The best fishing lakes in southwest Michigan are waiting for you to explore. Welcome to Michigan Family Retreats. We are your cozy home base in Grand Junction. Here, you can launch a kayak or canoe from our private dock and enjoy peaceful mornings on the water. Whether you’re a first-time kayaker or a seasoned pro, our stunning lakes offer beautiful views, exciting fish to catch, and a chance to make lasting memories with your loved ones.
In this blog, we’ll guide you through the top fishing spots in the region, share helpful tips for a successful trip, and answer common questions to help you plan your next outdoor getaway
Stay with us and enjoy easy access to trout, salmon, steelhead, bass, walleye, pike and more. Our large homes are perfect for families. You will have a great trip.
Table of Contents
Top Fishing Spots
1. Saddle Lake
Saddle Lake is a beautiful and peaceful spot. It is great for fishing and has many fish. You can catch bluegill, largemouth bass, pike, and walleye.
⭐ Fish: bluegill, largemouth bass, pike, walleye
🚤 Boat Launch: Accessible from the dock
🎣 Shore Fishing from the dock
📍 Location: Grand Junction, MI
To truly enjoy everything the lake has to offer, stay in a family vacation home right on the water—you’ll have fishing, paddling, and peaceful views just steps from your door.
2. Galien River
The Galien River is calm and clear. You can fish from a kayak or from shore. It has brown trout, pike and bass.
⭐ Fish: brown trout, northern pike, smallmouth bass, catfish
🚤 Boat Launch: New Buffalo City Boat Launch
🛶 Kayak Rental On Site
📍 Location: New Buffalo, MI
3. St. Joseph River
The St. Joseph River is close to us at Three Oaks. You can fish from shore in parks or near dams and fish ladders. We’re currently remodeling a family-friendly vacation property right in Three Oaks—coming soon for guests who want to enjoy the river, local charm, and a cozy home base near the best fishing spots.
⭐ Fish: perch, trout, salmon, whitefish, catfish
🚤 Launch at Silver Beach County Park
🐟 Fish Ladder at Berrien Springs Dam
📍 Location: St. Joseph, MI
4. Gull Lake
Gull Lake is clear and deep. Many people love to fish here. You can catch bass, pike and panfish.
⭐ Ratings: 4.8/5
🚤 Public Launch & Docks
🎣 Fish: largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, northern pike, panfish
📍 Location: Richmond, MI
Learn more about Gull Lake
5. Gun Lake
Gun Lake has many spots for fishing. You can fish from boats or from shore. It has many public access points too.
⭐ Ratings: 4.6/5
⚓ 10 Public Access Points
🎣 Fish: bass, crappie, pike, walleye, sunfish
📞 Phone: +1 269-795-9081
📍 Location: Middleville, MI
Learn more about Gun Lake
6. Austin Lake
Austin Lake is a great place for panfish and bass. It is next to a park with a beach.
⭐ Ratings: 4.7/5
🏖️ Public Beach at Lakeview Park
🎣 Fish: bluegill, largemouth bass, northern pike, walleye
📍 Location: Portage, MI
Learn more about Austin Lake
7. Lake of the Woods
Lake of the Woods is small but full of fish. It is good for bass and panfish. Anglers here often bring waders for shore access and use live bait like waxworms and minnows—especially effective for crappie and bluegill.
⭐ Ratings: 4.7/5
⚓ DNR Public Access with Boat Launch
🎣 Fish: largemouth bass, bluegill, crappie, perch
📍 Location: Decatur, MI
Learn more about Lake of the Woods
8. Three Mile Lake
Three Mile Lake is a charming spot located near Paw Paw, Michigan. This quiet lake is known for its peaceful atmosphere, making it a perfect getaway for families. The stunning views and calm waters make Three Mile Lake a special place to visit.
⭐ Ratings: 4.1/5
🛶 DNR Boat Launch
🎣 Fish: largemouth bass, bluegill, northern pike, walleye
📍 Location: Paw Paw, MI
Learn more about Three Mile Lake
9. Paw Paw Lake
Paw Paw Lake is big and beautiful. It has many spots for fishing, whether you’re on a boat or standing on the shore. You can enjoy casting your line in multiple areas, making it a great spot for every kind of angler. Plus, the calm waters are perfect for a relaxing day with family and friends.
⭐ Ratings: 4.8/5
🏖️ Forest Beach Park & Sunset Park
🎣 Fish: panfish, bass, perch, walleye
📍 Location: Paw Paw Lake, MI
Learn more about Paw Paw Lake
10. White Lake
White Lake is a mix of a river and a lake that provides a perfect spot for fishing and fun. There’s also a marina where you can rent boats or keep your own. You can spend your day catching fish or just relaxing by the water, enjoying the beautiful scenery. Families love spending time here, whether they are fishing, picnicking, or playing in the sun.
⭐ Ratings: 4.8/5
⚓ Public Access at Maple Grove Park
🎣 Fish: bluegill, bass, pike, perch
📍 Location: Whitehall, MI
Learn more about White Lake
Fishing Tips & Tricks
Here at Michigan Family Retreats, we love to share local tips. We want you to catch more fish. Here are a few ideas:
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Pack the right gear. Bring your rod, tackle box, lures and live bait. Don’t forget a first aid kit just in case!🙂
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Get a fishing license. You need one for Michigan lakes.
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Use a fish finder or a map of inland lakes. It helps find spots with most fish.
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Try early morning and late evening. Fish bite best in low light.
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Visit local tackle shops. They know where the fish are and what lures work.🪝
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Check the weekly fishing report online. It tells you what is working now.
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If you like ice fishing, bring your ice auger and tip-ups in winter.❄️
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Don’t forget a life vest and thermal socks—especially important for winter or deepwater fishing
Want to do more than just fish? Check out these paddle-friendly lakes near Saddle Lake for great kayaking and canoeing options nearby.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
What lake has the best fishing in Michigan? Saddle Lake is well-known for having many types of fish, especially salmon, steelhead, and trout. It is a top pick for those who want to catch a lot of fish and have a great time fishing.
What are the best small lakes in southwest Michigan?
Some of the best small lakes in southwest Michigan include Austin Lake, known for its variety of fish species, and Lake of the Woods, which is perfect for catching panfish and bass. Gun Lake and White Lake are also excellent small lake options for fishing enthusiasts.
What are the nicest lakes in southeast Michigan?
In southeast Michigan, lakes like Lake St. Clair and Belleville Lake offer beautiful settings and great fishing opportunities. Additionally, Kent Lake and Orchard Lake are notable for their scenic beauty and diverse fish populations, making them popular among local anglers.
What is the best lake to catch pike in Michigan?
Lake of the Woods is considered one of the best lakes in Michigan for catching northern pike, thanks to its abundant aquatic vegetation that provides excellent habitats for this species. Other great options include Gun Lake and the St. Joseph River, both famous for their healthy pike populations.
Conclusion
Fishing in Southwest Michigan is fun and full of great memories. When you stay at Michigan Family Retreats, you get a cozy home near these lakes. You have access to kayaks, canoes and a private dock. You can relax in a hot tub after a long day on the water. We make sure your trip is easy.
Book your stay today and plan your fishing trip at Michigan Family Retreats.
