Carefree Travel Guide 2022

Chris Devries | Millennium Park, Grand Rapids

Fishing

Portage Point Resort | Onekama

Dorothy Gamble | Ludington

You’ll find many idyllic places to boat to, cast a line, and wait for the fish to bite. Fishing is one of West Michigan’s most popular outdoor activities, and for good reason. It’s truly one of the most relaxing and rewarding outdoor activities you can take part in. The Pere Marquette River Lodge is nestled on the banks of the world famous Pere Marquette River in Baldwin, and is perfect for a fishing weekend. They offer on-site lodging, and guided trips down the river for experts and novices alike. When the weather warms up, Ludington and Mason County offer great destinations for fishing. Ludington’s proximity to deep waters, excellent offshore structure, warm shoal waters, and natural river mouths make a perfect habitat for growing trout and salmon. In southwest Michigan, Big Lake Outfitters of Saugatuck is your one-stop for any fishing needs, plus you can reserve their fishing charter to take you out to the best spots on Lake Michigan.

Amy Meengs | Beaver Island

Tammi Frick | Platte River

Beaver Island Boat Company | Charlevoix

Susan Olthof | Thornapple River

Can’t-Miss Fishing spots

Houghton Lake Area You will find great fishing on Roscommon County lakes: Higgins Lake, Houghton Lake, and Lake St. Helen. Catching a tagged fish could win you a large prize in the year round “Catch Us If You Can” fishing contest. VisitHoughtonLake.com

Coldwater Area Try shore fishing at Coldwater’s Marble Lake for the best catch of bluegills and largemouth bass. Crappie, northern pike, smallmouth bass, sunfish, and walleye can also be found in this 780-acre lake. ColdwaterCountry.com

Big Rapids Area The area has everything from tip ups in the winter months to trolling in the spring. Outdoor sportsmen and women can explore over 100 lakes, numerous streams, the Muskegon River, and thousands of acres of state land. BigRapids.org

Grayling Area Grayling’s Manistee and AuSable Rivers are among the premier trout streams in the nation with over one hundred miles of cool, crystal clear streams to explore, and numerous road access points and public fishing sites. Grayling-Mi.com

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West Michigan Tourist Association | WMTA.org