Satellite view of Clinch Memorial

Satellite: Esri, Maxar, Earthstar Geographics

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Clinch Memorial

Michigan • Open

About This Ramp

Clinch Memorial is a boating access site located in , Grand Traverse County, Michigan. This ramp provides access to Lake Michigan, a great lake water body.

This public access ramp is managed by City of Traverse City and is open.

Amenities & Features

Restrooms

Restroom facilities available

Parking & Facilities

Parking Surface: Asphalt

Trailer Parking: Trailer parking may be limited; call ahead for details

Vehicle Parking: General vehicle parking available

Arriving early is recommended, especially on weekends and holidays, to secure a parking spot near the launch area.

Ramp Specifications

Single Lanes: 2

Dock Type: Natural

Water Type: Great Lake

Water Body: Lake Michigan

Handicap Accessibility

Full handicap accessibility: No

If you have specific accessibility needs, we recommend calling ahead to confirm what accommodations are currently available.

Visitor Information & Tips

  • Hours: Other
  • Fees: Free access
  • Status: Open
  • Best times to launch are early morning or weekdays when crowds are lighter
  • Always check local fishing and boating regulations before heading out
  • Bring safety equipment including life jackets and first aid kits

Location & Getting There

Use the interactive map above to get directions to Clinch Memorial. Most smartphones have built-in GPS navigation that will guide you directly to the ramp's location.

Why Choose Clinch Memorial?

Clinch Memorial is one of the premier boat launch facilities in Grand Traverse County, offering convenient access to Michigan's waters. Whether you're an experienced angler, recreational boater, or first-time launcher, this ramp provides the amenities and facilities you need for a successful day on the water.

Located on Lake Michigan, this ramp is perfect for freshwater fishing, enjoying calm waters, and targeting species that thrive in freshwater environments.The well-maintained launch facility ensures smooth boating experiences for vessels of all sizes.

Water Quality & Safety

Official EPA assessment for Grand Traverse Bay (lake Michigan) — last reported 2024.

Fish Consumption Advisory

This water body is currently rated Not Supporting for fish consumption, with Chlordane, Dioxin (including 2,3,7,8-tcdd), Mercury in Fish Tissue, Pcbs in Fish Tissue, Perfluorooctane Sulfonate (pfos) in Fish Tissue identified as the causes. Check your state's current fish consumption guidance before eating fish caught here.

Fish Consumption
Not Supporting
Recreation (Swimming/Boating)
Not Assessed
Aquatic Life / Ecology
Insufficient Information
Water Type: BaySize: 278.5 Square Miles
View official EPA water quality report →

Source: EPA ATTAINS (Clean Water Act water quality assessments), as reported by the state. This reflects the most recent official assessment, not real-time testing — always check your state's current fish consumption advisories for specific serving guidance.

Species You Might Find Here

Common freshwater gamefish for this type of water — not a confirmed species survey for this specific location, since we don't have per-lake fish count data.

Browse all species →

Launch Tips & Best Practices

Before You Launch

  • Check your boat for any maintenance issues before arriving at the ramp
  • Have your registration and fishing license readily available
  • Ensure all safety equipment is on board, including life jackets for all passengers
  • Fill up your fuel tank before heading to the ramp to ensure sufficient range

At the Ramp

  • Remove your trailer from the launch lane promptly to keep traffic moving
  • Have crew members ready to help with the launch and retrieve process
  • Park in designated areas only - don't block other boaters
  • Always back into the ramp slowly and check water depth before launching

Safety on the Water

  • Wear your life jacket at all times while on the boat
  • Check local fishing regulations and bag limits for your target species
  • Tell someone where you're going and when you expect to return
  • Monitor weather conditions and head back to shore if conditions deteriorate

Planning Your Visit to Grand Traverse County

Grand Traverse County offers diverse boating and fishing opportunities with Clinch Memorial serving as a premier access point. The county's waters are home to a variety of fish species and provide excellent recreational opportunities year-round.

When planning your visit, consider the current season and target species. Spring and fall often provide ideal conditions for boating in Grand Traverse County, with comfortable temperatures and excellent fishing opportunities. Summer months are great for evening trips when the water is calmer after the midday heat.

Clinch Memorial is conveniently located with easy highway access, ample parking, and modern facilities to support your boating adventure. The ramp's well-maintained launch area accommodates both large and small vessels, making it accessible to everyone from experienced captains to weekend boaters.

Nearby Boat Ramps

Other launch points within driving distance.

At a Glance

Essential info about Clinch Memorial

Hours
Other
Fees
Free
Status
Open
Type
Boating Access Site
Water
Great Lake
Parking
Available
Restrooms
Available
Get DirectionsLake Michigan Fishing Regulations

Quick Tips

  • Arrive early for best parking
  • Check weather before heading out
  • Bring safety equipment
  • Call ahead for seasonal hours

Ramp data from USGS and Michigan wildlife/DNR sources. Last synced 2026-07-28.

How we verify this data · Michigan fishing regulations

Fishing tips & boating guides

Expert advice on launching boats, fishing techniques, and making the most of your ramp visits.

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Clinch Memorial — frequently asked questions

Is there a fee to launch at Clinch Memorial?

Clinch Memorial has no launch fee on record — it is generally free to use. Fees can change, so confirm with the managing agency before your trip.

Where is Clinch Memorial located?

Clinch Memorial is a Boating Access Site in Grand Traverse County, Michigan, on Lake Michigan.

What are the hours at Clinch Memorial?

Clinch Memorial is typically accessible Other. Access hours can change seasonally, so verify before heading out.

What kind of fishing is available at Clinch Memorial?

Clinch Memorial provides access to freshwater fishing on Lake Michigan in Michigan. Check Michigan fishing regulations and required licenses before you fish.

Is Clinch Memorial a public boat launch?

Yes. Clinch Memorial is a public boat ramp — also called a boat launch, boat access, or boat landing — in Grand Traverse County, Michigan. It's open to the public and provides access to Lake Michigan.

Can you swim at Lake Michigan?

Clinch Memorial is a boat launch, not a supervised swimming area. People do swim in Lake Michigan, but there are no lifeguards, and water conditions vary — always check local water-quality advisories and current conditions before swimming, and never swim near an active boat ramp.

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