White River (White Lake)

The White River (Ottawa: Wabigungweshcupago, "White Clay River") is a 23.6-mile-long (38.0 km)[3] river located on the western side of the Lower Peninsula of the U.S. state of Michigan. Its source is the Oxford Swamp in Newaygo County. The rural town of Hesperia borders the river.[4]

White River
Physical characteristics
Source
• location	Monroe Township, Newago County, Michigan
• coordinates	43.68001°N 85.7381°W / 43.68001; -85.7381[1]
Mouth
• location	White Lake, Michigan
• coordinates	43.42251°N 86.33701°W / 43.42251; -86.33701[2]
Basin size	470 sq mi (1,200 km2)
Discharge
• average	450 cubic feet per second (13 m3/s)
• minimum	220 cubic feet per second (6.2 m3/s)
• maximum	1,834 cubic feet per second (51.9 m3/s)
Basin features
Cities	White Cloud, Hesperia, Whitehall
Population	48,000

The White River in August 2005

The White River 'Mouth' on Lake Michigan in White River Township

Continuing onward, the White River flows in a southwesterly direction through the southern section of Manistee National Forest. The river passes through Oceana County and into Muskegon County and White Lake. The lake and river discharge into Lake Michigan, near the towns of Whitehall and Montague.

The White River system drains a surface area of approximately 300,000 acres (1,200 km²) and includes about 253 miles (407 km) of streams.[4]

The river has a large population of wild brook trout, which have not been fished for much of its length. It is very common to only find fish eight inches or longer. The population is healthy and regularly produces large, even trophy trout. The trout prefer to feed on creek chubs and flies, and take to lure imitations very well.

The White River is designated as a State of Michigan Natural River, which includes a special zoning overlay preventing land development from occurring within 400 feet of the riverbank.[5]