Grand Rapids was chosen as the sixth best fishing city in America by Field and Stream Magazine in 2006, and with good reason. With the Grand River cutting through its center, the Rouge and Thornapple Rivers winding along its boarders, and numerous other tributaries and bodies of water in the surrounding area, Grand Rapids is an anglers dream; straight out of fishing heaven. With so many available fishing spots, where is the best place to go to catch that lunker, fill that bag limit, or just go for a relaxing day of drowning worms? If it is a guided trip you are interested in, that too can be arranged as the Grand Rapids area is home to some of the best guides and outfitters available. Here is the who, where, and what of fishing in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

Guides and Guidance

Tbn Outfitters, located at 736 Bridge Street, is your one-stop fishing headquarters. They offer a wide selection of gear and bait, knowledgeable guides, information on the hottest spots and what's working where, and taxidermy; for mounting that trophy catch.

Just north of Grand Rapids, at the intersection of 10 mile Road and Algoma Avenue, near the Rouge River, is the Great Lakes Fly Fishing Company. Anything you need or want for fly fishing, fly tying, or finding the fish to catch can be found at this top notch fly fishing mecca.

Powers Outdoor Adventures, 65 S. Main Street in Rockford, specializes in outdoor excursions that travel by canoe and kayak. Their guides are highly skilled in the traversing the areas waterways and in knowing where the fish are during any given season. Their events are very popular and fill up quickly, so call and book reservations well in advance.

Hot Spots

The Grand River has long been known to local anglers as a home to very large small mouth bass, some even into the 20 inch range. Throughout the river, and many of its tributaries, lurk Walleye, Pike, various species of Catfish and Carp providing many angling opportunities. During spawning times the Grand River is teeming with Coho and Chinook salmon, as well as Steelhead, Lake and Brown Trout. In the downtown area, some of the best fishing can be accomplished just below the Sixth Street Dam (salmon), at Ah-Nab-Awen Park (bass), and near the Ann Street bridge (catfish).

The Rouge River, north of Grand Rapids from Rockford to Comstock Park, provides fantastic trout fishing with a multitude of access points. There is a canoe livery in downtown Rockford set and ready to supply your river adventure needs.

The area rivers and streams are so abundant with fish that it is easy to forget the area lakes are typically fishing hot spots, as well. Pickerel Lake Park, on Ramsdell Road in Canonsburg, is prime perch fishing year round. Complete with boardwalk, trails, and restrooms this is a great fishing spot

From rivers to lakes to man-made ponds, beginners and seasoned anglers all agree, fishing in Grand Rapids and the surrounding area is year-round, all-around, good fun with great rewards. Big fish and even bigger fish stories are plentiful, companionship is readily available, and solitude is comfortably acceptable. Come wet your line and spend some time fishing in Grand Rapids.

Learn more about this author, Wendy Lafond.
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