Rifle River
🍃 Natural River
Ogemaw / Arenac Co. · 60 mi · Class Riffles
781CFS/ 3.65 ft
Optimal
→Stable
Optimal: 200–800 CFS · USGS #04142000
⚡Flow data is live from USGS·Rapid classifications and CFS ranges need community verification·Know this river?
60 mi
Length
Class Riffles
Difficulty
200–800 cfs
Optimal
380 cfs
Avg Flow
345 cfs
Hist. Median
#04142000
USGS Gauge
Michigan Natural River

Flowing through the Rifle River Recreation Area, the Rifle is one of Michigan's most family-friendly float rivers with good smallmouth bass fishing. A gentle, forested paddle through the eastern LP. Designated a Michigan Natural River, its 60-mile run from the scenic Ogemaw County headwaters to Saginaw Bay offers popular family floats on the middle reach between Selkirk and Sterling.

Trip sections
Upper — Rifle River Recreation Area, scenic headwaters
Middle — Selkirk to Sterling, popular family float
Lower — Sterling to Saginaw Bay, wider and slower
Outfitters
Russell Canoe Livery
Canoe, kayak, and tube rentals on the Rifle River
72-Hour Flow Forecast
NOAA NWPS
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10-Year Flow Patterns
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Your Optimal Range
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Data Quality

River conditions are community-verified. CFS ranges, difficulty ratings, and trip sections may not reflect every flow level or seasonal change. Always check current conditions, scout unfamiliar rapids, and paddle within your skill level. If you spot an error, use the Improve This River button at the top of the page — your local knowledge is what makes this atlas accurate.