Blog

Fishing enthusiasts love Michigan because the entire state offers so many opportunities to cast. With the Great Lakes, a plethora of rivers and streams, and craters of glacial water, there is a massive range of fish just begging to be caught. Benton Harbor, MI has plenty of angling opportunities, so read on to learn more about our favorite fishing spots in the area. Saint Joseph River This large tributary is located right near Benton Harbor. Popular species that can be found are smallmouth bass, freshwater drum, and channel catfish. Near the Berrien Springs Dam, catfish weighing more than 30 pounds have been pulled out in previous fishing seasons. Angling enthusiasts love that the piers and docks are family-friendly and there's always available parking. The Sixspan bridge has concrete ramps and a loading dock that is popular with local fishermen looking for walleye. more Morrison Channel Located a little over half a mile from Saint Joseph in Berrien County, this channel sees a large variety of bass, catfish, and lake trout. Whether you're spinning, fly fishing, or casting with bait, you'll definitely get some bites. Locals say the best fishing times are at sunrise and in the late afternoons. Look for clearer waters for an exciting fishing experience. Hickory Creek If you're a walleye enthusiast, be sure to visit Hickory Creek in Fair Plain. You can also find bluegill and rock catfish in these waters. Because Hickory Creek flows into the St. Joseph river before it empties into Lake Michigan, the cooler waters can attract seasonal steelhead trout from June to September. This place is where you want to be during the midsummer fishing season. Paw Paw River The Paw Paw River flows 61.8 miles until it joins the St. Joseph river right above the mouth of Lake Michigan, which gives you plenty of shorelines to explore. With 39 species of fish, you can catch northern pike, steelhead trout, walleye, and bass in these cool, clear waters. The connected Ox Creek area is also a popular favorite for local anglers looking to spend an afternoon casting. Grand Mere Lakes Located in Grand Mere State Park in Stevensville, you can fish from the three geologically ancient lakes. In 2018, a monster hybrid sunfish was caught weighing 1.8 pounds, setting a new state record. There are many water features where fish tend to congregate, and angling enthusiasts can access them all by boat or shore. Black River A short drive north in South Haven, you'll find a quiet fishing experience on the piers of the Black River. Charters are available if you want to take in an exciting adventure on Lake Michigan as well. Regulars love that there is a fishing cleaning station just off the parking lot. SHOUT Park also has a handicap-accessible fishing dock that draws many anglers. With such a wide range of bodies of water near Benton Harbor, you're never going to run out of opportunities to go angling. If you're looking for a new ride to haul all of your fishing gear and trophy catches home, be sure to visit us at Levalley Chevrolet Buick GMC for all your automotive needs. Image by Pixabay

There are tons of exciting outdoor activities around Benton Harbor, MI. Here you can fish and paddle on the Paw Paw and Galien Rivers and Lake Michigan and discover the beauty of the magnificent dunes in the Grand Mere State Park. 1. Hike, Run, and Snowshoe in Grand Mere State Park Explore the park's magnificent dunes, inland lakes, and half a mile shoreline on two scenic trails. The 0.70 mile Grand Mere Paved Trail starts at the parking lot and runs along the west side of the large dune through sassafras, ferns, and oaks down to the Lake Michigan shoreline. The sandy 0.50 mile Grande Mere Dune Trail crosses over the north side of the large dune through an open dune area and winds down to the beach. The two inland lakes are behind the dunes in the untouched natural area of the park. more 2. Paddle on the Paw Paw River and Lake Michigan Third Coast Paddling rents kayaks and paddleboards for unforgettable excursions for beginners and experienced paddlers on the Paw Paw River, Galien River, and Lake Michigan. The Paw Paw River is the perfect river for beginners. It's slow-moving, which makes paddling upstream is easy. You can even stop for lunch at the North Shore Inn along the way. Launch your kayak or stand-up paddleboard at Silver Beach Country Park and paddle on Lake Michigan or along the Galien River to the New Buffalo Marsh. You are welcome to bring your four-legged friend along on the river trips. Dogs are not permitted in Silver Beach Country Park. 3. Catch That Big One With Captain Hook No one knows Lake Michigan and where to find a good catch better than Captain Hook. With over 30 years of experience, Captain Hook Charters is one of Michigan's largest charter companies with a fleet of boats for any occasion. You can spend a day on a public or private charter to hook salmon or perch. You can also board the custom-built Tri-Toon for river fishing and reel in steelhead in the fall and spring and walleye and smallmouth bass in the summer. The pride of the fleet is the 60' Par-Te-Tyme, the largest private fishing vessel on the St. Joseph River and Lake Michigan for a deluxe fishing adventure of a lifetime. 4. Challenge Yourself at The Woods Fitness Park The Woods Fitness Park is a 20-acre outdoor fitness facility where everyone, young and old, can exercise and challenge themselves in a natural setting. There are over three miles of trails that run through the woods with workout stations and over 50 obstacles. The obstacles include water hazards, ring swings, rope walls, and monkey bars along the way. The park offers fitness classes on how to use the obstacle course and hosts special dog days when you can bring your pooch to exercise with you. The park is open from 7 am to 7 pm daily. Get out in the fresh air and experience exciting activities all year round. Visit Levalley Chevrolet Buick GMC today, and our qualified and experienced technicians will ensure that your vehicle is in excellent running condition. Image by Pixabay