Grand River Coho Salmon Fishing

As summer winds down and thoughts turn to fall, area sport anglers often turn their attention to the Grand River. September is prime time for salmon runs. The city’s downtown fishery draws anglers from all over Michigan who come looking for an exciting urban fishing experience.

What’s not to love about hooking a coho salmon, also called silver salmon? They’re known for their aggressive nature and willingness to strike baits, and the orange-red meat beneath their silvery skin is excellent table fare. The much larger chinook salmon – typically 20-30 pounds – puts up an even bigger battle, and is guaranteed to provide a memorable angling adventure. 

State fisheries experts say the Grand River’s fall runs can bring thousands of coho salmon through the Grand Rapids’ riverfront on their journey upstream to spawn. Far fewer of the big chinooks are expected these days because fewer have been raised at state hatcheries and stocked in recent years.

Timing is Everything

You’ll want to head to the Grand River when conditions are right.

“The biggest thing about timing is water temperature. If temperatures are in the 60s the fish will come upstream,” explains Jay Wesley, a fisheries biologist and the state’s Lake Michigan Basin coordinator with the Michigan Department of Natural Resources. “If it’s really warm, they will delay… based on historical data we get at Webber Dam (upstream from Grand Rapids), the first peak (of the coho run) typically is in mid to late September. We get a second peak during the first two weeks of November. They come and move through fairly quickly.

Anglers need to move fast when they do. A great way to check the status of the runs is the DNR’s weekly online weekly fishing report.

“The chinooks start running in late September and peak in October. Our chinook run on the Grand River is now much smaller than it was in the 1970s and 1980s, but the fall runs also include steelhead. Summer-run steelheads are in the river in September and a Michigan strain runs late in September, but the peak of the fall steelhead run is typically mid-November.”

The agency stocks the Grand River annually with young coho salmon. The Rogue River, a tributary of the Grand in Rockford, 20 minutes north of Grand Rapids, also receives an annual plant.

Prime Fishing Spots

“The best spot to fish salmon is at the Sixth St. Dam in downtown Grand Rapids,” Wesley said. “If people are new to the area and don’t want to battle the crowds at the dam, there is also good fishing downstream where there are places people can wade when the water is lower, or they can cast from shore.

“The second best spot is up on the Rogue River. It’s a smaller river system and is easier to wade and has a wilder character. It is also (relatively) close to downtown.”

Sixth St. Dam is the first major barrier for salmon making their long journey inland from Lake Michigan. That’s where they and anglers congregate. A fish ladder at Fish Ladder Park on the west bank allows them to find their way upstream to spawning locations.

Fish Ladder Park is also a great location to watch others fish or get a look at the salmon as they try to leap the dam or swim through the ladder following the current. Fishing is not allowed there but anglers use the walkway to access the river on the west bank.

Getting Started

Looking for a bit of instruction before you tackle your first salmon run? Consider charting a fishing guide. Werkman Outfitters, Big River Outfitters, Chrome Outfitters, Nomad Anglers and West Michigan Guide Service are among the local companies offering guided fishing trips on area rivers. Catering to anglers of all skill levels, they’ll provide all the gear you need along with expert advice and assistance. The seasoned pros staffing their boats know the best methods and spots for maximizing your catch, so you’ll improve your fishing skill and likely enjoy a more productive and rewarding experience. A charter fishing expedition can make a great group activity, too.

Werkman Outfitters and Nomad Anglers also sell everything you need for solo fishing in their Ada and Grand Rapids shops, respectively. Nomad offers classes in different fishing techniques species fishing. Other local fishing supply stores include Bill & Paul’s Sporthaus,  Brenner’s Bait and Auto (Comstock Park), Great Lakes Fly Fishing Company (Rockford) Outdoorsmen Pro Shop (Jenison) and Orvis (Breton Village Mall).

A state fishing license is required to fish in Michigan if you are 17 years or older. An all-species fishing license is currently $26 for Michigan residents and $76 for non-residents. The license is valid from March 1 of a given year through March 31 of the following year. They are available at Meijer stores, local bait and tackle shops and online.

May the fish be with you this fall!