Carefree Travel Guide 2023

Melissa Robbins | Petoskey

go Fish!

Fishing is a truly rewarding and relaxing outdoor activity. A day spent on the water, leaning back in the boat, and simply waiting

Lori Hickman | Muskegon Lake

Q Daddy

for the fish to bite, lends itself to a calming day. Enjoy one of the most popular outdoor activities in West Michigan at these destinations. Fort Custer Recreation Area in Calhoun County offers fishing for everyone, with an accessible fishing pier on Whitford-Lawler Lake. With three fishing lakes in the park, you can reel in bass, bluegill, crappie, pike, and channel catfish from all of the lakes. Make sure you have your Recreation Passport since Fort Custer is a state park! The Pere Marquette River is well-known for all the fishing opportunities in its waters, from king salmon to lake trout. Anglers here will be able to partake in both regular and fly fishing, giving them everything they need to have a successful day on the water. While out fishing, consider staying at the nearby Pere Marquette River Lodge. Cast your line in style with a visit to the Bay Harbor Lake Marina. With its first-class amenities, shared cookouts, dock parties, and day trips, this is the perfect place for a weekend fishing getaway.

Jeff Morey | Traverse City

Anita Braden | Cassopolis

Fish On Sponsor: Houghton Lake Area Tourism Bureau VisitHoughtonLake.com/ Fish.shtml

Professionally trained staff are present to provide docking assistance, as well as waterside concierge services.

Anita Braden | Stone Lake, Cassoplolis

Miles Becher | St. Joseph

CAN’T-MISS FISHING SPOTS

Brad Reed

FREE FISHING WEEKENDS MICHIGAN DNR Two days twice a year, families and friends can enjoy Michigan fishing, for free! All fishing license fees are waived for two days, so residents and out-of-state visitors may enjoy fishing on inland and Great Lakes waters for all species of fish. Michigan.gov/DNR

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

INDIAN LAKE STATE PARK At 8,400 acres, Indian Lake is the fourth largest inland lake in the Upper Peninsula. Take your shot at catching perch, walleye, northern pike, rock bass, smallmouth bass, and more in this massive lake. Michigan.org/Property/Indian-Lake State-Park

LUDINGTON AREA Did you know that Ludington is known as Michigan’s #1 salmon fishing port? They offer “big lake” fishermen the best fishing to be found on Lake Michigan. PureLudington.com/Fishing

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#WestMichigan | 2023 Carefree Travel Guide