Smallmouth Bass fishing at Kawkawlin River

Spring puts smallmouth bass in skinny water — 2 to 8 ft is the zone. Summer fish stay in 2 to 8 ft, and winter fish hold in 2 to 8 ft. Riffle & run (mile 0.1) is the standout, a rock pile at roughly 6 ft, rated prime for spring smallmouth bass. Plan around early morning and the evening in the warm months. A drop shot (goby/minnow) or a ned rig covers the summer program.

Walleye fishing at Kawkawlin River

Early season walleye use the shallows, holding in 2 to 8 ft. Even in summer they hold at 2 to 8 ft; winter keeps them in 2 to 8 ft. Put Riffle & run (mile 0.1) first on the milk run — a rock pile near 6 ft that grades prime for spring. In summer the feeding windows fall in the evening and early morning. Tie on a crawler harness on bottom bouncer or a deep crankbait (trolled) and you're in the game.

Northern Pike fishing at Kawkawlin River

Spring puts northern pike in skinny water — 2 to 8 ft is the zone. Summer fish stay in 2 to 8 ft, and winter fish hold in 2 to 8 ft. Plan around early morning and the evening in the warm months. A bucktail or a weedless spoon over cabbage covers the summer program.

Channel Catfish fishing at Kawkawlin River

In spring, channel catfish run shallow here, mostly 2 to 8 ft. Summer keeps them at 2 to 8 ft, and they winter in 2 to 8 ft. Fish it in after dark and the evening and you'll meet the bite.

Rock Bass fishing at Kawkawlin River

When the water first warms, rock bass slide up into 2 to 8 ft. There's no big seasonal slide here — summer means 2 to 8 ft, winter 2 to 8 ft. Start at Riffle & run (mile 0.1). It's a rock pile holding about 6 ft of water and rates prime come spring. The feeding windows run the evening. Keep a ned rig (small) or a marabou jig rigged through the warm months.

Yellow Perch fishing at Kawkawlin River

Spring yellow perch on Kawkawlin River hold shallow, usually 2 to 8 ft. Depth-wise the year is flat: 2 to 8 ft in summer, 2 to 8 ft once it turns cold. The feeding windows run early morning. The summer box starts with a drop-shot micro plastics or a small spoon tipped with worm.

How deep is Kawkawlin River?

Kawkawlin River is about 8 ft (2 m) deep at its deepest point. The depth chart here comes from real state fisheries GPS surveys, so the contours reflect measured depths.

What fish are in Kawkawlin River?

Anglers target smallmouth bass, walleye, northern pike, channel catfish, rock bass, yellow perch, bluegill, common carp on Kawkawlin River. This isn't a survey of the water — none is published for it — but an informed estimate from the species common to the region, narrowed by this water's depth, size and each species' range.

Where is the best fishing spot on Kawkawlin River?

Riffle & run (mile 0.1) is the top-rated area: a rock pile in about 6 ft of water that rates prime for smallmouth bass in spring. The map above holds the full rated-spot list for every species and season.

When is the best time to fish Kawkawlin River?

For smallmouth bass, the summer bite is best in early morning and the evening. Each species page section below lists the seasonal windows, and the map shows a live NOW badge when you're inside one.

What are the fishing regulations for Kawkawlin River?

Fishing on Kawkawlin River is regulated by the Michigan DNR. Check the official Michigan regulations for current license requirements, season dates, and size and bag limits — special regulations can apply to this specific water.