Fishing in Grand Rapids, MI: How to Prevent Injury and Stay Safe

Fishing is one of the most popular outdoor activities in West Michigan, from casting off the Grand River in downtown Grand Rapids to spending a day on Reeds Lake, Gun Lake, or the Lake Michigan shoreline in Grand Haven and Holland. While fishing is generally low risk, injuries and water-related accidents do happen—and in Michigan’s cold-water environment, those risks can be serious.

This guide focuses on fishing safety in Grand Rapids and West Michigan, with tips to help prevent injury, drowning, and other emergencies.

Common Fishing Injuries and Risks

Most fishing injuries seen in Grand Rapids urgent care centers and emergency departments (such as Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, and Mercy Health) involve:

  • Cuts and puncture wounds from hooks, knives, or fish spines
  • Eye or face injuries from flying hooks or sinkers
  • Slips, trips, and falls on wet rocks, docks, and riverbanks
  • Cold exposure and hypothermia in spring, fall, and winter
  • Lead exposure for anglers who make their own sinkers

While most injuries are minor, drowning remains a significant risk when fishing from:

  • Boats and kayaks
  • Piers, breakwalls, and riverbanks
  • Rocky shorelines along Lake Michigan

Each year in the U.S., anglers die in preventable water-related accidents. In Michigan’s cold Great Lakes and rivers, even strong swimmers can quickly become exhausted.

Fishing Safety in West Michigan: General Guidelines

Whether you are fishing the Grand River, Rogue River, Thornapple River, or nearby inland lakes, follow these basic safety tips.

Don’t Fish Alone

  • Fish with at least one other person—ideally a group of three.
    • If one person is injured or falls in, the second can help while the third calls 911.
  • Tell someone:
    • Where you are going (specific access site or pier)
    • Who you are with
    • When you expect to return

Always carry a charged mobile phone in a waterproof pouch. In an emergency, call 911. In Kent County, emergency responders are familiar with common fishing spots along the Grand River and local lakes.

Dress for Michigan Weather and Water

West Michigan weather can change quickly. Even in spring and fall, water temperatures in the Grand River and Lake Michigan can be dangerously cold.

Wear Lightweight, Layered Clothing

  • Dress in layers so you can adjust to changing temperatures.
  • Avoid bulky, heavy clothing that becomes waterlogged and hard to remove if you fall in.
  • In cold weather, choose:
    • Moisture-wicking base layer
    • Insulating mid-layer (fleece or synthetic)
    • Waterproof, windproof outer layer

Footwear

  • Wear non-slip shoes or boots with good traction, especially on:
    • Wet rocks
    • Docks and piers
    • Muddy riverbanks
  • Avoid flip-flops or slick-soled shoes when fishing near water.

Sun and Heat Safety in Michigan

Even on cool days, UV rays can be strong, especially when reflected off water or snow/ice.

  • Wear sun-protective clothing (long sleeves, wide-brimmed hat).
  • Apply broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen and lip balm; reapply every 2 hours or after getting wet.
  • Wear polarized sunglasses to protect your eyes and help you see into the water.
  • Bring plenty of drinking water; dehydration can still occur on cooler days, especially if you are in the sun or walking long distances to fishing spots.

Alcohol and Fishing Safety

Alcohol is a major factor in many boating and drowning incidents in Michigan.

  • Avoid drinking alcohol while fishing, especially when:
    • You are on a boat, kayak, or canoe
    • You are on a pier, breakwall, or rocky shoreline
  • Alcohol:
    • Impairs judgment and reaction time
    • Increases the risk of falls and poor decision-making
    • Reduces your ability to survive if you fall into cold water

If you plan to drink, do not operate a boat and stay well away from the water’s edge.

Life Jackets and Personal Flotation Devices (PFDs)

Cold water in the Grand River, inland lakes, and Lake Michigan can cause cold shock and hypothermia within minutes. A life jacket can save your life.

When to Wear a Life Jacket

In Michigan, there are legal requirements for life jackets on many types of watercraft. Beyond the law, for safety:

  • Wear a U.S. Coast Guard–approved life jacket:
    • Whenever you are on a boat, kayak, canoe, or paddlecraft
    • When fishing from piers, breakwalls, or unstable riverbanks
    • When wading in deeper or fast-moving rivers
  • Make sure:
    • There is a properly fitted life jacket for every person, including children
    • Children wear a life jacket at all times on boats and near deep or moving water

It is very difficult to put on a life jacket once you are in the water. Put it on before you need it.

Safe Handling and Storage of Fishing Gear

Fishing hooks, knives, and rods can cause serious injuries if handled carelessly.

Hooks and Rods

  • Make sure the hook is secure when not in use.
  • When carrying your rod:
    • Hold it parallel to the ground
    • Keep hooks covered with a hook safety cover or cork
  • Before casting:
    • Check that no one is behind you
    • Keep at least 10 meters (about 30 feet) between you and the next angler
  • Teach children and beginners:
    • How to cast safely
    • To keep rods pointed away from people
    • To never run with a rod or exposed hook

Knives and Tackle

  • Use sharp fillet knives carefully and always cut away from your body.
  • Store knives and sharp tools in a tackle box when not in use.
  • Keep tackle boxes out of reach of young children.

Lead Sinkers and Michigan Anglers

Many West Michigan anglers still use or even make their own lead sinkers, but lead is toxic.

Risks of Lead Exposure

  • Melting, grinding, sanding, or handling lead can release toxic dust or fumes.
  • Swallowing small lead sinkers or lead dust is especially dangerous for:
    • Young children
    • Pregnant women

Lead Safety Tips

  • If you make your own sinkers:
    • Work outdoors or in a well-ventilated area
    • Wear gloves and avoid breathing in fumes or dust
    • Do not eat, drink, or smoke while working with lead
  • Do not work with lead inside your home or near where children play.
  • Wash your hands thoroughly after handling lead.
  • Consider using non-lead alternatives (steel, tin, tungsten, bismuth), which are safer for your family and the environment, including Michigan’s lakes and rivers.

If you are concerned about possible lead exposure, contact your healthcare provider or the Kent County Health Department for guidance and testing resources.

Weather and Water Conditions in Grand Rapids and West Michigan

Weather on and near the Great Lakes can change quickly, and river conditions around Grand Rapids can shift after storms or snowmelt.

Check the Forecast Before You Go

  • Use reliable local sources such as:
    • National Weather Service – Grand Rapids office
    • Local TV and radio stations
    • Weather apps with radar and marine forecasts
  • Pay attention to:
    • Thunderstorms and lightning
    • High winds and waves on Lake Michigan
    • Rapidly rising rivers after heavy rain

If you hear thunder or see lightning, stop fishing and move away from the water immediately.

Tides, Waves, and Currents

While Michigan does not have ocean tides, Lake Michigan and local rivers have:

  • Strong currents and undertows, especially near river mouths and piers
  • Dangerous conditions during high waves and storm surges
  • Fast-moving water during spring melt and after heavy rain

Avoid fishing during high wave warnings or when the water looks rough or unpredictable.

Rock, Pier, and Breakwall Fishing Safety

Many West Michigan anglers fish from:

  • Piers and breakwalls in Grand Haven, Holland, and Muskegon
  • Rocky or uneven shorelines along Lake Michigan
  • Steep or eroded riverbanks along the Grand River and its tributaries

These areas can be very dangerous, especially during bad weather.

Safety Tips for Rock and Pier Fishing

  • Learn the area before you fish:
    • How to access it safely
    • Where you can exit quickly if waves increase
  • Never turn your back on the water.
  • Stay away from:
    • Sloping, slippery edges
    • Areas where waves are crashing
  • Wear:
    • A life jacket or buoyancy vest
    • Non-slip footwear
  • Do not wear waders when fishing from rocks or piers; they can fill with water and become extremely heavy if you fall in.
  • Fish in a group of at least three people and stay within sight of each other.
  • Obey all warning and danger signs posted by local authorities.

If waves begin to wash over the area where you are standing, leave immediately.

Surf and Beach Fishing Along Lake Michigan

Surf fishing along Lake Michigan can be rewarding but comes with unique risks.

Learn to Read the Water

  • Learn how to identify and avoid:
    • Rip currents
    • Areas with strong wave action
  • Do not enter obvious rips or strong currents to fish.
  • Choose gently sloping beaches with smaller, more predictable waves for safer surf fishing.

Boating and Kayak Fishing Safety Near Grand Rapids

Many anglers in the Grand Rapids area fish from:

  • Small motorboats and pontoons
  • Kayaks and canoes
  • Rowboats and pedal boats

Before You Launch

  • Make sure all safety equipment is in good working order:
    • Life jackets for every person
    • Throwable flotation device (if required)
    • Whistle or horn
    • Navigation lights (if out at dawn, dusk, or night)
    • Marine radio or charged cell phone
  • Check:
    • Fuel levels before you leave
    • That your motor and boat are serviced regularly

Update your boating knowledge through boater safety courses offered in Michigan and practice your skills on calm, familiar waters before trying larger lakes.

If You Fall in the Water

  • Do not try to feel for the bottom with your feet in deep or unknown water.
  • If possible, steer or swim toward a clear, accessible bank or shoreline, feeling ahead with your hands for rocks, logs, or debris.
  • Keep your life jacket on and conserve energy by floating on your back if you are tired or in cold water.

When an Injury Happens

Stop fishing immediately if:

  • You get a deep cut or puncture from a hook or knife
  • You injure your eye or face
  • You hit your head in a fall
  • You show signs of hypothermia (shivering, confusion, slurred speech)

First Aid and Medical Care in Grand Rapids

  • Carry a basic first aid kit with:
    • Bandages and gauze
    • Antiseptic wipes
    • Tweezers and small scissors
    • Waterproof tape
  • Clean and cover minor wounds right away.
  • Seek prompt medical care at:
    • Your primary care provider
    • A local urgent care clinic
    • An emergency department (Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health) for serious injuries or symptoms

Call 911 immediately for:

  • Suspected drowning or near-drowning
  • Head injury, loss of consciousness, or confusion
  • Severe bleeding or deep puncture wounds
  • Chest pain, difficulty breathing, or severe allergic reactions

Local Resources for Fishing Safety and Health in Grand Rapids

If you live in the Grand Rapids area, these organizations can provide additional information:

  • Kent County Health Department – Guidance on water quality, lead exposure, and public health resources
  • Grand Rapids Public Health – Community health information and education
  • Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) – Fishing regulations, boating safety, and access sites
  • Local hospitals and clinics (Spectrum Health, Trinity Health Grand Rapids, Metro Health, Mercy Health) – Emergency and urgent care for fishing-related injuries

Key Points for Safe Fishing in Grand Rapids, MI

  • Fishing in West Michigan is generally safe and accessible for all ages, but injuries and drowning can occur.
  • The biggest risks include drowning, falls, hook and knife injuries, and cold-water exposure.
  • Always:
    • Fish with others and tell someone your plans
    • Wear a life jacket when on or near the water
    • Handle hooks, knives, and tackle with care
    • Consider non-lead sinkers to protect your health and the environment
    • Check weather and water conditions before you go

By planning ahead and following these safety tips, you can enjoy the excellent fishing opportunities in Grand Rapids and West Michigan while minimizing the risk of injury or emergency.