception for youth anglers. Spring Mill Pond reopens April 1 with catch-and-release and artificial lures only through April 25. Beginning April 26, both locations open to all legal baits, with a daily limit of five trout (only three over 15 inches).

If you’ve been waiting for the right time to get out, this is it. These fish won’t sit still for long, and spring conditions are lining up for a strong bite.

Regulations, stocking information, and additional details regarding this release can be found in the comments.

03/05/2026

A busy weekend on northern Michigan snowmobile trails – conservation officers from northern Michigan conducted a group patrol. They started at various trail locations and eventually ended up at the Mackinac Bridge.

The goal was simple: make sure people ride safely and make it home safe to friends and family. Thank you to all snowmobilers who do their part to Ride Right. We know this activity means a lot to Michigan’s communities and outdoor recreation, and it’s always best when people make it back from their trip safe and sound.

While our officers met many people on the trails, most interactions were educational. Keep riding right(while the snow lasts)!

02/11/2026

Getting youth hunters engaged is as important as ever. Check out this recent event held in January for the 15th year!

The Flat River Youth Hunt welcomed a record 54 youth hunters and more than 100 attendees for breakfast and lunch at the Jan. 17 event!

Now in its 15th year, the hunt was coordinated by wildlife staff from the DNR’s Flat River Field Office in partnership with several outstanding organizations. This year’s event was a resounding success, with 100% positive feedback from participating groups.

For the second year in a row, every youth hunter had the opportunity to hunt behind a squirrel or rabbit dog. More than 30 squirrels were harvested across the Flat River State Game Area and local private lands, and participants learned how to properly process and prepare small game for meals.

Each youth hunter received a prize, and a raffle featured larger items like fi****ms and gun cases. A big thank you to our partners, including Belding Sportsman’s Club, Michigan Squirrel Dog Association, Triple H Sports, National Deer Association, and Christianity Outdoors.

Interested in organizing a youth hunt or a similar outdoor education event in your community? Feel free to reach out - we’d love to connect and help you get started.

02/06/2026

01/09/2026

This coming weekend is Free Snowmobile Weekend, which gives people the chance to hit the trails for a little dose of the beautiful winter views across Michigan. Here are some reminders for people planning to get out and explore:

Safety First - Make sure you Ride Right, meaning stick to the right side of trails and ensure you're operating at a safe speed.

Group Rides - If you're riding with friends or family, ride with your group’s most inexperienced rider in mind.

Look Both Ways - If crossing roadways, always remember to check for vehicles. Something we all know, but a reminder is always helpful.

Respect the Trail (and those who make them possible) - Stay on designated trails. Nearly 1,900 private landowners generously allow trails through some of their property to help connect trails around the state. In addition, countless volunteers from clubs and organizations help maintain the trails for riding.

Dress for the Occasion - Issues can happen, and you don't want to be on a trail and not dressed for the weather. Stay warm!

Have Fun - Enjoy your ride!

We encourage all snowmobile riders to check out our interactive snowmobile map and other helpful information at Michigan.gov/Snowmobiling, and be sure to brush up on safety tips by visiting Michigan.gov/RideRight

We hope you're able to get out and explore what makes Michigan winters so much fun - the snow!

If you plan to ride throughout the season, remember to get your snowmobile trails permit online or at participating retailers. These permits are how the trails system is funded, providing more than 6,000 miles of state-designated snowmobile trails.

📸: Kaylyn Stevens

01/09/2026

Imagine going to the lake every day and getting paid to do it!

Are you or someone you know looking for a summer job in the outdoors? Join our team of 1,300 summer park workers and spend the season in Michigan state parks, boating facilities, and other amazing outdoor spaces.

You’ll welcome visitors, help campers, and keep our parks looking their best. Earn $15.50/hour, building valuable skills and meeting great people along the way. These positions are perfect for college students, teachers, retirees or anyone interested in working at Michigan state parks.

Apply now! The online interest form takes less than five minutes to complete: https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/about/careers/park-workers