where to go

[mriversinco]

Just got a new boat (new to me at least), and haven't been on the big lake in years. I was wondering where to go? I know St. Joe and area are hot, but would rather only drive an hour (muskegon, GH, Whitehall) for the first trip. Any ideas?

Thanks

Mike

[GLF]

Welcome aboard Mike. Of the 3 you listed, I would fish Grand Haven, and fish in the mud.

[Nailer]

Welcome Mike. You may want to finish filling out your profile. You only want to drive a hour from where?

The fishing get's good here in West Michigan around the first of May.

[Katrina Seath]

Hi Mike. I am also new to this site.

Last week, I asked where I should go also, and a lot of people recommended St Joe. I live up by Cedar Springs/Sand Lake area, and at first, I thought that was going to be a long drive. But, let me tell you, it is well worth the drive. Within just a few hours, we had 8 coho!! I'm going to try to go down again this Saturday. But, so far, the waves look like they might be a bit high. Hopefully they die down by the weekend.

It's up to you where you decide to go. Good luck and let us know how you do.

[Adam Bomb]

Welcome aboard....good luck this weekend wherever you decide to go.

[Paulywood]

If you are fine with fish in lower numbers than any of the places you mentioned would be fine. Fish in shallow (5-25') and look for temp changes from creeks. If you want a better chance at some numbers then head down to St. Joe. Now, there is no guarantee but the odds of catching more fish are a lot better farther south. I'm not sure what you consider a long drive. It takes me 3 hours to get to St. Joe but I plan on being there friday and saturday.

[Priority1]

Mike, Welcome aboard.

[DIRTY DOG]

If you dont want to drive to st.joe , I would go to grand haven and make a few passes in front of the peirs and then make your way south down the beech in 5 to 15 fow looking for browns .

also port sheldon is a great brown trout port and do the same .

[mriversinco]

Thanks for all the replies. I was thinking of keeping the drive shorter for the first trip, but might have to think about St. Joe. My original thought was to go Whitehall, Montague and if the big lake is rough there's always perch.

[Nailer]

Thanks for all the replies. I was thinking of keeping the drive shorter for the first trip, but might have to think about St. Joe. My original thought was to go Whitehall, Montague and if the big lake is rough there's always perch.

Muskegon is not a bad drive from Rockford. There should be plenty of stained water coming out of the Muskegon River. You may even get a bonus Walleye.