There are healthy populations of both resident trout and anadramous steelhead and salmon. The Black River provides visitors with outstanding scenery, unique geographical features, superb fisheries, cultural history, and abundant recreational opportunities. The many waterfalls, rapids, and gorge-like landscapes combined with a mix of old large hemlock and eastern white pine along this river has long been recognized as a distinctive resource. The Carp River flows through predominately forested land with little development along its way. Spring's high water facilitates canoeing and offers steelhead fishing and dipping for smelt near the rivers mouth.
Summer is the time for brook or brown trout and fall brings salmon fishing.
The East Branch of the Tahquamenon River is a high quality brook trout stream that rewards persistent anglers who overcome the dense alder along much of its length. The Indian River provides a variety of beautiful scenery from canyon like banks and sharp meandering curves to broad marshland reaches. Trout fishing is good and there is spawning habitat for lake sturgeon, plus eagle and osprey habitat. Obstructed waters require frequent portage for canoeist downstream from Steuben. The lower Mansitee River is a slow, wide river that meanders through rolling hills and rich marsh land teaming with wildlife.