If you have your own boat,
you'll be able to fish four separate stretches of river, depending on
where the run is when you get here. The launches for each stretch are
all fairly close (see map thumbnails):
Open Water (Lake Michigan proper)
Drive to nearest launch --------
About 20 minutes
Lower River (Lake Michigan to Berrien
Springs)
Drive to launch -------------------
About 3 minutes
Middle River (Berrien Springs to Buchanan)
Drive to launch -------------------
Less than 10 minutes
Upper River (Buchanan to Niles)
Drive to launch -------------------
About 15 minutes
Indiana Stretch (Niles to South Bend)
Drive to launch -------------------
About 15 minutes
If you plan on wading, you'll be
restricted to public fishing areas but don't let that bother you.
You'll catch fish. We can direct you to public fishing areas on all
stretches of river and Lake Michigan. Your shortest drive will be less
than 3 minutes. Your longest, about 20 minutes (there is one
longer possibility, but it's unlikely we'll send you there).
You are also welcome to fish the
river from cottage property during your stay but the location is mostly a
backwater better suited for panfish and swimming.
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| FISHING
LANDMARKS: |
. |
FISHING
LANDMARKS: |
| Indiana to
Lake Michigan |
|
Berrien
Springs Dam area |
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WHAT
YOU CAN CATCH
Depending on the time of year, you
can catch nice limits of any of the following species (to catch smallmouth and
pike, you'll pretty much need a boat):
-
Brown Trout
-
Chinook Salmon
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Coho Salmon
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Pike
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Skamania Trout
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Smelt
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Smallmouth Bass
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Steelhead Trout
-
Walleye
-
Yellow Perch
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GENERAL
FISHING CALENDAR.
| JANUARY,
FEBRUARY, MARCH |
| FREE
FISHING WEEKEND (no license needed) - FEB 16 & 17 |
| You'll be fishing one of the
hottest steelhead sites in the country: the Berrien Springs Dam on
the St. Joseph River in southwestern Michigan about 11 miles
upstream from the river's mouth (for the uninitiated, "steelhead"
= rainbow trout). Here in
southwestern Michigan, 5 - 10 lb rainbow trout are common with some
steelhead getting upwards of 20 lbs and more. Walleye can be had
until March 15. |
| . |
| APRIL,
MAY, JUNE |
| FREE
FISHING WEEKEND (no license needed) - JUN 7 & 8 |
| We'll likely be driving up to
fish Lake Michigan for brown trout, steelhead, and/or coho and chinook
salmon. We may find some decent fishing in the river from time to
time, in which case we'll stay close to the cottage and fish the dam.
We'll also see walleye fishing start up at the end of April. |
| . |
|
JULY,
AUGUST, SEPTEMBER |
|
Summer-run steelhead (skamania),
perch, and chinook will be our main catch. July will likely see us
at the dam, but August and September are generally at the Lake. |
| . |
|
OCTOBER,
NOVEMBER, DECEMBER |
|
Expect to fish the dam for
steelhead and maybe chinook. Walleye might also provide some good
angling. |
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BOOKING
A DATE
You don't necessarily have to pick
your dates now. There are certain times that are historically good, but
this can change from year to year due to weather and water conditions.
If you want to take your chances and book a weekend well in advance, we'll put
you down. You also have the option to watch the fishing reports on our
web site (updated every Thursday)
and call when you see the fishing is hot. The problem with this approach
is that you may not be the first to request that date. But we'll leave
the booking of your selected dates up to you.
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EQUIPMENT,
GEAR, & CLOTHING
If you're bringing your own
boat, bring your usual fishing gear and safety equipment. Make sure
your tackle can handle a 20-lb fish (or more) with an attitude. 12-lb
test is a popular line in these parts.
If you'll be wading, you can get
away with shorts and sneakers in the summer but you'll want WARM waders for
any winter steelheading. We'll be happy to give you some pointers on the
local techniques and we have guides available if you want one (additional
charges apply).
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OPTIONAL STEWARD
SERVICE
Weekend visitors will also have the option to make use of our 'tip-only'
steward service. Your steward will be at your beck and call after
you return from your day on the river. He'll fetch snacks,
beverages, hang your wet clothes, or run out to your vehicle to get
something you forgot. The steward will only be on-site if you
specifically request his services and other than any gratuity you may wish
to provide (he works for tips only), there are no additional charges for
this service.
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PICTURES
 |
 |
 |
|
ON-SITE
FISHING AREA - This is Lake Chapin, looking
downstream (north) to the Berrien Springs Dam.
That's the dam in the distance at center. |
|
|
ON-SITE
FISHING AREA - Another view of the on-site shoreline
fishing area available to visitors. You'll
catch anything from bluegill to trout and salmon. |
|
|
ON-SITE
FISHING AREA - Looking upstream (west) on the St.
Joseph River. This fishing site is a short
walk (about 200 yards) from the cottage. You
can also drive to within about 100 yards. |
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 |
 |
 |
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LIVING
ROOM - Will have couch, love seat, and recliner by
the time you show up for your visit. |
|
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KITCHEN
& DINING ROOM - This full kitchen is at your
disposal even when we're not there cooking for
you. The dining table you see will be stored
for larger parties and is being replaced by a
table large enough to seat 10. |
|
|
SCREENED
PORCH - When the weather cooperates, you can enjoy
insect-free relaxation, and even meals, on this
porch at the back of the house. |
|
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 |
 |
 |
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DOWNSTAIRS
BEDROOM - One of two bedrooms. Each bedroom
has a closet and dresser. |
|
|
UPSTAIRS
BEDROOM - One of two. Notice the L-wing at
left where another bed or bunk bed can be added for
larger parties. Both bedrooms have this
feature. |
|
|
UPSTAIRS
BEDROOM - Second bedroom. Shows bunk beds
available in all bedrooms if necessary to
accommodate your entire larger party. |
|
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 |
 |
 |
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DOWNSTAIRS
BATH - Full bath. |
|
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UPSTAIRS
BATH - Full bath. |
|
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BASEMENT
- Pending improvements include making this into the
'game room' with pool table, darts, TV, bar, and
working fireplace. Naturally, furniture
(couch, recliner, barstools, card table) will also
be added. |
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Call 2 6 9 - 8 4 5 - 2 3 5
4 with any questions.
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