What the Cedar River offers and when to fish it

The Cedar River flows through Delta County in Michigan's Upper Peninsula and drains into the Bay de Noc system, making it one of the most overlooked walleye and pike waters in the region. Unlike the open bay, the Cedar gives you a river environment—current breaks, shallow flats, and defined structure that concentrate fish rather than spread them across miles of open water. The river holds a solid walleye population alongside northern pike and smallmouth bass, and because it doesn't draw the same pressure as the bay itself, you can often find fish in predictable spots.

The Cedar runs best from late April through June and again from September through October. Spring is the prime window: walleye move shallow to spawn and feed aggressively in the weeks after, and the river's current helps you locate them. Summer slows considerably as fish move to deeper holes and the shallower sections warm up. Fall brings another strong bite as walleye prepare for winter and pike become active in the cooling water.

Access is straightforward. The main public launch is at the Cedar River Boat Launch near Escanaba, which sits at the river's mouth where it enters the bay. From there you can run upriver into the system or head out into the bay itself. The river is navigable for several miles upstream, though you'll want to know the water level and watch for deadfall, especially in spring when snowmelt raises the current.

Key Takeaways

  • The Cedar River holds walleye, pike, and smallmouth bass in a river system that concentrates fish better than open bay water, especially during spring and fall.
  • Spring (late April through June) and fall (September through October) are the strongest fishing periods; summer requires deeper presentations and patience.
  • The Cedar River Boat Launch near Escanaba provides public access at the river's mouth, with navigable water upstream for several miles.
  • Jigs tipped with live minnows and crankbaits that match the river's current speed work better here than on the open bay because the structure is tighter and fish relate to defined breaks.
  • Water level and current speed vary with snowmelt and rainfall, so check conditions before launching, especially in spring.

Spring walleye in the shallows and current breaks

Late April through May is when the Cedar River walleye bite peaks. Fish move into 6 to 12 feet of water to spawn and feed, and the river's current naturally funnels them into predictable zones. Focus on the outside bends where the current scours deeper, the inside bends where slack water holds resting fish, and any rock or woody structure that breaks the flow. The river mouth itself—where the Cedar enters the bay—is a natural gathering point because fish stage there before moving upriver or holding in the transition zone.

Jigs tipped with live minnows (shiners or chubs, 3 to 4 inches) are the standard here. Work them along the bottom in the current, letting the jig bounce and the minnow move naturally. Sizes from 1/4 ounce to 3/8 ounce work depending on current speed; faster water needs heavier jigs to stay in contact with the bottom. Crankbaits that dive to 8 to 12 feet and track along structure also produce, especially early morning and late evening when light is low.

Water clarity in spring varies. Snowmelt can cloud the river for weeks, which actually helps because walleye feed more aggressively in stained water. If the river is clear, fish deeper and slower; if it's off-color, you can work shallower and faster because fish don't need to see the bait as clearly.

Summer: deeper holes and night fishing

June through August is the toughest season on the Cedar. Shallow water warms, and walleye retreat to the deepest holes in the river system—typically 15 to 20 feet where the current is slower and temperature stays cooler. The bite doesn't disappear, but it becomes concentrated and less predictable during daylight.

Night fishing becomes the better option. Walleye move shallow to feed after dark, especially on overcast nights or when there's no moon. Work the same shallow structure you'd fish in spring—the bends, the flats, the rocky areas—but do it between 10 p.m. and 2 a.m. Jigs and live minnows still work, but so do live shiners fished on slip sinkers in 4 to 8 feet of water. Pike are also more active at night and will chase larger minnows (5 to 6 inches) or small crankbaits.

If you fish during the day in summer, focus on the deepest holes you can find and fish slowly. Vertical jigging with live minnows in 18 to 22 feet of water can produce, but you're working for individual fish rather than a consistent bite.

Fall: pike and walleye together

September and October bring the second-best bite of the year. Water temperature drops, walleye move back into the shallows and mid-depth zones, and pike become aggressive as they feed heavily before winter. The river's current becomes more stable as snowmelt ends and rainfall normalizes, making conditions more predictable than spring.

Walleye fishing in fall mirrors spring: jigs and live minnows in 8 to 14 feet along current breaks and structure. But pike fishing improves dramatically. Northern pike in the Cedar River run 24 to 36 inches on average, with occasional fish pushing 40 inches. They hunt in the same areas as walleye but prefer larger baits and faster presentations. Throw 4 to 6-inch live shiners on slip sinkers, or use crankbaits and spinnerbaits that create vibration and flash. Pike will chase these from deeper water into the shallows, especially in low-light conditions.

Fall also brings smallmouth bass into the mix. The Cedar holds a healthy smallmouth population that peaks in September and October. Jigs, soft plastics, and small crankbaits all work. Smallmouth tend to hold tighter to structure than walleye—around rocks, fallen trees, and the edges of deeper holes—so fish more deliberately and cover less water.

Reading the Cedar River's structure and current

The Cedar River's value lies in its structure. Unlike the open bay where fish can be anywhere, the river forces you to read the water. Current is the key: fish hold in three main zones. The first is the outside bend, where current scours the bottom and creates a deeper channel—walleye and pike use this as a highway and a feeding zone. The second is the inside bend, where current slows and creates slack water—fish rest here between feeding periods. The third is any obstruction: rocks, logs, bridge pilings, or drop-offs that break the current and create an eddy.

Depth changes matter too. Where the river shallows to 4 to 6 feet, then drops to 12 to 16 feet, fish often hold at the transition. Use your sounder to map these changes; the Cedar's bottom is visible on most modern electronics, and you can mark the exact spots where structure and depth align.

Current speed varies with water level. In spring, snowmelt creates fast current that pushes fish into the deepest, slowest zones. By summer, current slows and fish spread out. Fall current is moderate and stable. Before you launch, check the USGS gauge for the Cedar River near Escanaba to understand what you're dealing with. Fast current (over 2 feet per second) requires heavier jigs and slower presentations; moderate current (1 to 2 feet per second) is ideal for standard jigging and crankbait work.

Tackle and technique for river walleye

River walleye fishing is simpler than open-water jigging because you're working defined structure rather than searching. A 6 to 6.5-foot medium-power spinning rod with 8 to 10-pound braided line gives you sensitivity and casting distance. Braid cuts through current better than monofilament and lets you feel the bottom and structure clearly. Tie a 12 to 18-inch fluorocarbon leader to the braid with an Albright knot; fluorocarbon is less visible in clear water and more abrasion-resistant around rocks.

Jigs from 1/4 to 3/8 ounce are the workhorse. Pair them with 3 to 4-inch live minnows (shiners, chubs, or creek chubs work equally well). Cast upstream or across the current and let the jig drift naturally, maintaining light contact with the bottom. When you feel weight or resistance, set the hook with a quick upward motion. Most walleye hits in current are subtle—a tap or a slight heaviness—so stay alert.

Crankbaits that dive to 8 to 12 feet and have a tight wobble work well in moderate current. Cast upstream and let the current help the lure track along structure. Retrieve steadily and let the current do half the work. Pike and walleye both respond to this approach, especially in spring and fall.

Regulations and practical details

Michigan walleye regulations on the Cedar River follow the Bay de Noc rules: a daily limit of five walleye with a 15-inch minimum size, and a one-fish-per-day slot of 19 to 25 inches. Pike have a five-fish daily limit with a 24-inch minimum. Smallmouth bass follow statewide rules: a five-fish limit with a 12-inch minimum. Check the current Michigan fishing guide before you launch because regulations can change year to year.

A Michigan fishing license is required for anyone 17 and older. You can purchase a three-day, annual, or lifetime license through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website or at any authorized vendor in the state.

The Cedar River Boat Launch is free and open year-round, though winter access depends on snow and ice conditions. The launch has parking for roughly 20 vehicles and a single-lane concrete ramp. In spring when water levels are high, the ramp can be steep and slippery; use caution and consider launching early in the day when the ramp is drier. There are no fuel docks or facilities at the launch itself, so fill up in Escanaba before heading out.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish the Cedar River in winter?

Yes, but access is limited. The river doesn't freeze solid like smaller inland lakes, and open water persists in areas with current. Ice fishing is possible in the slower sections, but launching a boat becomes difficult once ice forms around the ramp. Check with local bait shops in Escanaba for current conditions before making the trip.

What's the difference between fishing the Cedar River and the open Bay de Noc?

The river concentrates fish in defined structure—bends, current breaks, and depth changes—so you can fish more methodically and cover less water. The bay is larger and more open, requiring more searching and often deeper presentations. River fishing is better for learning structure; bay fishing rewards patience and the ability to work large areas.

Do I need a boat to fish the Cedar River?

A boat gives you the most access and flexibility, but you can wade or fish from shore in some areas, especially near the launch and the river mouth. The river mouth where it enters the bay is wadeable in summer and fall when water levels drop. Check depth and current before wading, and wear a life jacket.

What size minnows work best for walleye on the Cedar?

Three to four-inch shiners or chubs are the standard. Smaller minnows (2 to 3 inches) work in summer when fish are less aggressive; larger minnows (5 to 6 inches) are better in spring and fall when walleye feed more actively. Pike prefer the larger minnows year-round.

How far upriver can I run my boat?

The Cedar is navigable for roughly 5 to 7 miles upstream from the launch, depending on water level and deadfall. Spring snowmelt raises the water and opens more river; summer and fall lower the water and expose more obstacles. Run slowly and watch for submerged logs and rocks. A sounder helps you avoid shallow spots and navigate safely.