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Bass Fishing at Paw Paw River
How
to catch bass in Paw Paw Michigan
Paw
Paw River runs through Kalamazoo, St. Joseph, Michigan, Lake Michigan,
Mottville, Constantine, Colon, and makes up Berrien Springs Dam,
Buchanan Dam, Niles Dam, Sturgis Dam, and Union Lake.
Fortunately,
I live in the surrounding areas and know the waters well.
The
anglers, I am familiar with fish at this river and have caught a
wide selection of small and large bass.
The
residential fish include the largemouth, smallmouth bass, walleye,
channel catfish, northern pike, carp, panfish, etc.
In
the winter and summer months you will catch steelhead, brown trout,
lake trout, Coho, Chinook salmon, and brook trout.
Steelhead
also flocks during late summer and spring. The river flows over
more than 710 miles.
Paw
Paw River is a distant warm water environment. You will find dams
along the river in various areas. In the lower sections, cast your
line from the shore, since wading at various intersections is stressful.
Berrien
Springs has a few spots around the area that provide you a boat
launch channel. Otherwise, you can access the lake along dams and
bridges near roadways.
Bass
fishing at Paw Paw River is a common adventure, yet anglers must
abide by restricted guidelines laid out by Michigan governing bodies.
Limits
are stipulated in Michigan’s salmon fishing guidelines. Learn more.
Paw
Paw River is accessible all year. However, black bass fishing during
the first day in January and the last Saturday prior to Memorial
Day, you must release the bass.
Along
the inland waterways of Paw Paw River, you will spot smallmouth
bass, rock bass, and a few walleyes and northern pike.
The
bass are noticeable at mainstream. Wading areas are spotted throughout
the inland waterways therefore bring your waders.
Paw
Paw River spreads through Watervliet Michigan also. The head dam
along the river is low, which attracts steelhead.
The
steelheads often swim upstream. As you move upstream, you may come
upon Coloma, Michigan and continue onto the two-minute Rivers near
St. Joseph River. St. Joseph River dips directly into Lake Michigan.
Fly
fishing takes place along these areas. Gallien River extends over
to one of Michigan’s popular beaches. The beach channels over to
the border of Michigan and Indiana.
Here
you will come across New Buffalo, which is only about one hour from
Chicago.
Throughout
this area, brown trout and steelhead run wild.
Continue
upstream you may want to cast your line near US-12, or move over
to the Black River. Actually, the Black River is on the opposite
side of New Buffalo, i.e. the river flows through South Haven, Michigan,
which is the South Branch. South Haven River is at the mouth of
the St. Joseph River, and runs into Lake Michigan.
The
mid-branch is where cool water fish migrate. During hot days, you
may want to cast a line to catch smallmouth, largemouth, rock bass,
or related fish.
Paw
Paw River has a surplus of hiding spots for bass. Along the river
are broken trees, fallen timber, boulders, rocky reefs, etc.
Along
these areas, you will likely find a selection of bass. Some areas
are weedy, which bass flock in these areas as well. In clear water,
you likely will find the summer-run, steelheads, etc.
The big catch is at Lake Michigan, or on the St. Joseph River.
You
can use boats in this area. Guidelines are set up at beach areas,
so be sure to follow the rules. Michigan is notorious for cracking
down on unlawful acts.
Silver
Beach is a popular area to catch large fish as well. To learn more
about Michigan bass fishing you will need a huge book, since Michigan
has the largest body of water around.
TIP: Take a trip to Cedar River where the largemouth bass swim.
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