Fishing in Grand Rapids, MI – Eat Your Catch With Care

Fishing is a favorite pastime in Grand Rapids and West Michigan, from the Grand River downtown to nearby inland lakes and streams. Eating your catch can be a healthy, affordable way to enjoy local fish, but it’s important to understand potential contaminants in Michigan waters and how to reduce your risk.

This guide focuses on safe fish consumption for people who catch and eat fish in and around Grand Rapids, Michigan.

The Health Benefits of Eating Fish

Fish are an important part of a healthy diet. They are:

  • High in protein and essential nutrients
  • A good source of omega‑3 fatty acids (important for heart and brain health)
  • Low in saturated fat

Eating fish once or twice a week has been linked to:

  • Lower blood pressure
  • Higher levels of “good” HDL cholesterol
  • Reduced risk of heart disease and stroke
  • Support for healthy brain development in babies and children
  • Possible reduced risk of dementia later in life

For most people in Grand Rapids, the benefits of eating fish greatly outweigh the risks, as long as you choose fish wisely and follow local fish consumption guidelines.

Why Extra Care Is Needed With Locally Caught Fish

Over time, urban and industrial areas—like those along the Grand River and other Kent County waterways—can become polluted with chemicals. These contaminants can settle into river and lake sediments and be taken up by fish.

The main chemicals of concern in Michigan fish are:

  • Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs)
  • Mercury
  • Per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS)

These substances can remain in the environment for many years, and some can build up in the human body over time.

Local Context: Grand Rapids & West Michigan Waters

Anglers in and around Grand Rapids often fish:

  • Grand River (including downtown Grand Rapids)
  • Rogue River, Thornapple River, and Flat River
  • Reeds Lake, Versluis Lake, and other Kent County lakes
  • Nearby Lake Michigan piers and tributaries

Contaminant levels can vary widely between waterbodies. Always check the latest “Eat Safe Fish” guidelines for Michigan before eating your catch.

  • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) Eat Safe Fish Guides:
    https://www.michigan.gov/eatsafefish

  • Kent County Health Department and Grand Rapids Public Health can also provide up‑to‑date local information and referrals.

PCBs in Michigan Fish

What Are PCBs?

Polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs) are industrial chemicals that were widely used from the 1930s to the 1970s in electrical equipment and other products. They have been banned for decades, but:

  • They do not break down easily in the environment
  • They accumulate in sediments and in the fatty tissues of fish
  • They can build up in the human body over time

Health Effects of PCBs

The health effects of low‑level PCB exposure are complex and still being studied, but known and suspected effects include:

  • Learning problems and developmental delays in children
  • Changes to the immune system
  • Changes to the hormone (endocrine) system, including thyroid function
  • Liver problems
  • Skin complaints such as acne‑like rashes

People at highest risk from PCB exposure include:

  • Pregnant people or those who may become pregnant
  • Breastfeeding parents
  • Babies and young children

PCBs in a mother’s body can affect the developing brain of an unborn baby and may contribute to learning and behavioral problems later in childhood.

Mercury in Fish

What Is Mercury?

Mercury is a metal that can enter waterways from industrial pollution and air emissions. In water, it can be converted into methylmercury, a form that:

  • Builds up in fish, especially large predatory fish
  • Accumulates in people who eat contaminated fish regularly

Health Effects of Mercury

Mercury can damage:

  • The nervous system (brain and nerves)
  • The kidneys

If pregnant people have too much mercury in their body, their baby may be at higher risk of:

  • Learning problems
  • Behavioral issues
  • Developmental delays

For most healthy adults and older children in the United States, mercury from fish is not a health risk when fish are eaten in reasonable amounts and when high‑mercury species are limited.

PFAS in Michigan Fish

What Are PFAS?

Per‑ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are a large group of manufactured chemicals, including:

  • Perfluorooctane sulfonate (PFOS)
  • Perfluorooctanoic acid (PFOA)
  • Perfluorohexane sulfonate (PFHxS)

They have been used in:

  • Non‑stick cookware
  • Water‑ and stain‑resistant fabrics and carpets
  • Food packaging
  • Some firefighting foams (especially at military bases and airports)

PFAS are sometimes called “forever chemicals” because they persist for a long time in both the environment and the human body.

PFAS and Health

Most people are exposed to low levels of PFAS through food, water, and consumer products. At those low levels, PFAS are unlikely to be harmful for most people. However:

  • Animal studies have shown links between PFAS exposure and some health effects
  • Human studies are ongoing, and evidence is still developing

Because PFAS can build up in people over time, public health agencies recommend minimizing exposure when possible, especially for pregnant people and children.

MDHHS has set health-based guidance values for PFAS in food, drinking water, and recreational waters, and has tested fish from a number of Michigan waterbodies. Some areas have specific “Do Not Eat” or “Eat Less” advisories for PFAS in fish.

Who Is Most at Risk From Contaminants in Fish?

Certain groups in Grand Rapids and across Michigan should be especially careful about how much locally caught fish they eat:

  • Pregnant people
  • People who may become pregnant
  • Breastfeeding parents
  • Babies and children under 16 years

These groups are more vulnerable because:

  • The developing brain and nervous system are more sensitive to contaminants like PCBs and mercury
  • Young children eat more food per pound of body weight than adults, so they can receive a higher dose

How to Reduce Your Risk When Eating Locally Caught Fish

1. Follow Michigan “Eat Safe Fish” Guidelines

MDHHS publishes waterbody‑specific advice on:

  • Which fish species are safer to eat
  • How often it is safe to eat them
  • Which fish should not be eaten at all

Before eating fish from the Grand River, Rogue River, Thornapple River, or any West Michigan lake, check:

2. Limit How Much Locally Caught Fish You Eat

Exact recommendations vary by species and waterbody, but a general risk‑reduction approach often looks like:

  • Pregnant people, those who may become pregnant, and children under 16:
    • Limit locally caught fish to about 1 serving per month, unless MDHHS guidance for that waterbody allows more.
  • Everyone else (healthy adults and older teens):
    • Limit locally caught fish to up to 4 servings per month, depending on species and local advisories.

A standard serving is about:

  • 150 grams (5 ounces) of cooked fish for adults
  • Smaller portions for children, based on their size

Weigh or estimate your portions to avoid exceeding recommended amounts.

3. Choose Safer Species and Sizes

  • Prefer smaller, younger fish:
    • They have had less time to accumulate contaminants like PCBs and mercury.
  • Avoid or limit large predatory fish, which tend to have higher mercury levels, such as:
    • Large walleye
    • Large northern pike
    • Large bass
    • Certain Lake Michigan species (e.g., large lake trout, salmon) – follow MDHHS guidance.
  • Eels and very fatty fish may carry higher PCB levels in some regions; in Michigan, always check the specific advisory for each species and waterbody.

Always ensure your catch is within legal size and bag limits set by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR).

Cleaning and Cooking Fish to Reduce Contaminants

Proper cleaning and cooking can lower your exposure to PCBs and some other fat‑soluble chemicals (but not mercury, which is throughout the meat).

Clean Fish Carefully

Before cooking:

  • Remove the skin
  • Trim away all visible fat, including:
    • Belly fat
    • Fat along the back
    • Fat around the internal organs
  • Remove the head, guts, and internal organs, where some chemicals can concentrate

Dispose of trimmings so they are not eaten by pets or wildlife.

Cook Fish the Right Way

Use cooking methods that allow fat to drip away:

  • Best options:

    • Grilling
    • Baking on a rack
    • Broiling

  • Avoid or limit:

    • Deep‑frying or pan‑frying, which can seal in contaminants in the fat

Do not use fish drippings or skin to make soups, stews, or gravies, as these can contain higher levels of fat‑soluble contaminants.

Special Warning: Flood‑Affected Waters

After heavy rains, snowmelt, or flooding—common in Michigan’s spring thaw and after severe storms—rivers and lakes can be contaminated with:

  • Sewage
  • Agricultural runoff
  • Industrial chemicals

Do not eat fish caught from floodwaters or flood‑impacted rivers and lakes until authorities such as:

  • Kent County Health Department
  • Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE)

confirm that the water quality has returned to safe levels.

Shop‑Bought Fish and Mercury

The safety advice for store‑bought fish is different from that for locally caught fish.

In the United States, most commercial fish are monitored and are safe for healthy adults and children when eaten in reasonable amounts. However, some store‑bought fish can have higher mercury levels.

High‑Mercury Fish to Limit

  • Shark
  • Swordfish
  • King mackerel
  • Tilefish (from the Gulf of Mexico)
  • Some large tuna species (e.g., bigeye)

Pregnant people, people who may become pregnant, and children under 6 years should:

  • Eat these high‑mercury fish no more than once every two weeks, or avoid them altogether.

Most other commonly sold fish (such as salmon, pollock, cod, tilapia, and shrimp) are low in mercury and can be eaten more often, following federal and MDHHS guidance.

Seasonal and Local Considerations in Grand Rapids

Living in Grand Rapids and West Michigan brings unique fishing and health considerations:

  • Cold winters: Ice fishing is popular on inland lakes. Contaminants do not disappear in winter, so follow the same “Eat Safe Fish” guidelines for ice‑caught fish.
  • Spring snowmelt and storms: Can increase runoff and temporarily affect water quality; be especially cautious about flood‑impacted areas.
  • Urban stretches of the Grand River: May have higher contaminant levels due to historical and current land use. Always check site‑specific guidance.

Local healthcare providers, such as Corewell Health (formerly Spectrum Health), Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health, can help answer questions about how fish consumption fits into your personal health plan, especially if you are pregnant, planning a pregnancy, or managing chronic conditions like heart disease or kidney disease.

Where to Get Help and More Information

If you fish and eat your catch in or around Grand Rapids, use these local and state resources:

  • Your primary care provider or pediatrician
    • At Corewell Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, or Mercy Health
  • Kent County Health Department
    • Local water quality and fish consumption information
  • Grand Rapids Public Health / City of Grand Rapids Environmental Services
    • Updates on urban waterways such as the Grand River
  • Michigan Department of Health and Human Services – Eat Safe Fish
  • Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR)
    • Fishing regulations, size limits, and licensing requirements

Key Points to Remember

  • Fish are a nutritious, heart‑healthy food, and for most people the benefits of eating fish outweigh the risks.
  • In and around Grand Rapids, locally caught fish can contain PCBs, mercury, and PFAS, especially in certain rivers and older industrial areas.
  • Pregnant people, those who may become pregnant, breastfeeding parents, and children are at higher risk from these contaminants and should follow stricter limits.
  • You can reduce your risk by:
    • Following Michigan Eat Safe Fish guidelines
    • Limiting how often you eat locally caught fish
    • Choosing smaller, younger fish and safer species
    • Cleaning and cooking fish properly (removing skin and fat, grilling or baking instead of frying)
  • Avoid eating fish from flood‑affected waters until authorities say it is safe.

By combining smart fishing practices with up‑to‑date local guidance, Grand Rapids anglers can continue to enjoy Michigan’s great fishing tradition while protecting their health and their families’ health.