University of Michigan

College Ambassador: Miles Bollman

Species
 
Bass: Largemouth and smallmouth bass can be caught throughout the state. Float or hit the banks of the Huron, or hit some of the local lakes. Kayaks and canoes can be rented at Argo Park.

Northern Pike: Northern Pike can be caught all over the state, they are also found right off campus, in the Huron River.

Chinook (King) Salmon: These Salmon get massive, and when they swim upriver to spawn they are plentiful. If you go to U of M and are an angler, make it a point to go up north for the salmon run - you won’t forget it.

Trout: Rainbows, Browns, and Brookies can all be caught around the state. The larger rivers up north are a great place to start; however, don’t overlook the small tributaries and offshoots. The state fish is the Brook Trout, make sure to bring your light tackle!
 
 
Accessibility
 
Huron River: This is the closest fishing access you can find on campus. A short walk from downtown Ann Arbor puts you in a great position to catch smallmouth and largemouth bass as well as Northern Pike, Blue Gill, and more. There are opportunities to wade or fish from the bank, but the best way to do it is to rent or bring your own kayak or canoe.

Pere Marquette River: The three-hour drive to this river is a bit of a haul from campus, but if you can make it for the salmon run, it is well worth your while. It is best to hit the salmon run in the earlier half of the season. On any given September day on the Pere Marquette, you can find yourself with 20+ monster King Salmon. Browns and Brooke trout can be found in the PM, as well as its tributaries. Fishing the PM in the fall also offers an excellent chance to see the leaves changing colors if you haven’t experienced a true “Fall” season. It is best to float this river, but there are certainly opportunities to wade the river, as well. Launching around the Baldwin, Michigan area is a good place to start.

Great Lakes: There is excellent fishing in all of the great lakes if you or a friend has a boat to give you accessibility.
 
Honorable Mention: Au Sable River, Manistee River, Muskegon River. If you have any kind of transportation, definitely check these out.
 
 
Community 
 
Michigan is one of the ultimate states to live in for the avid outdoorsman. Between the Upper Peninsula and Southern Michigan, there are countless opportunities to have a world-class fishing or hunting experience. While it may be hard to find other outdoorsmen at the University of Michigan, there is a small portion of students who will be willing to meet you before class on the Huron or take a weekend trip to the Au Sable. If you can get plugged into one of the fishing or hunting clubs on campus, or a local Trout Unlimited or Ducks Unlimited Chapter, you will find someone willing to help you.
 
General Note
 
Michigan is a large state with no shortage of water to cover; however, without a car or boat/kayak, you might be limited in your opportunities. If you are limited in terms of transportation, the Huron will be your best option. But, if you or a friend have a means of transportation, your options are endless.
 
Hangouts/Shops
 
Schultz Outfitters: Shultz Outfitters is located in Ypsilanti, Michigan, about ten miles from campus, and is the place to go for any of your fishing needs. They have you covered for all fly and conventional fishing gear. Schultz’s offers guided fishing trips and hosts events and classes to teach anglers about casting, tying, and fishing the area. The team at Schultz’s is very informative and more than equipped to answer your questions.