Michigan / Pere Marquette River /

Custer Weir & Boat Launch

Custer Weir & Boat Launch is a public boat ramp on the Pere Marquette River near Custer, Michigan.

Aerial view of the landing on the river bank and the gravel track beside it, September 2022
Aerial view of the landing on the river bank and the gravel track beside it, September 2022 Photo: USDA Farm Service Agency, NAIP · Public domain · via USGS The National Map

Status not reported No closure has been posted for this launch, but its agency does not publish open or closed status. Check with the managing agency before you tow.

At the launch

Type
Boat ramp
Ramp surface
concrete
Coordinates
43.93805, -86.22268

Directions (Google) Apple Maps

Boating rules

  • Slow, no-wake speed · a zone at or next to this launch rule

From the boating rules map of Michigan Department of Natural Resources, read October 18, 2026. A map of rules is a guide: the regulation's text and the posted signs govern.

Conditions

Water level

Latest reading loads here; without it, see the USGS page below.

USGS gauge PERE MARQUETTE RIVER AT SCOTTVILLE, MI, 2.9 mi from this launch on Pere Marquette River: water level, flow, a reading every 15 minutes. Readings and history at USGS.

On Pere Marquette River

The Pere Marquette River is a river in Michigan's Lower Peninsula. Its main stem is about 64 miles long. It begins in Lake County south of Baldwin and flows west through Lake and Mason counties into Pere Marquette Lake at Ludington, and from there into Lake Michigan. The river drains a basin of 740 square miles that also reaches Newaygo and Oceana counties. Its tributaries include the Middle Branch, Little South Branch, Big South Branch and Baldwin River. With no dams or impoundments, it is the longest unregulated river system in the Lower Peninsula. In 1978, 66 miles of the river were designated a National Scenic River, running from the junction of the Middle and Little South branches down to U.S. Highway 31. It is also a Michigan Natural River. More about Pere Marquette River.

Boating rules on Pere Marquette River

  • Permit required for all watercraft (including tubes and stand-up paddleboards) between the Forks and Indian Bridge from the Friday of Memorial Day weekend through Labor Day Monday; $2 per watercraft, maximum 8 watercraft per reservation source
  • Launching or retrieving on National Forest land only between 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. during the permit season unless fishing or authorized by permit source
  • Possessing or operating a vessel equipped with a motor is prohibited upstream from Indian Bridge on National Forest System lands source
  • Vessels may not be stored or left on National Forest land within the river corridor for more than 24 hours source
  • Foam coolers and glass beverage and food containers are prohibited on the river source
  • $5 day-use fee at Green Cottage, Gleason's Landing, Bowman Bridge, Rainbow Rapids, Upper Branch and Indian Bridge source
  • Every watercraft occupant must have a PFD; children six and under must wear one at all times source
  • Flies-only, catch-and-release fishing from M-37 to Gleason's Landing source

Community

Where people who use Pere Marquette River talk about it.

Nearby launches

Sources

Why it is listed as public: www.michiganwatertrails.org: The site provides two paved boat launches and fishing along the beautiful Pere Marquette River.. Something wrong, or is this launch private? Send a correction; it goes to a person.