Updates for Lake Michigan & Galien River
Lake Michigan’s waters off New Buffalo provide excellent fishing opportunities year-round, with seasonal variations affecting the species available. We update this fishing report as details emerge on water conditions, best depths, recommended lures, and recent catches to help you make the most of your time on the water.
April 10, 2025
Wind and rain haven’t been a fisherman’s friend lately. Even with some sunny days, there have been few good opportunities to get out on the big lake. When conditions allow, Coho fishing has been very good—most fish are being caught in shallow waters (12–40 feet of water). Crankbaits seem to be working best. Perch fishing, however, remains slow.
Fishing the Galien River has been hit or miss, mostly due to wind and rain. Still, anglers have been catching steelhead and Coho using spawn or skein fished on the bottom.
⚠️ If fishing 50+ feet of water for perch, most of the fish will have barotrauma. Please consider not releasing fish caught that deep.
⭐ It is a new season. 2025 Fishing Licenses now required.
