White River (White Lake) facts for kids

The White River in August 2005

The White River is a river in Michigan, a state in the United States. It is about 23.6-mile-long (38.0 km). You can find it on the western side of the Lower Peninsula of Michigan.

The river starts in a wet area called the Oxford Swamp. This swamp is in Newaygo County. A small town named Hesperia is right next to the river.

The White River flows southwest through the southern part of the Manistee National Forest. It goes through Oceana County and then into Muskegon County. Finally, it reaches White Lake. Both the lake and the river then flow into Lake Michigan. This happens near the towns of Whitehall and Montague.

The White River system collects water from a huge area. This area is about 300,000 acres (1,200 km²) big. It includes about 253 miles (407 km) of smaller streams that feed into the main river.

Amazing Fish in the White River

The White River is home to many wild brook trout. These fish are a type of salmonid. They are known for their beautiful colors.

Healthy Trout Population

The trout in this river are very healthy. They often grow to be quite large. It is common to find fish that are eight inches or longer. Some even become "trophy trout," meaning they are very big and impressive.

What Do Trout Eat?

These trout like to eat small fish called creek chubs. They also enjoy eating flies. Fishermen often use lures that look like these foods. The trout are very good at biting these lures.

Protecting the White River

The White River is special. The State of Michigan has named it a "Natural River." This means it has extra protection.

Special Rules for the River

There are special rules to keep the river healthy. These rules stop new buildings from being built too close to the riverbanks. No new development can happen within 400 feet (about 122 meters) of the river. This helps protect the river's natural beauty and its wildlife.

Bridges Crossing the White River

Many bridges cross over the White River. These bridges help people and vehicles get from one side to the other. They connect different towns and areas.