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Kalamazoo River

Boat Ramps
23
Access Points
33
Species
37

The Kalamazoo River in Michigan offers anglers a diverse and rewarding fishing experience across its 178-mile length. Flowing through southwest Michigan and emptying into Lake Michigan at Saugatuck, this river supports a rich ecosystem with numerous fish species. While parts of the river have faced environmental challenges, the Kalamazoo provides excellent fishing opportunities for both experienced and novice anglers. The river's varied habitats—from shallow waters ideal for wading to deeper sections better accessed by boat—offer different fishing experiences throughout its course. With numerous access points, boat ramps, and fishing piers, the Kalamazoo River is accessible to all fishing enthusiasts seeking smallmouth bass, steelhead, and other species in a scenic Michigan setting.

Fish stocking schedule

Latest 5 stockings

  • Walleye54,588 fish · 1.3 inJun 10, 2026
  • Chinook Salmon124,672 fish · 3.6 inMay 9, 2026
  • Rainbow Trout23,212 fish · 7.7 inApr 3, 2026
  • Rainbow Trout3,611 fish · 7.1 inMay 6, 2025
  • Walleye2,650,000 fish · 0.1 inMay 1, 2025

Source

Michigan Department of Natural Resources

Updated Nov 13, 2026. Sizes are the length the agency reports. Dates are as precise as the agency reports them.

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Fishing spots, boat ramps & amenities

Learn how to get on Kalamazoo River. Uncover great fishing access points, boat ramps, and all the facilities you need for an unforgettable day on the water. Some locations shown may border or include private property. Always check property boundaries and applicable regulations before visiting. onWater's Public & Private Land layer can help you plan your access with confidence.

Jaycee Park Fishing Access Site

Jaycee Park Fishing Access Site

Access Point
Verburg Park Fishing Access Site

Verburg Park Fishing Access Site

Access Point
Wicks Park Fishing Access Site

Wicks Park Fishing Access Site

Access Point
Allegan Dam Fishing Access Site

Allegan Dam Fishing Access Site

Access Point
Access

Access

Access Point
Fannie Pell Park Fishing Access Site

Fannie Pell Park Fishing Access Site

Access Point
Galesburg Community Park Fishing Access Site

Galesburg Community Park Fishing Access Site

Access Point
Merrill Park Fishing Access Site

Merrill Park Fishing Access Site

Access Point
River Villa Township Park Fishing Access Site

River Villa Township Park Fishing Access Site

Access Point
Fort Custer-Group Use Area

Fort Custer-Group Use Area

Access Point

Know where you can legally fish on Kalamazoo River

See public and private land boundaries along the water, turn on private parcels with owner details to know where permission is required, and find land-trust parcels that offer permitted fishing access.

Michigan licenses and regulations

Michigan Boating Regulations

When using any type of watercraft to access a body of water, it is important to follow all federal, state, and local rules and regulations. These rules and regulations include boat permitting and licensing, invasive species inspections and stamps, life jacket and PFD rules, motor size and horsepower restrictions, noise limitations, restrictions on personal watercraft, and many more. Visit the web link below for the most current rules and regulations for this body of water.

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Michigan Fishing License

You must purchase a fishing license if you are 17 years of age or older to fish. If you are under 17, you may fish without a license, but you are required to observe all fishing rules and regulations. Any adult actively assisting a minor who does not have a license must have a fishing license. Please note, a license is required when targeting fish, amphibians, crustaceans and reptiles. Michigan's annual fishing license is valid from March 1 of a given year through March 31 of the following year.

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Michigan Fishing Regulations

This river has a variety of species and regulations, including potential floating and/or watercraft restrictions. Because this river is specially managed for species, seasons, angling methods, and watercraft, it is strongly encouraged you check all federal, state, and local regulations before fishing. Visit any of the links below, inquire locally, or contact a local fly shop to learn current regulations and restrictions.

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Michigan Stream Access Laws

The public has a right to use a waterway for pleasure, travel, or commercial navigation. The right extends to wading on the streambed or traveling on ice. While constant movement is not required, neither can a vessel be permanently moored or use the waterway as a parking spot. The riparian owner (the owner of the land along the water) owns the streambed, but that right is subordinate to the right of navigation. On non-navigable waters the riparian owner has the right to fish and can exclude the public from fishing on such waters. But on navigable waters, the rights of the private owners are inferior to the public trust right to fish the waters.

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Take Kalamazoo River with you

The onWater Fish app keeps this water's access points, species and conditions in your pocket, with the tools you use once you're there.

  • Use the map without signal

    Download the map around Kalamazoo River to use it offline when coverage drops.

  • Log your catches here

    Keep a private fishing journal for Kalamazoo River to find where and when fish are biting for you.

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Water and weather conditions (10 day forecast)

See the best times to fish Kalamazoo River and check the forecast before you go.

KALAMAZOO RIVER AT NEW RICHMOND, MI

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Kalamazoo River fishing guides

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