Southwest Michigan Steelheaders

09/18/2026

🎣 Big update on the issues affecting our fishery

We just refreshed our Lake Michigan issues page with the latest on the five things your MSSFA leadership is tracking right now — and there's real movement to report.

The Consumers Energy dam sale decision got pushed to November 9, HB 5093 (the bill that funds DNR Fisheries) is losing Republican support in the House, the Brandon Road carp barrier is back under construction but the shutdown was never explained, and the 2027 Chinook stocking cuts are still being negotiated with Wisconsin.

We've also posted the full "Lake and the Ledger" chapter briefing — an in-depth look at the science, the funding fight, the tribal consent decree, and what you can actually do about any of it.

None of these decisions get made in our favor if we stay quiet. Take five minutes, read up, and if you only do one thing this month: contact your state rep about HB 5093, or comment on the dam sale case before November 9.

👉 Full details here: https://swmisteelheaders.com/mssfa/

— Alan Douville, President, SW Michigan Steelheaders

MSSFA Issues Awareness Five Things Putting Our Lake Michigan Fishery at Risk Right Now Before you dig into the latest Great Lakes Sport Fishing News below, here’s what your Southwest Michigan Steelheaders leadership is watching. As President Alan Douville put it in this issue, “we are facing a c...

09/16/2026

🎣 Fresh Fishing Report is up, members!

Kings are staging in the river and waiting on one thing — rain — and guess what's in today's forecast? We pulled real thermocline data off the Cook buoy this week too, and it lines up perfectly with where the boats have been finding fish. Plus a heads-up on some weekend wind you'll want to plan around.

Head to the Members section for the full rundown — depths, lures, solunar windows, and what it all means for how you fish today.

Tight lines! 🐟

09/10/2026

Thanks to our new members so far in September!
Cody Sposato
Mitch Maurer
Sara Kroboth
Adam Kanczuzski

Thanks to our member renewals so far as well ...
Steve Keres
Jimmy Mawhinney
Eric Becker

09/03/2026

🚨 Our Lake Michigan fishery is facing more threats right now than it has in years.

A private equity firm wants to buy 13 Michigan dams. A bill that funds the DNR's Fisheries Division is stuck in Lansing. An invasive carp barrier keeps stopping and starting just miles from the lake. Salmon stocking cuts are on the table for 2027. And decisions about who gets a share of this resource are being made right now — with or without anglers in the room.

We put together a page tracking all five of these issues in plain language, with sources, so our members can stay informed and know when to speak up: 🔗 https://swmisteelheaders.com/mssfa/

None of this gets decided without pressure from people who fish these waters. If you're not a member yet, now's a good time to change that — your voice (and your dues) help us stay at the table when it matters: 🔗 https://swmisteelheaders.com/membership/

The quality of fishing reflects the quality of living. Let's fight for it.

08/16/2026

If you make it out to the fair stop by and see one our great sponsors! If you see Mike say thanks for his support and check out his rod selection

It's going to be an amazing week at the Berrien County Youth Fair! Stop by our booth in Building #36 starting tomorrow at 11am - we'll be there Monday through Saturday, open until close! Get an ice rod or panfish rod, buy a gift certificate for a loved one, chat with Mike, and sign up for our email list so you'll be the first to know about upcoming specials, sales, and events! WE CAN'T WAIT to see you.

08/15/2026

08/15/2026

Fishing is on fire right now! We are seeing some big fish come to the scales for the big fish contest. The Frazier boys brought 4 nice ones to TACKLE HAVEN yesterday. Oldest boy weighing a massive 18.9 lake trout! And his younger brother brought in a heck of a one day combo with a 16.9 lake trout 12.75 king and 7.15 steelhead! Great job guys! Get your kids out fishing the smiles are priceless and the memories last a lifetime.

On your way to the lake don’t forget to stop in to one of our great tackle stores to get that hot bait to put you on the big one!

07/20/2026

Getting the next generation involved in fishing has always been a goal for the steelheaders, through salmon in the class room to just getting them on the water. Nothing beats the smiles when they catch their first monster fish! So for this post let’s see those kids pics with their catches!

Today starts our week long entry for the Sport Track Physical Therapy and Human Performance Fish pic of the month contest!

This is our way of showing appreciation to all the fishermen and fisherwoman that make this club/fishery in St Joe so amazing.

We will be going live next Wednesday to select a random member for the monthly $50 gift card to one of our great local tackle stores TACKLE HAVEN, ClearH2O Tackle, Charlie's Fishin Hole

How it works

Must be an active SWMI Steelheader to win. You can sign up/ renew @

https://swmisteelheaders.com/membership/

✅ share and like this original post

✅ comment your Fish Pic and any details about your catch, we all love a good fish story!

✅ tag two of your fishing buddies in your comment

✅ tune in next Monday as we go live to randomly select a member to win the $50 gift card

Let’s see them fish pics! Let’s build this page and our club to help create the best fisheries we can here in South West Michigan!

We are adding a little twist this month, the kid pic with the most likes get a a free spinning rod and reel combo donated by In the Box Fishing Charters. So let’s see those smiles, and big fish!

07/14/2026

Salmon are snapping, Members only fishing report will tell you where! Tight Lines

07/13/2026

🎣🌊 Ladies, It's Your Time to Shine on Lake Michigan! 🌊🎣

The Women's Fishing Tournament in Honor of Bernie Benson is coming up on Saturday, July 18th, and we encourage all anglers to come out and support one of Southwest Michigan's great fishing traditions!

Whether you're a seasoned tournament angler or looking for a fun day on the water with family and friends, this event is all about great fishing, great camaraderie, and celebrating the women of the Lake Michigan fishing community.

✅ Depart from the Port of St. Joseph�✅ Fishing begins at 6:30 AM�✅ Weigh-in at The Sand Bar by 2:30 PM�✅ Minimum of 2 women per boat�✅ $75 per boat entry fee

💵 Tournament entries can be dropped off at Tackle Haven or The Fishin Hole.
�⏰ Entry deadline is Friday, July 17th at 6:00 PM.

Let's fill the lake with boats, make some memories, and see who brings the biggest fish to the scales! Whether you're fishing for the trophy, the bragging rights, or just a fun day on Lake Michigan, we hope to see a fantastic turnout.

The Southwest Michigan Steelheaders wish all participants the very best of luck!

🐟 Tight Lines!�🏆 Fish Hard!�🎣 Have Fun!