6 Favorite Fishing Spots Near Benton Harbor, MI

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.

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

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