September on the Grand River means that the coho, kings, and steelhead will be showing up. Usually, a cold front comes through the last week of August or first week of September that cools the lake shore water temperatures down enough to bring in the silver fish from the big lake. They will usually hang out by the pier heads in Grand Haven for a couple of days and then some will head on up towards Grand Rapids. The best spot to intercept the salmon and migratory trout this time of year is around the 6th Street Dam. The fish usually fly through the lower Grand River, and the dams in Grand Rapids temporarily stop them until they find their way through the fish ladder. Lots of guys will float bobbers and spawn through the runs up near the dam or in the boils at the face of the dam. Casting spinners or crankbaits in chrome, gold, and fluorescent colors is another good way to grab their attention. Work the deeper water with your baits and hold on! Fly fishing is a popular way to fish, swinging streamers or indy fishing with egg patterns is a good way to get into some steel, browns, or salmon. Once a big push of fish has gone through Grand Rapids it can pay off to go exploring the upstream areas of the Grand River and its tributaries.
Although the warm water species usually take a backseat for most when the salmon show up there is still some great bass fishing up and down the Grand. Pitching spinners, tubes, craws, crankbaits, and worms can keep you pretty busy if you find the right spots to fish. Most of the bass are on the smaller side, but you can usually catch at least a handful of good ones if you are throwing what they want for the day.
Walleye fishing can be good as well this time of year. Drifting crawlers along the bottom or under floats will catch walleye. Casting crankbaits or trolling crankbaits is another good way to find yourself a meal of walleye. Shad raps, Smithwicks, hot n tots, and husky jerks are good baits to try out. There are lots of other species as well to target. There are northern pike, gar pike, carp, suckers, catfish, and more. Get on out and enjoy some great fishing while the weather is still nice.
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