We protect and promote the sport fishery of the Great Lakes, tributaries, and inland waters.
Events
New: MSSFA Issues Awareness — 5 Things Threatening Our Lake Michigan Fishery Right Now
Fishing doesn’t happen in a vacuum. Behind every good season on the water, there’s a fight going on in Lansing, in the courts, and in the rivers themselves — and this year, several of those fights are landing at once. We’ve put …
Trolling With the Troops
Trolling With the Troops is an annual event that takes place each June. Captains and Veterans spend a day on the water enjoying fishing, a boat parade, and a big fish contest.
2025 Winter Challenge
Join us for the 36th Annual Winter Challenge River Tournament! Two event dates, one legendary river — December 6, 2025 & February 21, 2026 — from St. Joe to the Berrien Springs Dam.
Upcoming Meetings
Thursday September 3rd @ 5:30 PM Board of Directors, 7:00 PM Social Gathering. Come meet with your fellow members at The BUCK, 412 State Street, St. Joseph, MI 49085
Big Fish Contest Entry
The Big Fish Contest runs from January 1 to December 31 the same year. We look forward to seeing who wins the plaque and bragging rights each year!
Tackle Mania
Buy, sell or swap a huge selection of new, used and vintage fishing tackle and supplies. This annual event takes place the first Saturday in March and is held every other year.
Thanks to our new members so far in September!
Cody Sposato
Mitch Maurer
Sara Kroboth
Adam Kanczuzski
Thanks to our member renewals so far as well …
Steve Keres
Jimmy Mawhinney
Eric Becker … See MoreSee Less
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🚨 Our Lake Michigan fishery is facing more threats right now than it has in years.
A private equity firm wants to buy 13 Michigan dams. A bill that funds the DNR's Fisheries Division is stuck in Lansing. An invasive carp barrier keeps stopping and starting just miles from the lake. Salmon stocking cuts are on the table for 2027. And decisions about who gets a share of this resource are being made right now — with or without anglers in the room.
We put together a page tracking all five of these issues in plain language, with sources, so our members can stay informed and know when to speak up: 🔗 swmisteelheaders.com/mssfa/
None of this gets decided without pressure from people who fish these waters. If you're not a member yet, now's a good time to change that — your voice (and your dues) help us stay at the table when it matters: 🔗 swmisteelheaders.com/membership/
The quality of fishing reflects the quality of living. Let�#swmichigansteelheadersM#mssfan#lakemichigan##protectourfisheryn #ProtectOurFishery … See MoreSee Less
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If you make it out to the fair stop by and see one our great sponsors! If you see Mike say thanks for his support and check out his rod selection … See MoreSee Less
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Thank you for YOUR support! Hope to see everyone at the fair! (I'm one of Mike's daughters.)
SWMI big fish contest kids division entries … See MoreSee Less
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Fishing is on fire right now! We are seeing some big fish come to the scales for the big fish contest. The Frazier boys brought 4 nice ones to TACKLE HAVEN yesterday. Oldest boy weighing a massive 18.9 lake trout! And his younger brother brought in a heck of a one day combo with a 16.9 lake trout 12.75 king and 7.15 steelhead! Great job guys! Get your kids out fishing the smiles are priceless and the memories last a lifetime.
On your way to the lake don’t forget to stop in to one of our great tackle stores to get that hot bait to put you on the big one! … See MoreSee Less
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Getting the next generation involved in fishing has always been a goal for the steelheaders, through salmon in the class room to just getting them on the water. Nothing beats the smiles when they catch their first monster fish! So for this post let’s see those kids pics with their catches!
Today starts our week long entry for the Sport Track Physical Therapy and Human Performance Fish pic of the month contest!
This is our way of showing appreciation to all the fishermen and fisherwoman that make this club/fishery in St Joe so amazing.
We will be going live next Wednesday to select a random member for the monthly $50 gift card to one of our great local tackle stores TACKLE HAVEN, ClearH2O Tackle, Charlie's Fishin Hole
How it works
Must be an active SWMI Steelheader to win. You can sign up/ renew @
swmisteelheaders.com/membership/
✅ share and like this original post
✅ comment your Fish Pic and any details about your catch, we all love a good fish story!
✅ tag two of your fishing buddies in your comment
✅ tune in next Monday as we go live to randomly select a member to win the $50 gift card
Let’s see them fish pics! Let’s build this page and our club to help create the best fisheries we can here in South West Michigan!
We are adding a little twist this month, the kid pic with the most likes get a a free spinning rod and reel combo donated by In the Box Fishing Charters. So let’s see those smiles, and big fish! … See MoreSee Less
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Summer break triples just hit different Tim Andrews Scott Crawford
Fun evening troll a while back with Vito, Cody and Cody’s son. Cody Young Andrew Phillipsd
Never know what will bite
Mark Turner Brian Hazel
Way back from the Never Miss Scott Stoney Owen Lillich.
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Salmon are snapping, Members only fishing report will tell you where! Tight Lines
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Members Only Fishing Reports
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🎣🌊 Ladies, It's Your Time to Shine on Lake Michigan! 🌊🎣
The Women's Fishing Tournament in Honor of Bernie Benson is coming up on Saturday, July 18th, and we encourage all anglers to come out and support one of Southwest Michigan's great fishing traditions!
Whether you're a seasoned tournament angler or looking for a fun day on the water with family and friends, this event is all about great fishing, great camaraderie, and celebrating the women of the Lake Michigan fishing community.
✅ Depart from the Port of St. Joseph�✅ Fishing begins at 6:30 AM�✅ Weigh-in at The Sand Bar by 2:30 PM�✅ Minimum of 2 women per boat�✅ $75 per boat entry fee
💵 Tournament entries can be dropped off at Tackle Haven or The Fishin Hole.
�⏰ Entry deadline is Friday, July 17th at 6:00 PM.
Let's fill the lake with boats, make some memories, and see who brings the biggest fish to the scales! Whether you're fishing for the trophy, the bragging rights, or just a fun day on Lake Michigan, we hope to see a fantastic turnout.
The Southwest Michigan Steelheaders wish all participants the very best of luck!
🐟 Tight Lin#southwestmichigansteelheaders##womensfishingtournamenta#berniebensoni#lakemichiganfishingn#StJosephMichiganh#ladyanglers##fishonh#tightlinesa#greatlakesfishing##TackleHavenG#fishinholes#SupportLocalFishingishinHole #SupportLocalFishing … See MoreSee Less
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