Michigan State University

College Ambassador: Ian Shriner

Species                        

Bass: There are countless ponds, rivers, and lakes that are close to campus that you can hop in a car and take a quick drive to catch Smallmouth and Largemouth along the shores or out of a kayak or canoe if you bring one. 

Rainbow Trout: There are some stellar Rainbow opportunities in the near vicinity of campus that offer some superior trout opportunities especially if you can get in with someone with a drift boat!                        

Panfish: Many small lakes in the area of Michigan State campus offer great panfish opportunities especially once the ice gets safe enough to walk on. Or catch these fish on their beds in the spring as they bed close to shore and offer a fun way to take your mind off of schoolwork.                        

Northern Pike: The supply of ponds, and lakes close to campus also offer great Pike fishing as these monsters patrol the ledges and breaks searching for their next meal. 

Walleye: Michigan and the Great Lakes offer world-class Walleye fishing. The smaller lakes surrounding the campus have these fish roaming the depths but are a bit harder to catch. Catch one of these and you have something to brag about!                        

Salmon: The Great Lakes are known for the salmon fishery in the lakes and rivers in the fall. Being in Lansing you are in the middle and can drive a couple hours either east or west and fish the rivers that dump into the lakes or pierheads for staging Kings and trout in the fall months. I myself caught the offshore salmon bug and got into a great fishing team out of South Haven by just fishing on the pierhead and talking to other fishermen. There are always people willing to take college kids out offshore on a salmon trip!                        
Where To Fish
                       
Red Cedar River: The rumor around campus is you can catch Rainbows in the spring and fall in the Red Cedar that runs directly through campus. They are a rare catch but a true trophy if you have one of these drag screamers on the end of your line. The river also holds Bass and Pike and is a great walking spot to go on campus and get your mind off school for a bit!        

Lake Lansing: This lake holds a good structure for Bass, Pike, Panfish, and Walleye. The lake is about 10 minutes outside of campus and offers some great ice-fishing opportunities too. Just keep an eye on ice thickness! There is public access on this lake making it easy to drop a canoe, kayak, or boat and start catching fish!                        

Grand River: The Grand River is another close-to-campus opportunity that holds Pike, Bass, Walleye, Panfish, and the occasional trout.                    

Hawk Island Community Park: This is a go-to spot for the anglers of the Michigan State Fishing Club as it is close to campus and offers good areas to cast for some decent-sized Bass opportunities.                        

Fishing Community    
                   
Michigan boasts fantastic fishing opportunities, especially for avid and new anglers alike attending Michigan State. The campus hosts a dynamic fishing club, providing incredible chances to explore the waters alongside a fantastic group of individuals. Connecting with fellow anglers who share a similar passion is effortless, and some of my most memorable fishing partners are fellow students at the college.

Hangouts

The fishing club is a great place to hang out and talk fishing. Located in the Natural Resource Center on Tuesday. There is also an Orvis tackle shop outside of campus in Okemos that offers a small place to check out gear and talk to some of the locals who also fish in the area. You can find information on the Fishing Club at Michigan State on Instagram at michiganstatefishing or email at msufishclub@gmail.com.