The Cut is a popular fishing destination because of its calm, undeveloped, and scenic environment, which allows for easy use for smaller canoes and kayaks.

The Michigan Department of Natural Resources closely monitors the water levels within the Cut River, as it is a popular spawning location for walleye in Houghton Lake.

[1] Other common fish along the river include smallmouth bass, yellow perch, trout, and northern pike.

[4][5] The river has a very low watershed until it meets with Backus Creek nearer Houghton Lake.

In recent years, residents along the Higgins Lake shoreline have complained about increasing coastal erosion because of rising water levels within Higgins Lake, which are controlled by the small dam along the Cut River.