From the vast waters of Lake Michigan to quiet inland lakes and winding rivers, Southwest Michigan offers year-round fishing opportunities for anglers of all experience levels. Target popular species like salmon, trout, walleye, bass and panfish throughout the seasons. Whether you’re casting from a pier, trolling offshore or fishing through the ice, it’s easy to get on the water and catch fish thanks to convenient access sites, knowledgeable tackle shops and experienced local guides.
If you are traveling without your boat, new to fishing the Great Lakes region or want to learn from an expert and have access to the best tackle and gear, hire a guide. Guides drastically increase your chances of having a fun day catching fish. Boat rentals are also available for those who prefer to explore and fish on their own.
For over 40 years, Captain Jim Conder, also known as "Big Bird," has devoted his time to exploring the Great Lakes in search of the best fishing spots to provide exceptional fishing trips.
Blue Water Boat Rentals offers tourists and locals in South Haven and St Joseph, Michigan the opportunity to rent a boat by the hour, day, or week.
Whether your an old salt or a novice, we are excited to bring you an opportunity to spend more precious time on Michiana's pristine waters of Lake Michigan.
Gold Coast Fishing Company caters to smaller groups of people looking to get out on Lake Michigan or the St. Joe River in chase of salmon, steelhead, and trout.
IT-IL-DO is a 33’ Tiara Sports fisherman Flybridge that is rigged to fish in comfort porting out of South Haven.
At Originator Charters, we provide top-of-the-line tackle and gear so you can enjoy the excitement of reeling in King Salmon, Coho Salmon, Steelhead, Lake Trout, and Brown Trout on Lake Michigan.
Family owned Marina located on the St. Joseph River and Morrison Channel, Pier 1000 is tantalizingly close to the pristine sandy beaches, pure shimmering waters and amazing sunsets of Lake Michigan.
At Sea Hawk Sportfishing Charters, we want you to enjoy the experience of line ripping salmon, sky-rocketing steelhead, husky brown trout, and the fast action of Spring coho salmon.
We are a charter and guide service that motor a first-class experience on the water. With top-of-the-line guides and fishing gear, we give you the best chance for a successful catch.
Salmon were introduced to Lake Michigan in the 1960s to help control invasive alewife populations and create new recreational fishing opportunities. Today, anglers love catching these powerful fish for their thrilling fights, impressive size and delicious flavor.
Types: Chinook (King) and Coho
Season: Lake Michigan: Open All Year / Inland Waters: Refer to Regulations
Tackle: Spoons, stick baits, plugs and streamers/flies.
Trout are a favorite among anglers for their spirited fights, beautiful colors and the variety of species found in Michigan’s waters. From casting for brook and brown trout in cool inland streams to trolling for lake trout in the deep waters of Lake Michigan, each species offers a distinct fishing experience.
Types: Steelhead, Brown Trout, Lake Trout, Rainbow Trout and Brook Trout
Season: Lake Michigan: Open All Year / Inland Waters: Refer to Regulations
Tackle: Spawn bags, live bait, stick baits, spinners and flies.
Walleye are prized by anglers for their rare combination of exceptional flavor and an elusive, challenging sport-fishing experience. Known for their mild, flaky white meat, walleye are also a popular choice on local restaurant menus.
Season: Lake Michigan: Open All Year / Inland Waters: Last Saturday in April to March 15
Tackle: Live bait rigs, jigs, crankbaits and stick baits.
Largemouth and smallmouth bass are favorites among anglers for their aggressive strikes, powerful fights and exciting fishing opportunities. Largemouth bass are often found near aquatic vegetation and submerged structures, while smallmouth bass prefer rocky areas and clearer waters.
Types: Largemouth and Smallmouth
Season: Saturday before Memorial Day to December 31
Tackle: Stick baits, topwater lures, crankbaits, spinnerbaits, live bait, jigs, rubber worms and streamers/flies.
Northern pike are prized by anglers for their aggressive strikes, exciting fights and ability to grow to impressive sizes. These powerful predators are often found near aquatic vegetation and submerged structures.
Season: Lake Michigan: Open All Year / Inland Waters: Last Saturday in April to March 15
Tackle: Spoons, stick baits, bucktail spinners and spinnerbaits
Flathead and channel catfish are popular among anglers for their powerful fights and mild flavor. Often targeted in Southwest Michigan’s rivers, both species are especially active after dark, making nighttime fishing a popular way to pursue them.
Types: Flathead Catfish and Channel Catfish
Season: Open All Year
Tackle: Live bait, cut bait, stink bait
Whitefish and cisco are prized for their delicate flavor and tender, flaky meat. Found in the cool waters of Lake Michigan, both species are valued by anglers and are popular choices on menus at Michigan restaurants.
Types: Lake Whitefish, Round Whitefish (Menominee) and Cisco
Season: Open All Year
Tackle: Small lures, wax worms, cured salmon eggs
Panfish are a great choice for kids and newcomers to fishing. Their abundance, accessibility from shore and the minimal equipment needed to catch them make panfish fishing an enjoyable introduction to the sport.
Types: Perch, Crappie, Bluegill and Sunfish
Season: Open All Year
Tackle: Worms, minnows, small jigs, spinners, small stick baits and flies