As we are located inside a metropark, a valid annual or daily pass will be required.  They can be purchased when entering the park.  Visit https://www.metroparks.com/faq/ for more details.

The Shorefishing parking lot is located directly on Kent Lake, which at its deepest is 39 feet.  If there’s much wind at all, the wide open lake can be difficult to navigate.  With the potential for challenging conditions, we don’t recommend this location for newbies.

We require and provide life vests for all customers.  There is normally no rough water that’ll make you tip over, but watch out for wake, as you’ll routinely have to share the lake with speedboats and jetskis.

When leaving the dock, you can head Northeast (right) and eventually get into the Huron River, for about 2-3 hours (one-way) of paddling before you get to the Milford Dam.

Alternatively, you can head Southwest (left) into the wide open Kent Lake.  If there is wind, go this way first and let the wind blow you back.  In either direction, explore hidden coves and small islands and enjoy the wildlife!

We have three kinds of boats available for rent:

• Our silver aluminum canoes have two flat metal seats that you sit on like a chair with your feet on the bottom of the boat.  You can fit two adults on the seats and up to two kids in the middle of the boat, if the combined weight of the kids is less than 100lbs.  There is room for dogs or coolers as well, and the canoes are generally stable as long as you keep your weight centered.
• A kayak is either plastic or fiberglass, and designed for one person.  We have sit-in kayaks, where you sit in a molded seat with a backrest in a cockpit-like area with your feet in front of you inside the boat.  We also have sit-on kayaks, that are completely open-top and good for getting some sun.  We do not currently reserve them by type, but you may request what you like when you arrive.
• A Tandem Kayak is basically a kayak for two – with two seats.  We have sit-in or sit-on varieties of these as well.  There is a $10 upcharge for these popular boats.

From this location, we only operate our “Self-Return” trips.  These are priced by time, and give you the flexibility to come and go at your leisure.  Book enough time for what you expect to do, based on our suggestions in the River Experience section.  Book online 24 hours in advance with promo code “PlanningAhead” for a $5 discount!