What the Dyckman Avenue Drawbridge offers anglers

The Dyckman Avenue Drawbridge is a working structure that spans the Black River just before it meets Lake Michigan in South Haven. It's a reliable spot for walleye, perch, and smallmouth bass, especially during spring and fall when fish move between the river and the lake. The bridge creates current breaks and depth changes that hold fish year-round, and you can fish from the bank on both sides without a boat.

The real draw here is access. You're fishing a transition zone where river and lake meet, and you don't need to own or rent a boat to reach it. The structure itself—pilings, current, and the way water flows through the opening—concentrates fish in a small area. Spring walleye runs and fall perch schools make this one of the most productive times, but summer and winter fishing can work too if you know what to target.

Key Takeaways

  • The Dyckman Avenue Drawbridge sits where the Black River enters Lake Michigan, creating current and depth changes that hold walleye, perch, and smallmouth bass.
  • Bank fishing is possible on both sides of the bridge, and you can reach the spot without a boat.
  • Spring and fall are peak seasons when fish move between river and lake, but the bridge holds fish in other seasons too.
  • Jigging with live minnows or soft plastics works well around the pilings and in the current breaks the bridge creates.

How to fish the pilings and current

The bridge pilings are the main structure. Fish hold tight to them because the pilings slow water flow and create pockets where they can rest without fighting current. Cast upstream of the pilings and let your jig or live minnow drift down through the gaps. Walleye especially will sit just downstream of a piling where the current breaks.

Current speed changes depending on lake level and wind, but the principle stays the same: fish the edges where fast water meets slow water. If you're using live minnows, a simple jig head works. If you prefer soft plastics, a 2- to 3-inch shad or minnow imitation on a quarter-ounce jig will reach the bottom without snagging constantly on the structure. Work the jig slowly—walleye in a river transition zone are not aggressive feeders.

The water depth around the bridge ranges from 8 to 15 feet depending on where you stand and what the lake level is doing. Ask at a local tackle shop in South Haven what the current depth is; it changes seasonally and year to year. Bring extra jigs and be ready to lose a few to the pilings—it's part of fishing structure.

Spring walleye runs and fall perch schools

Spring is when walleye move out of the lake and into the river to spawn. The Dyckman Avenue Drawbridge sits right in their path, so March through May you'll find concentrations of fish moving through. Early morning and late evening are best, but overcast days can produce all day. Fish the deeper holes on the lake side of the bridge first, then work the shallower river side as the season progresses.

Fall brings perch schools moving the opposite direction—from the river back toward the lake. September through November, perch congregate around the bridge in numbers that can make for fast action. They're smaller than walleye and less selective, so you can use smaller jigs and move faster. A 1/16-ounce jig with a live minnow or small soft plastic will catch perch consistently during these runs.

Summer fishing is slower but possible. Walleye move deeper into the lake, but some stay in the river in the cooler water near the bridge. Fish early and late in the day, and focus on the deepest holes. Winter fishing requires ice safety checks and a willingness to fish in cold conditions, but the bridge can hold fish under the ice if you can access it safely.

Bank access and parking

You can fish from the bank on both the north and south sides of the Dyckman Avenue Drawbridge. The south side (toward downtown South Haven) has easier access and a small parking area nearby. The north side is less crowded but requires a short walk. Neither side has a dedicated fishing access area, so be respectful of private property and stay on public ground.

Parking is limited and informal. The closest lot is near the South Haven South Pier, which is a short walk from the bridge. During peak season (summer weekends), arrive early or plan to fish during off-peak times. Winter parking is easier because fewer people are around, but make sure the area is plowed and safe before you go.

What to bring and what to expect

Bring a 6- to 7-foot medium-action rod, a spinning reel spooled with 8- to 10-pound monofilament or braided line, and a selection of jigs from 1/16 to 1/4 ounce. Live minnows (shiners or chubs) are your best bet, but soft plastics work too. Bring more jigs than you think you'll need—the pilings will take some.

The bridge is a working structure, so drawbridge operations can happen without warning. If the bridge starts to open, move away immediately. It's rare during fishing hours, but it happens. Wind and wave action from Lake Michigan can make the spot rough on windy days, especially in fall and spring. Check the forecast before you go.

The Black River mouth is a public fishery, but it's also a working harbor. Respect boat traffic and don't block the channel. Early morning and weekday fishing will be less crowded and more productive than weekend afternoons.

Seasons and timing

Spring (March to May) is peak walleye season. Water temperatures are rising, fish are active, and the runs are predictable. Early morning is best, but you can catch fish all day if conditions are right.

Summer (June to August) is slower for walleye but good for smallmouth bass, especially around dawn and dusk. Perch are scattered and less concentrated than in fall.

Fall (September to November) brings perch schools and a second walleye bite as fish prepare to move. This is often as good as spring, sometimes better. Water temperatures are cooling, and fish feed more aggressively.

Winter (December to February) is possible but requires ice safety knowledge and willingness to fish in cold. The bridge can hold fish, but access and comfort are challenges. Many anglers skip winter and return in spring.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I need a Michigan fishing license to fish the Dyckman Avenue Drawbridge?

Yes. Michigan requires a fishing license for anyone 17 and older. You can purchase a license online through the Michigan Department of Natural Resources website, at tackle shops in South Haven, or at many retailers. A daily license is available if you want to try the spot once before committing to a season license.

What's the best time of day to fish the bridge?

Early morning (sunrise to mid-morning) and late evening (two hours before sunset onward) are most productive. Walleye are most active during low-light periods. Overcast days can produce all day. Avoid midday in summer unless you're targeting smallmouth bass.

Can I fish the bridge in winter?

Yes, but only if the Black River is safely frozen and you have ice safety knowledge. The bridge area can be dangerous because current keeps some sections from freezing solid. Check with local anglers or a tackle shop before attempting winter fishing. Many people skip winter and return when the ice breaks in spring.

What size fish do you typically catch here?

Walleye range from 12 to 18 inches on average, with occasional fish over 20 inches. Perch are usually 8 to 11 inches. Smallmouth bass run 12 to 16 inches. These are not trophy fish, but they're consistent and fun to catch.

Is there a boat launch near the bridge?

The South Haven South Pier has a public boat launch, but it's a short distance from the bridge. Most anglers fish the bridge from shore because bank access is easy and free. If you want to fish from a boat, the launch is available, but you don't need one to fish the bridge itself.