Where to Fish in South Haven: 5 Easy-Access Spots for Shore Anglers
An Easy Outing For Young Anglers
South Haven offers plenty of convenient places to fish without even getting in a boat!
Grab your gear, pick a spot, and enjoy a day on the water with easy access to some of South Haven's best shore fishing opportunities.
Easy-Access Fishing Spots in South Haven
The Piers
Fish where the Black River meets Lake Michigan from the North and South Piers. This is South Haven's most popular shore fishing location for perch, bass, catfish, steelhead, trout, and seasonal salmon. Early morning and evening are often the most productive times.
Cast A Line Along The Harborwalk
Tracing the Black River channel from downtown toward Lake Michigan and extending to both piers, the South Haven Harborwalk provides several easy fishing opportunities. Anglers regularly cast along the seawalls. When fishing along a seawall, cast parallel to the shoreline and target corners, pilings, and shaded areas where fish often gather to ambush bait.
Black River Park
Black River Park offers a dedicated fishing platform, a free carry-in launch for kayaks and canoes, and convenient access to the Black River. To reach the launch, follow Dyckman Avenue to the park entrance and look for the large willow tree along the riverbank. Parking is free outside the pay gate.
After a day on the water, anglers can take advantage of the free public fish cleaning station, featuring ADA-accessible cleaning tables, fish waste grinders, spray hoses, power outlets for electric knives, a fish scaler, and a cooler-cleaning area.
SHOUT Park Fishing Pier - 625 Dunkley Ave
Located near Black River, SHOUT Park offers a dedicated fishing pier and easy access for anglers of all ages. It's a quieter alternative to the piers and a great place to introduce kids to fishing.
Kal-Haven Trail River Access
Several sections of the trail follow the Black River and provide walk-up access to quieter stretches of water. It's a good option for anglers targeting bass, panfish, catfish, and seasonal river runs while enjoying a scenic walk or bike ride.
Practice Your Fishing Skills While Camping!
Kal-Haven Outpost - Book Your Stay
A small catch-and-release pond in the shape of Michigan's Lower Peninsula gives kids a chance to cast a line close to camp. Families can also enjoy the playground, gem mining, bike rentals, camp store, and direct access to the Kal-Haven Trail, making it an easy basecamp for outdoor fun in South Haven.
Covert/South Haven KOA - Book Your Stay
Fishing is just one of many outdoor activities available at the Covert / South Haven KOA. The campground's stocked ponds offer a peaceful setting to spend an afternoon by the water, making it easy to enjoy a few casts between swimming, biking, pool, and other family-friendly campground activities.
More Camping & Places to Stay
Don't Forget To Land This Whopper!
The "Caught In South Haven" fish sculpture is located adjacent to the Friends Good Will Splash Pad and South Beach Cafe. If nothing's biting in the river, at least you can post for a photo "capturing" this behemoth!
