Michigan

[Gaines'BowBum]

Taking a family reunion vacation to Coldwater, MI. Going to try and go fishing at least one day. I know about the fishing in the northern half (Au Sable, Pere Marquete), but cant really make it that far :bang: . I'm looking for a stream,hopefully, within 2 or 2 and half hours from So. Cen. Michigan. Anything would be appreciated.
--Alex

[S.Trutta]

Hey, my family lives in Kalamazoo, so I know that area pretty well. I would suggest the Rogue River, just north of Grand Rapids. It won't be a long drive at all, and it has lots of stocked bows and browns, along with some better size holdover browns and the occasional summer skamania steelhead. There are also a few small wild streams that I love even closer, including Spring brook and Rice creek (I believe this to be the closest to Coldwater). If you want to try and hang some nice smallmouth, try the Kalamazoo or better yet, the Grand River. I would contact Great Lakes Flyshop (about 5 mins from the Rogue) they are a great shop, very helpful, and can get you on some fish in that area. http://www.troutmoor.net/ 8460 Algoma Ave NE
Rockford, MI 49341

Phone: (616) 866-6060
Toll-Free: (800) 303-0567

Email: glffc@troutmoor.net

Shop Hours:
10-7 Monday - Friday
10-6 Saturay & Sunday

They can hook you up with flies , my dad has been fishing pretty much exclusively dries lately and doing very well. Let me know if you need any more detailed info.

Rich

[Gaines'BowBum]

Rich I appreciate the info. I'm going to be wading, does the Rogue offer decent holes that can be reached without a boat?? When you say close, about how far is the Rogue from Coldwater?? Thanks alot bro'
--Alex

[Jackster]

Man, you're putting yourself smack-dab in the middle of a troutless area!
If you head west to the St. Joseph River there are skamania (summer run) steelhead in there. They aren't the easiest fish to catch but if you do it will be a catch you won't soon forget! These fish have vineger for blood and like to try and fly! The river is tough to wade though. Unless you know the few spots wadeable it's best to look up a guide and boat it.
There are also a few small streams around Kalamazoo that hold trout, but they get hit pretty hard and are a far cry from nice looking.
Other than that, S. Trutta steered you right. Depending on when you're going, there are some mighty fine hatches (BIG dry's!) and fish on the Muskegon, a bit north of the Rogue.
If at all humanly possible, especially if you haven't been there, try to make it to Grayling. On the east you have the Ausable, to the west the Manistee. Both excellent trout waters with tons of public access.

[Jackster]

Just thought of another option... small mouth!
The Huron River near and around Ann Arbor is very close to Coldwater and is wader friendly. Access is easy too. Do a Google of Huron/Clinton Metro Parks for info.
The Kalamazoo River in Kazoo holds some righteous smallies too.