53 public waters in the Southwest Michigan region — 33 lakes/reservoirs and 20 rivers. Every one is public water fishable on a Michigan licence.
See every public fishing venue in Michigan on the map, with boat ramps, camping, parking and full rules for each one.
Lake Michigan's 6.1-million-acre expanse across Southwest Michigan supports one of the Great Lakes' premier salmon and trout fisheries. Chinook and Coho Salmon, Steelhead, and Brown Trout dominate the offshore and tributary action, while Lake Trout and Lake Whitefish thrive in deeper waters. Smallmouth Bass and Yellow Perch provide solid inshore and near-shore opportunities throughout the season.
Muskegon Lake, a 4,198-acre lake in Muskegon County, Michigan, managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources (public boating access): A Michigan 'two-story' lake — cool oxygenated depths stocked with rainbow and Brown Trout over a warm-water bass, pike and Panfish fishery up top. Fish the Trout deep in summer, the bass and Bluegill in the shallows, and both through the ice.
White Lake, a 2,466-acre lake in Muskegon County, Michigan, managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources (public boating access): A Michigan 'two-story' lake — cool oxygenated depths stocked with rainbow and Brown Trout over a warm-water bass, pike and Panfish fishery up top. Fish the Trout deep in summer, the bass and Bluegill in the shallows, and both through the ice.
Ottawa and Muskegon Counties, Michigan — Spring Lake is a 810-acre lake, managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources (public boating access): A southern-Michigan inland lake — warmer, more fertile, often ringed with cottages. Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Bluegill and shellcracker, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Rock Bass, Channel Catfish, and Common Carp. Bass and Panfish are the bread and butter; the bigger lakes hold pike and the occasional Muskie.
Mona Lake (653 acres) sits in Muskegon County, Michigan, managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources (public boating access). A Michigan 'two-story' lake — cool oxygenated depths stocked with rainbow and Brown Trout over a warm-water bass, pike and Panfish fishery up top. Fish the Trout deep in summer, the bass and Bluegill in the shallows, and both through the ice.
In Muskegon County, Michigan, Bear Lake is a 398-acre lake, managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources (public boating access). A Michigan 'two-story' lake — cool oxygenated depths stocked with rainbow and Brown Trout over a warm-water bass, pike and Panfish fishery up top. Fish the Trout deep in summer, the bass and Bluegill in the shallows, and both through the ice.
Big Blue Lake (336 acres) sits in Muskegon County, Michigan, managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources (public boating access). A southern-Michigan inland lake — warmer, more fertile, often ringed with cottages. Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Bluegill and shellcracker, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Rock Bass, Channel Catfish, and Common Carp. Bass and Panfish are the bread and butter; the bigger lakes hold pike and the occasional Muskie.
Muskegon County, Michigan — Duck Lake is a 265-acre lake, managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources (public boating access): A Michigan 'two-story' lake — cool oxygenated depths stocked with rainbow and Brown Trout over a warm-water bass, pike and Panfish fishery up top. Fish the Trout deep in summer, the bass and Bluegill in the shallows, and both through the ice.
Little Black Lake (235 acres) sits in Muskegon and Ottawa Counties, Michigan, managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources (public boating access). A large inland Michigan lake (Houghton, Burt, Mullett, Gogebic, Manistique, Hubbard, Black, Fletcher's Pond) — Walleye and Smallmouth Bass are the headline fishery, with largemouth, Northern Pike, Muskellunge, jumbo Yellow Perch, Bluegill, Crappie, and Cisco or Whitefish where it's deep and cold. Big-water tactics; ice fishing is huge.
Wolf Lake, a 225-acre lake in Muskegon County, Michigan, managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources (public boating access): A southern-Michigan inland lake — warmer, more fertile, often ringed with cottages. Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Bluegill and shellcracker, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Rock Bass, Channel Catfish, and Common Carp. Bass and Panfish are the bread and butter; the bigger lakes hold pike and the occasional Muskie.
Lake Wolverine (136 acres) sits in Muskegon County, Michigan, managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
Cleveland Lake (135 acres) sits in Muskegon County, Michigan, managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources (public boating access). A southern-Michigan inland lake — warmer, more fertile, often ringed with cottages. Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Bluegill and shellcracker, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Rock Bass, Channel Catfish, and Common Carp. Bass and Panfish are the bread and butter; the bigger lakes hold pike and the occasional Muskie.
Little Blue Lake, a 129-acre lake in Muskegon County, Michigan, managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources (public boating access): A southern-Michigan inland lake — warmer, more fertile, often ringed with cottages. Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Bluegill and shellcracker, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Rock Bass, Channel Catfish, and Common Carp. Bass and Panfish are the bread and butter; the bigger lakes hold pike and the occasional Muskie.
In Muskegon County, Michigan, Unger Lake is a 129-acre lake, managed by Forest Service. A southern-Michigan inland lake — warmer, more fertile, often ringed with cottages. Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Bluegill and shellcracker, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Rock Bass, Channel Catfish, and Common Carp. Bass and Panfish are the bread and butter; the bigger lakes hold pike and the occasional Muskie.
Twin Lakes (114 acres) sits in Muskegon County, Michigan, managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources (public boating access). A southern-Michigan inland lake — warmer, more fertile, often ringed with cottages. Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Bluegill and shellcracker, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Rock Bass, Channel Catfish, and Common Carp. Bass and Panfish are the bread and butter; the bigger lakes hold pike and the occasional Muskie.
Muskegon County, Michigan — Fox Lake is a 99-acre lake, managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources (public boating access): A Michigan 'two-story' lake — cool oxygenated depths stocked with rainbow and Brown Trout over a warm-water bass, pike and Panfish fishery up top. Fish the Trout deep in summer, the bass and Bluegill in the shallows, and both through the ice.
In Muskegon County, Michigan, Half Moon Lake is a 64-acre lake, managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources (public boating access). A Michigan 'two-story' lake — cool oxygenated depths stocked with rainbow and Brown Trout over a warm-water bass, pike and Panfish fishery up top. Fish the Trout deep in summer, the bass and Bluegill in the shallows, and both through the ice.
Crocker Lake, a 60-acre lake in Muskegon County, Michigan, managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources (public boating access): A southern-Michigan inland lake — warmer, more fertile, often ringed with cottages. Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Bluegill and shellcracker, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Rock Bass, Channel Catfish, and Common Carp. Bass and Panfish are the bread and butter; the bigger lakes hold pike and the occasional Muskie.
Sweet Lake, a 59-acre lake in Muskegon County, Michigan, managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources: Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
Hart Lake (49 acres) sits in Muskegon County, Michigan, managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources (public boating access). A southern-Michigan inland lake — warmer, more fertile, often ringed with cottages. Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Bluegill and shellcracker, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Rock Bass, Channel Catfish, and Common Carp. Bass and Panfish are the bread and butter; the bigger lakes hold pike and the occasional Muskie.
In Muskegon County, Michigan, Owasippe Lake is a 49-acre lake, managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
John Adams Lake (39 acres) sits in Muskegon County, Michigan, managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources (public boating access). A southern-Michigan inland lake — warmer, more fertile, often ringed with cottages. Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Bluegill and shellcracker, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Rock Bass, Channel Catfish, and Common Carp. Bass and Panfish are the bread and butter; the bigger lakes hold pike and the occasional Muskie.
In Muskegon County, Michigan, Hendrickson Lake is a 39-acre lake, managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
Goose Egg Lake (35 acres) sits in Muskegon County, Michigan, managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources (public boating access). A southern-Michigan inland lake — warmer, more fertile, often ringed with cottages. Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Bluegill and shellcracker, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Rock Bass, Channel Catfish, and Common Carp. Bass and Panfish are the bread and butter; the bigger lakes hold pike and the occasional Muskie.
Silver Creek Pond (31 acres) sits in Muskegon County, Michigan, managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources (public boating access). A Michigan impoundment or flowage (the Au Sable River flowages, Fletcher's Pond, Lake Hudson, the Manistee and Muskegon river reservoirs, the Menominee and Michigamme flowages) — Walleye, Northern Pike, smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Muskellunge, Crappie, Bluegill and Catfish. Stump-and-weed water with fluctuating levels.
Schaffer Lake (30 acres) sits in Muskegon County, Michigan, managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
In Muskegon County, Michigan, Mayo Lake is a 26-acre lake, managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
Muskegon County, Michigan — Big Britton Lake is a 25-acre lake, managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources: Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
Muskegon County, Michigan — Pine Island Lake is a 23-acre lake, managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources (public boating access): A southern-Michigan inland lake — warmer, more fertile, often ringed with cottages. Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Bluegill and shellcracker, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Rock Bass, Channel Catfish, and Common Carp. Bass and Panfish are the bread and butter; the bigger lakes hold pike and the occasional Muskie.
Burns Lake, a 22-acre lake in Muskegon County, Michigan, managed by Forest Service: A southern-Michigan inland lake — warmer, more fertile, often ringed with cottages. Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Bluegill and shellcracker, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Rock Bass, Channel Catfish, and Common Carp. Bass and Panfish are the bread and butter; the bigger lakes hold pike and the occasional Muskie.
Muskegon County, Michigan — Carr Lake is a 21-acre lake, managed by City Land: A southern-Michigan inland lake — warmer, more fertile, often ringed with cottages. Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Bluegill and shellcracker, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Rock Bass, Channel Catfish, and Common Carp. Bass and Panfish are the bread and butter; the bigger lakes hold pike and the occasional Muskie.
In Muskegon County, Michigan, Little Goose Egg Lake is a 20-acre lake, managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources. Lakes and reservoirs across this region typically hold walleye, northern pike, yellow perch, largemouth and smallmouth bass, and panfish such as bluegill, crappie and pumpkinseed, with muskellunge present in some larger lakes -- species commonly documented across the region's public waters by state wildlife agencies.
Muskegon County, Michigan — Ovidhall Lake is a 12-acre lake, managed by Michigan Department of Natural Resources (public boating access): A southern-Michigan inland lake — warmer, more fertile, often ringed with cottages. Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Bluegill and shellcracker, Black Crappie, Yellow Perch, Rock Bass, Channel Catfish, and Common Carp. Bass and Panfish are the bread and butter; the bigger lakes hold pike and the occasional Muskie.
In Newaygo, Mecosta, Osceola and 3 more counties in Michigan, Muskegon River is a 320 km river or creek. A Lake Michigan or Lake Huron tributary that runs salmon and Steelhead (the Grand, Muskegon, Manistee, Pere Marquette, St. Joseph, Betsie, Platte, Little Manistee, White, Boardman) — a fall Chinook and coho run, spring and fall Steelhead ('chromers'), a winter brown-Trout fishery, and resident smallmouth and pike in the warmer reaches. Drift-boat and wade water.
Crockery Creek (45 km) flows through Muskegon, Ottawa, Newaygo and 1 more county in Michigan. A warmwater Michigan river (the Kalamazoo, Huron, Raisin, Shiawassee, Cass, Flint, Thornapple, Rogue, Looking Glass, Red Cedar) — smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Rock Bass, Bluegill, channel and Flathead Catfish, and Crappie in the slow water. Wade or float; access at DNR sites, county parks and bridges.
In Muskegon County, Michigan, Cedar Creek is a 2 km river or creek. A Michigan Blue Ribbon Trout stream — the state's best cold-water rivers for wild and stocked brown, brook and Rainbow Trout, with special regulations (flies-only, artificial-only, no-kill or trophy sections). The Au Sable Holy Water, the upper Manistee, the Pere Marquette flies-only, the South Branch, the Sturgeon, and the UP's Fox, Escanaba and Two Hearted.
White River runs 42 km through Muskegon and Oceana Counties, Michigan: A Lake Michigan or Lake Huron tributary that runs salmon and Steelhead (the Grand, Muskegon, Manistee, Pere Marquette, St. Joseph, Betsie, Platte, Little Manistee, White, Boardman) — a fall Chinook and coho run, spring and fall Steelhead ('chromers'), a winter brown-Trout fishery, and resident smallmouth and pike in the warmer reaches. Drift-boat and wade water.
Brooks Creek (18 km) flows through Newaygo and Muskegon Counties, Michigan. A warmwater Michigan river (the Kalamazoo, Huron, Raisin, Shiawassee, Cass, Flint, Thornapple, Rogue, Looking Glass, Red Cedar) — smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Rock Bass, Bluegill, channel and Flathead Catfish, and Crappie in the slow water. Wade or float; access at DNR sites, county parks and bridges.
In Ottawa, Muskegon and Kent Counties, Michigan, North Branch Crockery Creek is a 15 km river or creek. A warmwater Michigan river (the Kalamazoo, Huron, Raisin, Shiawassee, Cass, Flint, Thornapple, Rogue, Looking Glass, Red Cedar) — smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Rock Bass, Bluegill, channel and Flathead Catfish, and Crappie in the slow water. Wade or float; access at DNR sites, county parks and bridges.
In Oceana and Muskegon Counties, Michigan, Carlton Creek is a 15 km river or creek. A warmwater Michigan river (the Kalamazoo, Huron, Raisin, Shiawassee, Cass, Flint, Thornapple, Rogue, Looking Glass, Red Cedar) — smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Rock Bass, Bluegill, channel and Flathead Catfish, and Crappie in the slow water. Wade or float; access at DNR sites, county parks and bridges.
In Ottawa and Muskegon Counties, Michigan, Deer Creek is a 15 km river or creek. A warmwater Michigan river (the Kalamazoo, Huron, Raisin, Shiawassee, Cass, Flint, Thornapple, Rogue, Looking Glass, Red Cedar) — smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Rock Bass, Bluegill, channel and Flathead Catfish, and Crappie in the slow water. Wade or float; access at DNR sites, county parks and bridges.
Muskegon and Ottawa Counties, Michigan — Norris Creek is a 13 km stream: A warmwater Michigan river (the Kalamazoo, Huron, Raisin, Shiawassee, Cass, Flint, Thornapple, Rogue, Looking Glass, Red Cedar) — smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Rock Bass, Bluegill, channel and Flathead Catfish, and Crappie in the slow water. Wade or float; access at DNR sites, county parks and bridges.
Mosquito Creek (13 km) flows through Muskegon and Newaygo Counties, Michigan. A warmwater Michigan river (the Kalamazoo, Huron, Raisin, Shiawassee, Cass, Flint, Thornapple, Rogue, Looking Glass, Red Cedar) — smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Rock Bass, Bluegill, channel and Flathead Catfish, and Crappie in the slow water. Wade or float; access at DNR sites, county parks and bridges.
Rio Grande Creek (11 km) flows through Ottawa and Muskegon Counties, Michigan. A warmwater Michigan river (the Kalamazoo, Huron, Raisin, Shiawassee, Cass, Flint, Thornapple, Rogue, Looking Glass, Red Cedar) — smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Rock Bass, Bluegill, channel and Flathead Catfish, and Crappie in the slow water. Wade or float; access at DNR sites, county parks and bridges.
Muskegon and Oceana Counties, Michigan — Skeel Creek is a 10 km stream: A warmwater Michigan river (the Kalamazoo, Huron, Raisin, Shiawassee, Cass, Flint, Thornapple, Rogue, Looking Glass, Red Cedar) — smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Rock Bass, Bluegill, channel and Flathead Catfish, and Crappie in the slow water. Wade or float; access at DNR sites, county parks and bridges.
In Muskegon County, Michigan, Green Creek is a 14 km river or creek. A warmwater Michigan river (the Kalamazoo, Huron, Raisin, Shiawassee, Cass, Flint, Thornapple, Rogue, Looking Glass, Red Cedar) — smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Rock Bass, Bluegill, channel and Flathead Catfish, and Crappie in the slow water. Wade or float; access at DNR sites, county parks and bridges.
Pierson Drain River runs 12 km through Muskegon County, Michigan: A warmwater Michigan river (the Kalamazoo, Huron, Raisin, Shiawassee, Cass, Flint, Thornapple, Rogue, Looking Glass, Red Cedar) — smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Rock Bass, Bluegill, channel and Flathead Catfish, and Crappie in the slow water. Wade or float; access at DNR sites, county parks and bridges.
Muskegon County, Michigan — Little Cedar Creek is a 10 km stream: A warmwater Michigan river (the Kalamazoo, Huron, Raisin, Shiawassee, Cass, Flint, Thornapple, Rogue, Looking Glass, Red Cedar) — smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Rock Bass, Bluegill, channel and Flathead Catfish, and Crappie in the slow water. Wade or float; access at DNR sites, county parks and bridges.
Flower Creek (10 km) flows through Oceana and Muskegon Counties, Michigan. A warmwater Michigan river (the Kalamazoo, Huron, Raisin, Shiawassee, Cass, Flint, Thornapple, Rogue, Looking Glass, Red Cedar) — smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Rock Bass, Bluegill, channel and Flathead Catfish, and Crappie in the slow water. Wade or float; access at DNR sites, county parks and bridges.
North Channel Muskegon River runs 10 km through Muskegon County, Michigan: A Lake Michigan or Lake Huron tributary that runs salmon and Steelhead (the Grand, Muskegon, Manistee, Pere Marquette, St. Joseph, Betsie, Platte, Little Manistee, White, Boardman) — a fall Chinook and coho run, spring and fall Steelhead ('chromers'), a winter brown-Trout fishery, and resident smallmouth and pike in the warmer reaches. Drift-boat and wade water.
Muskegon County, Michigan — Little Black Creek is a 10 km stream: A warmwater Michigan river (the Kalamazoo, Huron, Raisin, Shiawassee, Cass, Flint, Thornapple, Rogue, Looking Glass, Red Cedar) — smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Rock Bass, Bluegill, channel and Flathead Catfish, and Crappie in the slow water. Wade or float; access at DNR sites, county parks and bridges.
Muskegon County, Michigan — Cranberry Creek is a 11 km stream: A warmwater Michigan river (the Kalamazoo, Huron, Raisin, Shiawassee, Cass, Flint, Thornapple, Rogue, Looking Glass, Red Cedar) — smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Rock Bass, Bluegill, channel and Flathead Catfish, and Crappie in the slow water. Wade or float; access at DNR sites, county parks and bridges.
Ryerson Creek (7 km) flows through Muskegon County, Michigan. A warmwater Michigan river (the Kalamazoo, Huron, Raisin, Shiawassee, Cass, Flint, Thornapple, Rogue, Looking Glass, Red Cedar) — smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, Northern Pike, Walleye, Rock Bass, Bluegill, channel and Flathead Catfish, and Crappie in the slow water. Wade or float; access at DNR sites, county parks and bridges.
Across its mapped waters, Muskegon County holds 29 species on PiscaMaps, including Smallmouth Bass, Northern Pike, Largemouth Bass, Bluegill, Black Crappie, Rock Bass, Yellow Perch and Channel Catfish.
Ramps, put-ins and species for every water — plus the carp layer no other US app has.
Open the Michigan map Join PiscaMapsOne Michigan DNR all-species fishing licence covers every public water in the state, trout and salmon included — the resident annual is about $26, the non-resident annual about $76, with 1-day and 3-day licences sold. Michigan folded the old trout/salmon stamp into this base licence in 2014, so there is no separate stamp for inland trout or the Great Lakes salmon fishery. Michigan residents 65 and older buy a reduced senior licence, and anglers under 17 fish free. Buy at Michigan.gov/DNRLicenses.