The Pine River is located in the Lower Peninsula of Michigan near the town of Cadillac and offers small-craft boating, high-quality fishing, and outstanding scenery. The river is well-known for boating (primarily canoeing) and trout fishing. However, several other recreational activities are popular, including picnicking, hunting, wildlife viewing and swimming. Trout fishing is a popular activity during the early morning and evening throughout the summer. The majority of anglers fish from shore, but access by boat is also common. Numerous user-developed foot trails to popular fishing areas are located along the shoreline.