Northern Lake Michigan Anchorages ???

[Bruce20825]

Please Advise ...
Can anyone tell me specifically where there are sheltered anchorages and harbors of refuge along the north coast of Lake Michigan between Fayette and St. Ignace? What experiences have you had cruising across this area?
We know of the marinas at Fairport, Manistique, and Naubinway but need to know of other sheltered areas with good holding in case a storm blows up. The boat draws 3 feet with the swing keel up. All information is appreciated.
Thanks, Bruce

[tomandchris]

Bruce,

Your three foot of draft helps you, but you have already named the obvious shelters. That is a long shallow piece to the lake. The good news is that NOAA is usually pretty good at predicting what is going to happen, so choose the weather window accordingly.

The only other options that I remember, and I knew them from land and not water, were Port Inland which was a limestone plant that has a channel and breakwater that protects from the E. With 3 foot you may be able to get some protection at Epoquette (sp?) and you can also hide behind Helena Is in a pinch.

Best to choose the weather window and not take chances along that N shore.

[kwaltersmi]

If I were making the run from Fayette to St. Ignace, I'd go offshore during a good weather window and use anchorages in the islands. Obviously, St. James harbor on Beaver Island is well protected and has proved a popular anchorage. With your draft, you may also be able to take advantage of the anchorage in the bay on the SE side of Garden Island. Closer to St. Ignace, you can try the anchorage on the NE corner of St. Helena island if you have the right wind (or no wind). There may also be opportunities for anchoring at Summer Island and Little Summer Island closer to Fayette, but I haven't been there personally. The southern coast of the U.P. doesn't have much in the way safe anchoring, so it might be better to be offshore.

[landmineop]

You may get a pretty good idea of places to hole up by checking ActiveCaptain.