FORT CUSTER STATE RECREATION AREA
The entrance to Fort Custer Recreation Area is on highway M96, just east of the village of Augusta. Follow the park signs to the access site. Whitford Lake is on the south side of the landing. The landing is shared by Whitford, Lawler, and Jackson Hole Lakes.
The dam that creates Whitford Lake is at the end of a cove on the west end.
There is also a fishing pier and a picnic shelter on the west end. There is a large, shallow cove on the south side.
You can venture into this cove by paddling areas of sparse pad and weed growth.
A couple years ago, during springtime, this cove was loaded with carp. I paddled in and sat still. I was surrounded. At times, the carp bumped into my boat. One large carp nestled tight against the side of my kayak with its back out of the water, so I petted him. Judging from his reaction, he didn’t like it.
After touring Whitford, you can continue on to Lawler or head back to the landing.
KAYAKING SOUTHWEST MICHIGAN 