Known locally as “St. Joe,” this city is nestled in the southwest corner of Michigan, right along Lake Michigan’s eastern shoreline. It’s the perfect place to begin your Great Lakes adventure, as there’s a whopping variety of St. Joseph fishing charters to choose from. You’ll also be able to explore other prolific waterways, such as the Paw Paw and St. Joseph Rivers. Grab your rods and reels – it’s time to get your fish on in the Great Lake State!
If you’re visiting St. Joe, chances are you’ll end up casting a line in Lake Michigan. The season kicks off in April, when you’ll be able to hook into Chinook and Coho Salmon, Steelhead, and Brown Trout. Lake Trout, Perch, and Steelhead show up mid-summer, and the lake is bustling with all these creatures in fall.
The St. Joseph’s river is the perfect place to cast a line when you can’t get out on the lake, but it’s also an impressive fishery in its own right. You can fish here year-round for Walleye, Steelhead, Crappie, Brown Trout, Salmon varieties, and Bass. You can also head to the meeting point of the St. Joseph’s and Paw Paw Rivers, where you can try wading. Here, you can catch Smallmouth Bass, Steelhead, Salmon, and Trout.
You’ll find local fishing charters dotted all around St. Joseph, especially along the lakefront. Local guides run trips that last anywhere from four hours out on the water to a full day of angling action, so you’ll find something that perfectly suits your skill level and personal preferences!
Rules & Regulations
All anglers aged 17 and above need to purchase a Michigan fishing license before casting a line in St. Joseph. Certain species, like Trout and Salmon varieties, are subject to specific regulations, and require you to purchase a Great Lakes Salmon/Trout Stamp, too.