The Ultimate Hunting and Fishing Guide to Mecosta County, Michigan
Posted on March 23rd, 2026
4–6 minutes
Where to fish, where to hunt, and how to plan an outdoor trip in West Michigan
If you enjoy quiet lakes, flowing rivers, and wide open woods, Mecosta County is a great place to explore.
Located in West Michigan, the area offers rivers, inland lakes, and thousands of acres of public land. Visitors can fish in the morning, hike during the day, and cook a fresh catch in the evening.
Local outdoor expert Phil Morrison, a hunting and fishing specialist with Lake Effect Lures, says the area offers something many places do not.
“This area has tons of experiences you can have in a single day,” Morrison says. “It really is the best of what Michigan has to offer.”
Whether you want to fish, hunt, or simply spend time outside, Mecosta County makes it easy to get started.
Why Mecosta County Is a Great Outdoor Destination
Many travelers head north for outdoor adventures. Mecosta County offers the same natural beauty without the crowds.
Big Rapids sits near the center of the county. From there, rivers, lakes, and public land are just a short drive away.
“Big Rapids has the best central location,” Morrison says. “If you go in any direction you’re going to find some great spots for hunting and fishing.”
Outdoor visitors can find:
The Muskegon River
Hundreds of inland lakes
Thousands of acres of public hunting land
Guided hunting ranches and clubs
This mix of water and woods makes the county a strong destination for outdoor recreation in West Michigan.
Top Fishing Spots in Mecosta County
Fishing is one of the most popular outdoor activities in the area. Rivers and lakes provide opportunities for anglers of all skill levels.
Here are three locations locals recommend most often.
Muskegon River
The Muskegon River is one of the best known fishing rivers in Michigan. The river runs through Mecosta County and offers fishing year round.
Anglers often catch:
Walleye
Trout
Smallmouth Bass
Northern Pike
“The Muskegon River has all aspects of fishing,” Morrison says.
Public access sites and boat launches make the river easy to reach for visitors.
Tri Lakes Area
The Tri Lakes area near Mecosta includes Lake Mecosta, Round Lake and Blue Lake.
Public access on Lake Mecosta allows visitors to fish across the lake system. Two of the nearby lakes have limited public access, which helps reduce fishing pressure.
“Two of the lakes are private so there is less pressure,” Morrison says. “There are trophy fish in every category.”
All three lakes are accessible from the public access on Lake Mecosta. Visitors commonly fish for bass, panfish, and pike.
Little Muskegon River
The Little Muskegon River flows through the Haymarsh area. It is well known for trout fishing.
Cold water and natural habitat support strong populations of brown and brook trout.
“There are some of the best brown and brook trout fishing around,” Morrison says.
Many access points allow anglers to explore different sections of the river.
Family Friendly Fishing Locations
Teaching kids to fish is easier when the location is safe and simple to access.
Jensen Lake
Jensen Lake is a good place for beginners.
The lake includes:
A fishing dock
Plenty of Parking
Easy Shoreline Access
Portable Restroom
It’s a great location to teach kids how to love fishing.
Chippewa Lake
Chippewa Lake offers a mix of recreation and fishing.
Visitors will find:
A public beach
swimming areas
Several fishing access points
Families can enjoy the beach while also trying their luck fishing.
Public Hunting Land in Mecosta County
Hunters also find many opportunities in Mecosta County thanks to large areas of public land.
Martiny Lake State Game Area
The Martiny Lake State Game Area includes over 7,000 acres of public land
Hunters visit the area for:
Whitetail deer
Turkey
Small game
The large size allows hunters to explore different parts of the property.
Haymarsh State Game Area
The Haymarsh State Game Area covers over 6,000 acres.
Wetlands, woods, and river access create strong wildlife habitat. The Little Muskegon River also flows through the area, allowing for both hunting and fishing experiences.
Guided Hunting Experiences
Some visitors prefer a guided hunt. Mecosta County has several locations that offer structured hunting experiences.
Guided hunts help visitors learn the landscape while hunting with experienced guides.
Species by Season
Each season offers different opportunities.
Spring
Late April and early May bring active fishing.
Anglers target:
Walleye
Trout
Pike
Panfish
“You can start your morning fishing, then walk public land looking for sheds and morel mushrooms,” Morrison says.
Summer
Summer brings strong bass fishing, especially in rivers. Cool evenings also create great night fishing.
“Our night fishing is amazing,” Morrison says.
Fall
Fall is popular for both hunting and fishing.
Lakes such as Chippewa Lake and Pretty Lake produce good walleye fishing. At the same time, hunters head into the woods for deer season.
Winter
When ice conditions are safe, many lakes offer ice fishing for northern pike and panfish.
Tips Before You Go
Before planning a trip, visitors should know a few local rules.
Licenses
Anyone 17 or older must have a hunting or fishing license in Michigan.
Regulations
Bag limits and fishing rules can change each year. Always check Michigan Department of Natural Resources regulations before fishing or hunting.
Gear
Local weather can change quickly. Morrison suggests bringing:
Breathable Hiking boots
Rain Gear
Sunscreen
Bug Spray
Plan Your Outdoor Adventure in Mecosta County
A perfect day outdoors might start with fishing the Muskegon River at sunrise. Later, visitors can explore public land, hike forest trails, or search for mushrooms in the spring.
Evenings often end with fresh food cooked over a fire and stories shared around camp.
“This area really has all the best of what Michigan has to offer,” Morrison says.
For travelers looking to experience hunting,fishing, and outdoor recreation in West Michigan, Mecosta County remains one of the region’s most rewarding destinations.
Search
