Southwestern Michigan Fishing Southwestern Michigan is an angler's heaven. You can enjoy everything from deep-water fishing for 20-lb. salmon to smelt dipping. And there's always an excuse to go fishing, for you can fish all year `round. The variety of fish is what hooks many anglers on the area. Lake Michigan and the rivers that open into it are well-known for their Coho salmon, steelhead, Chinook salmon, and brown trout. Most catches range from 5-20 lbs., although Chinook salmon can weigh in at 30 lbs. Other catches include smallmouth bass, perch, smelt, walleye, pike, catfish, crappy, sucker and bluegill. Inland lakes and streams are favorite fishing sites for panfish, Northern pike, bass, muskies, and brown trout. A fishing license is required and is available at most sporting goods and bait shops. For up-to-date fishing information, call the Michigan DNR at 517/373-0908. Hard copy information online order form

Berrien Springs Dam and Fish Ladder Mechanic Street Berrien Springs, MI   49103 GPS [41.9441° N, 86.3277° W] One of the favorite fishing sites along the St. Joseph River. Recent major modifications to the dam include a fish ladder that allows salmon and steelhead to migrate upstream in the fall; return to Lake Michigan in the spring. Public access is available both above and below the dam. St. Joseph River is well known for its steelhead, giant coho salmon, walleye, smallmouth bass, panfish and pike. Steelhead catches of 5-20 lbs. are not uncommon. Best fishing is between April and November. Directions: From old US-31 in downtown Berrien Springs, take Mechanic St to Fish Ladder. MapLink

Big Bird Charters 143 Anchors Way, Slip 94 St. Joseph, MI   49085 269.470.4149 Contact: Jim Conder Hours: 8 hour trip 6am-2pm; 5 hour trip 3-8pm GPS [42.1099° N, 86.4722° W] Lake Michigan sport fishing charter for catches of Coho and Chinook Salmon, Brown Trout, Lake Trout and Steelhead. Captain Jim Conder is licensed by the Coast Guard and the State of Michigan and has 21 years of experience.   28 Ft. Carver Flybridge Cruiser Twin Engines   Private Restroom GPS and Loran for navigation   Marine radiotelephone Electric Downriggers   Auto-pilot radar Various fishing electronics Handicap accessible Directions: Turn on Anchors Way off of Business I-94 at the downtown St. Joseph River Drawbridge. MapLink     WebLink

Fin Nailer Fishing Charters on Lake Michigan 602 Fisherman's Road, Slip 38 St. Joseph, MI   49085 269.998.1599 Contact: Capt. Russ Jarvis Hours: April-September GPS [42.1015° N, 86.4727° W] 7426 Texas Heights Kalamazoo, MI   49009 We fish out of the St. Joseph, Michigan harbor. It is highly regarded as one of the very best "whole season" fishing harbors on Lake Michigan. The fishing for King (Chinook) Salmon, Coho Salmon, Brown Trout, Lake Trout and the world renouned Skamania Steelhead here is absolutely reliable throughout our entire season. With Fin Nailer Fishing Charters you stand a great chance for a limit catch of these exciting sport fish. Professional grade Down Riggers, rod holders, rods, reels, tackle, baits and fishing equipment provided with the charter service. State of the art "Raymarine HSB2" electronics package including 48 NM radar, 72NM GPS chartplotter, high definition fish finder and auto pilot. Capt. Russ will setup the rods and baits, and when its fish on time, he will guide you in the porper technique to help you catch fish and enjoy the trip. We offer morning and afternoon fishing charters and will fillet and bag your catch so it is ready to transport home. For your confidence and saftey the Fin Nailer is a Michigan DNR inspected and licensed commercial charter vessel for up to 6 passengers. Capt. Russ Jarvis is a U.S. Coast Guard licensed 100 gross ton master.   30' Chris Craft Tournament Fisherman, 12' beam w/fly bridge Hugh fishing area   Large comfortable cabin Dinette w/seating for 4   Galley w/microwave Full-size bathroom   Room to stoe gear & coolers   Handicap accessible Admission: Call for rates. Directions: Complete maps with directions can be found on our website. MapLink     WebLink

Fin Nailer Fishing Charters on the St. Joseph River Shamrock Park 9385 Old U.S. 31 Berrien Springs, MI   49103 269.998.1599 Contact: Capt. Russ Jarvis Hours: September 15-April 7426 Texas Heights Kalamazoo, MI   49009 We river fish from the Fin Nailer III, a customized 24 foot Carolina Skiff. We built and rigged the Fin Nailer III specifically for the type of fishing and conditions that take place from September 15 through April. For our clients comfort she has an enclosed, heated cabin with plenty of seating for 6 adults, room to stoe gear and coolers, and bathroom facilities. For our clients safety she is inspected and licensed as a commercial charter vessel for up to 6 passengers by the Michigan DNR. All professional grade rods, reels, tackle, bait and equipment is furnished with the charter service. Handicap accessible Admission: Call for rates. Directions: Complete maps with directions can be found on our website. WebLink

Headhunter Charters, Lake Michigan Fishing 10034 Painter School Road Berrien Center, MI   49102 269.921.6997 Contact: Captain Tim Shaffer Hours: 24 Hours/7 Days per week GPS [42.1057° N, 86.4747° W] Full-time year-round sportfishing for Steelhead, King Salmon, Coho Salmon, Brown Trout and Perch. U.S. Coast Guard licensed captain. 31 foot Sea-Ray with 12 foot beam for your fishing comfort. The latest in electronics from Raytheon and Lowrance will help you stay on the fish. We can accommodate up to 6 people on one trip. We also offer pleasure cruises.   31' Sea-Ray w/12' beam Fully enclosed restroom   Twin V-8 300 HP inboard engines DNR inspected & insured   Full-time USCG 100 ton Master licensed Captain Raytheon & Lowrance electronics   All bait & tackle provided Custom fish cleaning   Multiple boats available Fishing & Hunting combo trips available   Complimentary photo of your catch Vector downriggers Pro-Staff   Stinger lures Pro-Staff 1-day Michigan fishing license available onboard   Corporate charters welcome Weekly & monthly specials offered Handicap accessible Directions: I-94 exit 27, Niles Road. Niles Road/Avenue to Main Street. Main to Broad Street, turn right on Board Street to Marsh Street, turn left on Marsh Street to Dock #85, Pier 33 Marina. MapLink     WebLink

Headhunter Charters, St. Joseph River Fishing 10034 Painter School Road Berrien Center, MI   49102 269.921.6997 Contact: Captain Tim Shaffer Hours: 24 Hours/7 Days per week GPS [41.9502° N, 86.3324° W] Full-time year-round sportfishing for Steelhead, King Salmon, Coho Salmon, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Catfish, Smallmouth Bass and Walleye on the St. Joseph River. 24 foot custom built Carolina Skiff Riverboat. Fully enclosed, heated hardtop for your safety and comfort. High quality G. Loomis and St. Croix lite action rods for your fishing pleasure. We can accommodate up to 6 people on one trip. We also offer pleasure cruises.   24' Custom riverboat Fully enclosed hardtop   20,000 BTU heater G. Loomis & St. Croix rods   Raytheon electronics All bait & tackle included   Custom fish cleaning Corporate charters welcome   Multiple boats available DNR licensed & insured   USCG Licensed 100 ton Master Captain Fishing & hunting combo trips available   Complimentary photo of your catch Super quiet four stroke engines   1-day Michigan DNR fishing license available on boat Monthly packages offered Handicap accessible Directions: South on Old U.S. 31 to Berrien Springs. 1st left after crossing the river to Shamrock Park. MapLink     WebLink

Oronoko Lakes 1788 East Snow Road Berrien Springs, MI   49103 269.471.7389 GPS [41.9242° N, 86.4147° W] Some of the best Sportsman Bass fishing in Michigan. No Michigan fishing license required. Spring fed manmade lakes, 90 years in the making. Plenty of time to make for some great fishing. Located 13 miles from Lake Michigan and 13 miles north of the Indiana/Michigan state line. Open April to November.   Sportsman Bass fishing Fee fishing   Bluegill, crappies & bullhead Shore fishing   1 1/2 miles of shoreline Many piers to fish from   Boat rental Electric trolling motors   Covered boat dock Bait & tackle   Sunup to sundown daily 45 campsites   Water & electric Shaded campsites   3 miles from St. Joseph River Campground near the shores of Oronoko Lake Directions: US 31 exit 13, 3 miles west on Snow Road. I-94 exit 16, north on Red Arrow Highway to Lake Street traffic light, turn right. East on Lake Street, becomes Shawnee Road, 8 miles to Burgoyne Road, turn right/south to Snow Road. Turn left/east 1/8 mile to Oronoko Lakes. MapLink     WebLink

Risky Business Sportfishing Charters 10489 Rangeline Road Berrien Springs, MI   49103 269.473.2523 Contact: Capt. Rick Kraklau Captain Rick invites you, your family and friends to experience the greatest sportfishing in the world! The boat is equipped with a full stand-up private head and large cockpit area with comfortable seating for your relaxation. The sportfishing season starts in April, which produces Coho, Brown Trout and Steelhead. These fish range in weight from 3 to 12 pounds. As waters warm we begin taking King Salmon and Lake Trout, which are capable of reaching 30 pounds. The season runs through September. Risky Business is state safety inspected and the captain holds a U.S. Coast Guard license for inland waters of the United States. Risky Business carries both the state and Drug Free decals. You captain will make all weather related decisions, as your safety and comfort are his first concerns. THINGS TO BRING: Michigan fishing license (available at the dock), soft sole shoes, sunglasses, sun block and clothing to meet weather conditions, lunch and beverages, camera and cooler (to transport your catch home). Your fish will be cleaned to your specific needs and bagged ready for the freezer. Custom charters also available. Six-person maximum on all charters. A $100.00 deposit is required to reserve your charter date. Should you need to cancel, we will gladly reschedule. Please note: no refunds of deposit will be made on trips cancelled within one-week of your reserved date.   All fishing tackle provided: Rod & reels   5 electric downriggers Graph   Auto pilot Loran"C" Admission: $110.00 per person, 8-hour fishing trip or limit of $440.00 minimum. $90.00 per person, 5-hour afternoon trip or limit of $360.00 minimum. Directions: Risky Business is docked at Fisherman's Row Marina on Ann Street in St. Joseph, Michigan close to local hotels and restaurants. Call for directions. WebLink

Sea Hawk Charters/Lake Michigan Fishing 5841 Longhorn Trail Stevensville, MI   49127 269.429.6110 Contact: Russ Clark Hours: 7 days a week/full-time. Can accommodate up to 6 people. Year round full-time sportfishing charters on Lake Michigan and the St. Joseph River. Fishing for Salmon, Steelhead, Trout and Perch. Coast guard licensed and inspected. 36' Tiara with a 14' beam for abundant fishing room. The boat has a generator for heat and air conditioning. I have over 20 years of experience as a charter boat captain. This is my only job, so I take it seriously. We also offer pleasure cruises and sunset cruises!   All bait & tackle furnished 36' Tiara/14' beam   Full-time year round captain Coast Guard licensed & inspected   Fish cleaning included $1.00 per day fishing license available on boat   Corporate charters are our specialty Full furnished galley   Large enclosed restroom Pro Staff for Okuma, Silver Streak, Raytheon electronics, Vector Down Riggers & Church's tackle   Service with a friendly captain & first mate, as well as a clean, organized boat 2-day specials offered Handicap accessible Directions: Captain will give you detailed directions and a map to the dock. He will also give you motel information as well as restaurant information in the area. The lake boat is docked at Pier 1000 Marina, slip #25, 1000 Riverview Drive, Benton Harbor. WebLink

Sea Hawk Charters/St. Joseph River Fishing 5841 Longhorn Trail Stevensville, MI   49127 269.429.6110 Contact: Russ Clark Hours: 7 days a week/full-time. Can accommodate up to 6 people. Year round full-time sportfishing charters on the St. Joseph River and Lake Michigan. Fishing the St. Joseph River for Salmon, Steelhead, Brown Trout and Walleye. You will be fishing in a custom built 24' Carolina Skiff river boat. The boat is fully enclosed and heated, making it comfortable during cold weather conditions. Come enjoy the experience of catching Salmon and Steelhead on light action rods.   24' enclosed & heated river boat Fish cleaning included   Bait & tackle included 1-day fishing license available on boat   Multiple boats available Corporate charters welcome   U.S.C.G. licensed captain D.N.R. inspected   8' light action rods 2-day specials offered Handicap accessible Directions: Captain will give you detailed directions and a map to the dock. He will also give you motel and restaurant information in the area. WebLink

Sports Widow Fishing 3855 Peach Street Stevensville, MI   49127 269.930.9262 Contact: Doug Wiggins Hours: March-December Charter boat fishing for Chinook, Coho, Brown Trout, Lake Trout and Perch on Lake Michigan aboard a fully equiped 30' boat. Bluegill, Bass, Walleye and Pike fishing also available. Ice fishing guide for Pike, Bluegills and Crappie. Sunset cruises on Lake Michigan.   Lake Michigan fishing-sportfish Sunset cruises   Small lake fishing Perch on Lake Michigan   Guided ice fishing River trips Directions: Will meet at any establishment or at Brian's Marina, Anchors Way, St. Joseph, Michigan. I-94 exit 23, Red Arrow Highway north to St. Joseph. WebLink

Sundowner Charters on Lake Michigan 7068 Evans Road Eau Claire, MI   49111 269.461.3099 Contact: Gary Gamble Hours: Open GPS [42.1022° N, 86.4729° W] Enjoy great fishing from spring till fall, for tasty early spring Cohos, to tacklebusting late summer King Salmon. Fishing on our 31 ft. Tiara provides a real thrill. This DNR certified vessel, which is fully equipped with quality gear (GPS, Auto Pilot, graph, ship to shore radio, 48-mile radar, outriggers, Vector downriggers, Moor temp and Speed, top quality rods and reels, and large selection of lunes). Tiara's are top of the line boats here on Lake Michigan. You will experience a stable ride, and a spacious back deck. As this boat is equipped with everything needed to find fish and present our baits in a precise manner, it provides a comfortable successful outing. We take pride in providing safety, enjoyment and an eventful trip. Come join in the fun! Twenty-five years of fulltime sport fishing.   31' Tiara Extra well equipped   Large back deck Fishing cleaning   Accommodates 6 people   Handicap accessible Directions: Call or email for directions. MapLink     WebLink

Sundowner Charters on St. Joseph River 7068 Evans Road Eau Claire, MI   49111 269.461.3099 Contact: Gary Gamble Hours: Open Why not try a charter on the St. Joe? It provides a spendid mixture of exciting fishing, and the relaxation of beauty of nature. Think of the added bonus of fresh Brown Trout, Walleye, Steelhead, Chinook and Smallmouth caught for your table. From fall through early spring, many months of successful angling are there waiting for you. A fully equipped 24 foot Harris Flote boat, with a large roomy heated cabin, complete with a porta potty, are for your comfort this season. As the captain has 25 years of experience needed to understand these fish and their habits, a successful trip is to be had by all. Come join us.   24' Harris Flute boat Well equipped   8' beam Heated cabin   Fish cleaning We offer pleasure cruises Handicap accessible Directions: Call or email for directions. WebLink

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