Big Rapids Fishing

[hunt master]

Hi, I'm new to the Big Rapids area. I just started attending Ferris State University and I'm trying to find some places to fish down here. I brought some basic stuff and was wondering if anyone could give me any information on where some good places to shore fish are. I found a few small lakes and spots on the river to try but I'm looking for a few better spots for bass or maybe some pike. Any information would be appreciated.

[loweboats]

I went to Ferris from 2001-2006. Go Bulldogs! I fished all over from the Muskegon to Haymarsh, Chippewa lake and canadian lakes. Your best bet would be out at Haymarsh. The lake is absolutely filled with pike. There isnt much size to them, but then again, there is no size limit on the lake. Look into the Ferris State Sportsmens club.

[Bender16v]

I've been working a lot in Big Rapids recently and rather than sit in the hotel in the evenings I've been out scouting around for fishing spots. The best shore fishing I found is on the south end of Rogers Pond. There is a public fishing pier on the west side of the dam, but you need to go to the east side. Go just past the dam and take a left on to Lincoln go to the stop sign at 190th and take a left, then take another left at 10 mile and go to the end. There is a public fishing area there with parking and a restroom. If you go below the dam there are trails all along the river, I went down about 1/4 mile. Then there are also a lot of trails around the lake that I ran out of time exploring. In the short time I was there I had 3 smallies right there by the dam.
Map (http://tinyurl.com/6kmebl)
I brought my boat last time I came up and hit Hardy and Clear Lake just east of town.

[GMONEY]

i would go with Chippewa, many different species, smallies, largemouth, walleye, pike, crappie, gills........been fishing there for years......a little tough on weekends with all the pleasure boaters though:)

[Biggsy]

Good Bass, Pike and Walleye fishing bottom side of Rogers dam. There is a parking lot right there and fish as close as you can get to the dam. I've done great there with walleye minnows fishing off the bottom casting right along the wall toward the dam. Some huge bass in there. If you can get out to the little peninsula there, there is some great crappie fishing with perch minnows. Good luck it's a great area with lots of good fishing and hunting. Go Bulldogs. :fish: