6/27/2019 Southwest Lower Peninsula, Michigan DNR Fishing Report

Southwest Lower Peninsula

To access the original Michigan DNR fishing Report: Click Here! 

St. Joseph: The fish were scattered and boat anglers targeting salmon had mixed results. A few salmon and steelhead were caught in 100 feet, but anglers did better in 120 feet when trolling spoons. A couple steelhead were caught off the pier when using shrimp on the bottom. Perch fishing was slow.

• For a list of Berrien County Bait Shops: Click Here!

South Haven: Had high water around the boat launches. The main access is via Dunkley and that road is closed. Boats need to access the launch from Blue Star Highway. There is a road closed sign however the road off Blue Star Highway is open to the launch. Most of the fishing pressure was south of the piers but catch rates were slow as the fish seem to be scattered in 85 to well past 120 feet and were hitting throughout the water column. Pier anglers caught steelhead on shrimp or alewife under a bobber. Good numbers of freshwater drum and catfish were caught. A couple perch were caught in 40 feet.

Kalamazoo River: Has high water levels which are causing a strong current and floating debris. Emergency managers are recommending anglers stay off the river. Shore anglers need to use caution as the banks are unstable.

Thornapple River: Also has high water levels and a strong current. Boat and shore anglers should wait until water levels recede to safe levels.

Grand Haven: Salmon and trout action slowed a bit. The best action was 30 to 90 feet down in 70 to 130 feet with orange and blue spoons along with green and white flies. A few were also taken on meat rigs. Lake trout were on the bottom and hitting yellow and green spin-glo’s. Pier anglers continue to catch a couple steelhead on shrimp and alewife. Good numbers of freshwater drum were caught on silver spoons and alewife. Caution: Water continues to cover most of the Harbor Island launch parking lot.

Grand River at Grand Rapids: Water levels are still high but a few more anglers were heading out. Some big flathead catfish and smallmouth bass were caught below the Sixth Street Dam . A few walleye were also caught.

Grand River at Lansing: Highwater continues to hamper fishing.

• For a more accurate report on the Grand River at Lansing I suggest reaching out to the people at Grand River Bait & Tackle. Phone: (517-482-4461)

Muskegon: Trout and salmon were caught 40 to 90 feet down in 80 to 130 feet with green, blue and orange spoons. A few lake trout taken from the bottom with yellow spin-glo’s. Pier anglers caught freshwater drum.

Muskegon Lake: Is producing bluegills on the north end where fish were on the beds. Good bass fishing can be found throughout. No word on walleye and few anglers were targeting pike.

• For a more accurate report on the Muskegon Lake & the Muskegon River I suggest reaching out to the people at Snug Harbor Outfitters. Phone: (231-719-0759)

Muskegon River: Water levels were still high for this time of year however anglers are picking up a few more bass. Those fishing Hardy Dam Pond caught panfish, bass and even a few walleye. Trout anglers have found fish on the gravel. There is currently a mayfly hatch in progress.

White Lake: Anglers are taking bluegills in five to seven feet however they are sorting through the small ones.

For more bait shops in the southwest lower peninsula follow the links below:

Berrien County Bait Shops: Click Here!
Allegan County Bait Shops: Click Here!
Ingham County Bait Shops: Click Here!

Branch County Bait Shops: Click Here!

Barry County Bait Shops: Click Here!
Kalamazoo County Bait Shops: Click Here!
Kent County Bait Shops: Click Here!

Your area may not be listed within this fishing report so below is a list of links to pages in Southwest Michigan to help guide you to public lakes in your county.

Allegan County Public Lakes: Click Here!

Barry County Public Lakes: Click Here!

Calhoun County Public Lakes: Click Here!

Cass County Public Lakes: Click Here!

Clinton County Public Lakes: Click Here! 

Jackson County Public Lakes: Click Here!

Kalamazoo Public Lakes: Click Here! 

St. Joseph County Public Lakes: Click Here!