What Kirk Park Offers Anglers

Kirk Park is a public boat launch and day-use park on the eastern shore of Lake Michigan in Grand Haven, Michigan. The park sits at the mouth of the Grand River, where freshwater meets the lake, and that transition zone holds walleye, yellow perch, and smallmouth bass. The launch itself is straightforward—a concrete ramp with parking for vehicles and trailers—but the real draw is the access to a fishery that changes character with the seasons and the water temperature.

The park is free to use, and there is no permit required to launch. The facility opens year-round, though winter access depends on weather and ice conditions. Most anglers fish spring through fall, targeting walleye in deeper water and perch in shallower zones near the river mouth.

Key Takeaways

  • Kirk Park offers a free concrete boat launch with parking, located where the Grand River meets Lake Michigan in Grand Haven.
  • The fishery is strongest for walleye and yellow perch, with seasonal patterns that shift from spring spawning runs to summer offshore structure to fall shallow-water feeding.
  • Spring and fall are peak seasons for walleye; summer perch fishing is often best in early morning or evening when water temperatures climb.
  • A Michigan fishing license is required, and you must follow state regulations for daily catch limits and size restrictions on all species.

Seasonal Patterns and What Fish Are Biting

Spring (April through May) brings walleye into the shallows as they move upriver and along the shoreline to spawn. Jigging with live minnows or soft plastics near the river mouth and along the breakline produces consistent results. Water temperatures in the 45–55°F range are ideal, and low-light conditions—early morning, late evening, or overcast days—concentrate the bite.

Summer (June through August) pushes walleye deeper and offshore, where they hold on structure and in cooler water. Perch become more active in the shallows during this season, especially in the first two hours after sunrise and the last two hours before sunset. Yellow perch schools can be prolific in July and August if you find them in 15–30 feet of water near the river channel.

Fall (September through October) mirrors spring: walleye move back into shallower water as they feed heavily before winter, and the bite can be excellent from mid-September through October. Water temperatures drop back into the 50–60°F range, and longer periods of low light make daytime fishing more productive than it is in summer.

What You Need to Know About the Launch and Facilities

Kirk Park has one concrete boat ramp in good condition, suitable for boats up to roughly 25 feet. The parking area holds about 20 vehicles with trailers, plus additional day-use parking. There is a small picnic area and restroom facilities, though they are basic and seasonal hours apply in winter.

The ramp can get crowded on weekends during peak season, especially in spring and fall. Arrive early if you are launching on a Saturday or Sunday. The launch fee is free, and there is no reservation system—it is first-come, first-served. The park is maintained by the City of Grand Haven and is open to the public year-round, though winter conditions can make the ramp unusable.

Tackle and Techniques That Work at Kirk Park

Walleye respond well to live-bait jigging with 1/4-ounce to 3/8-ounce jigs tipped with shiners or crawlers. Work the jig vertically near structure or along the breakline where depth changes quickly. Casting soft plastics—4-inch shads or finesse worms in natural colors—is also effective, especially in spring and fall when walleye are shallow.

For yellow perch, small jigs (1/16-ounce to 1/8-ounce) tipped with minnow heads or small shiners work best. Perch are aggressive and school tightly, so once you locate one, you can often catch several from the same spot. Casting small crankbaits or spoons can also trigger strikes when perch are actively feeding.

Smallmouth bass are present but secondary to walleye and perch. They respond to the same soft plastics and jigs used for walleye, particularly in spring and early summer. Focus on rocky areas and the river channel if bass are your target.

Michigan Fishing License and Regulations

You must have a valid Michigan fishing license to fish Lake Michigan from Kirk Park. Licenses are sold online through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website, at sporting goods stores, and at some bait shops in Grand Haven. A one-day license is available if you want to fish only once; annual licenses are also an option.

Walleye have a daily catch limit of five fish with a 15-inch minimum size. Yellow perch have no size restriction and a daily limit of 25 fish. Smallmouth bass have a 12-inch minimum size and a daily limit of five fish. Regulations can change, so check the current Michigan fishing digest before you fish.

When to Fish and Weather Considerations

Early morning and late evening are most productive for walleye and perch year-round. Overcast days and days with light wind often produce better results than bright, calm days. Lake Michigan can be rough, especially in spring and fall when storms develop quickly, so check the forecast and water conditions before launching.

Summer can bring afternoon thunderstorms, and the lake can heat up enough to slow the bite by mid-July. Fall weather is generally more stable, but water temperatures drop fast in October, and the season can close quickly if ice forms. Spring is unpredictable—cold snaps and wind are common, but the walleye bite can be excellent if you are willing to fish in less-than-ideal conditions.

Nearby Resources and Bait Shops

Grand Haven has several bait and tackle shops within a short drive of Kirk Park. These shops stock live minnows, crawlers, and jigs, and the staff can offer current information about what is biting and where other anglers are having success. They also sell Michigan fishing licenses on the spot if you have not purchased one online.

The Grand River itself offers additional fishing opportunities upstream from the lake, and several other public launches are within 20 minutes of Kirk Park. If the lake is too rough or the bite is slow, you have options without traveling far.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I fish from shore at Kirk Park?

Kirk Park is primarily a boat launch facility, and shore fishing is limited. A small area near the river mouth allows some casting, but most productive fishing requires a boat to reach deeper water and structure. If you do not have a boat, consider fishing the Grand River upstream, where shore access is better.

What is the best time of year to fish Kirk Park?

Spring (April–May) and fall (September–October) are peak seasons for walleye. Summer is best for yellow perch, especially in early morning or evening. Winter fishing is possible but requires ice-fishing equipment and experience, and access depends on ice conditions.

Do I need a boat to fish here?

A boat gives you access to the best walleye water and allows you to reach deeper structure. Shore fishing is possible near the river mouth but is less productive. If you do not own a boat, some charter services operate out of Grand Haven and can take you to the same water.

What size boat can I launch at Kirk Park?

The concrete ramp accommodates boats up to roughly 25 feet, though smaller boats are easier to launch and retrieve. The parking area is limited, so larger trailers may have difficulty finding space on busy weekends.

Are there restrooms and other facilities at Kirk Park?

Yes, Kirk Park has restroom facilities and a small picnic area. Hours are seasonal, and facilities are more reliable during spring through fall. Winter hours are limited, so plan accordingly if you fish in cold months.