Finding smallmouth isn't terribly difficult. Licenses are affordable and simple to find. The eggs, which are larger than those of the largemouth bass, hatch in two to three days. I spend 6 days a week fishing these beautiful waters and I am … In 2016, angler Robert Bruce Kraemer broke the state record for smallmouth bass, landing a 23.10-inch, 9.98-pounder on the Indian River in … All of the fisheries mentioned here can be accessed via a state park. Comerica has a ton of family-friendly activities throughout the park and you'll want to take them all in before the first pitch. Hands down and pound for pound the Smallmouth Bass is the toughest fighting fish in the water and Lake Erie is one of the best Smallmouth Bass fisheries in the World! I don’t think I have ever been successful. TFO Ambassador Ben Nowak is no stranger to smallmouth fishing. Largemouths are more often associated with shallow, weedier bodies of water or reservoirs with standing timber, while smallmouths are more closely linked to rocky habitat and rivers. Michigan Smallmouth Bass Fishing Guides - Light tackle fishing guides for Muskegon River Smallmouth. They can be caught with a wide range of artificial lures, and can be taken on virtually any live bait. Largemouths are more often associated with shallow, weedier bodies of water or reservoirs with standing timber, while smallmouths are more closely linked to rocky habitat and rivers. Charter & Guide Fishing Trips on Lake Michigan for Smallmouth Bass, Perch, King Salmon, Coho Salmon, Brown Trout, Steelhead Trout and Lake Trout in Illinois & Indiana from downtown Chicago to Portage Indiana. During the spring, these rocky grounds attract thousands of smallmouth. Michigan is home to some big fish. An annual nonresident license is an affordable $68. Here you'll find a shallow basin-style lake that holds smallmouth on weed patches, rock piles and subtle bottom contours. All Rights Reserved. They can also be dangerous. ", Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore, near Traverse City, offers great hiking and wonderful opportunities to enjoy the beach. At 19 miles long, Torch is Michigan's second-largest inland lake and is noted for its impossibly clear, blue water. But when it comes to smallmouth fishing, you'd be hard pressed to find one more accommodating than Traverse City. At first the fry eat microcrustaceans, but soon add insects and fish to their diet as they grow in size. Bass anglers have the opportunity to catch fish in the 3- to 4-pound class nearly every time they hit the water, with a real chance at a trophy in the 5-pound range! And if there is a better state for smallmouth bass fishing than Michigan, it has yet to reveal itself. Was wanting to go smallmouth bass fishing in northern michigan for the first time looking for suggestions on an inland lake up there . Crank baits, top water and soft plastics are producing good numbers of Smallmouth bass on the Muskegon River. You'll find a historic downtown filled with specialty shops where you can sample the town's famous taffy and fudge. A smallmouth excursion in Michigan is much more than a fishing trip. Quiet, uncrowded fishing is what you'll find on many of Michigan's lakes no matter what the season. The following was received from Al McNeill (NS Fisheries & Aquaculture) on July 29, 2020. Photo by Jeff Simpson. Smallmouth Bass prefers low temperatures and is usually found in clear, cool lakes and running streams with rocky areas as well as sandy bottoms of lakes and reservoirs. Yeah, it's that easy. All Game & Fish subscribers now have digital access to their magazine content. Any smallmouth of that size caught on a fly rod in a stream is surely a trophy. Fishing for Smallmouth Bass. Based out of Michigan, Ben hosts a YouTube channel called The Smallmouth Experience where he uploads weekly videos sharing his experiences of catching smallmouth bass, as well as helpful tips for anglers out there who want to find more success on the water. Along the way we'll encounter some of the finest freshwater shoreline in the country, skip through wine country, roll through glorious stands of hardwoods and descend towards the region that gave us the automobile. Michigan is home to some 11,000 inland lakes. The Johnstons' favorite smallmouth lures. A new long-range hunting contender enters the fray. Both Burt and Mullett offer exceptional smallmouth fishing. While the lake has a maximum depth of more than 300 feet (yikes! Long Lake Michigan fishing in crystal … Photo by Jeff Simpson. From there we'll curve our way around the tip of the mitt and, finally, head back south to Motown. A little farther north, 80,000-acre Big Bay de Noc has many fish, yet very few smallmouth fans. Although that record holder, W.F. The rocky bottom can produce incredible fishing action, but it can eat a prop in a hurry. 3 Lake St. Clair (MI) The state of Michigan offers fantastic smallmouth bass fisheries throughout its many lakes, including Lake Michigan, Grand Traverse Bay, and Saginaw Bay. Smallmouth's average length is about 25-50 cm (10-20 in), while the weight is usually around 0.5-1.6 kg (1-4 lb). The Traverse City area is a perfect location to drop in a line while enjoying the beautiful changing colors and cool, crisp weather. This time we're heading to Alpena on the east side of the state. Many of the drowned river mouths along Lake Michigan, weedy backwaters of all the Great Lakes, and most southern inland lakes have good populations of both largemouths and smallmouths. Still, nothing beats the hard nose pull of a smallmouth bass. Mullett has more "traditional" cover whereas Burt requires you to find more subtle holding areas. There are both the Trophy and the Unique in this video, caught with a green pumpkin bass jig. Then the newly hatched light-colored fry drop down into the bottom of the gravel nest for three or more days. Average smallmouth bass are between 1 to 2 pounds, and range from 12 to 15 inches in length, so this record fish is about 5+ times the average weight. The Great Lakes are a treasure. Both arms of Grand Traverse Bay hold exceptional populations of smallmouth. In many of Michigan’s inland fly fishing streams and rivers such as the Muskegon, Manistee, Huron and the AuSable Rivers, fly fisherman boast about 3-4lb smallmouth bass as being huge. Lake St. Clair is no exception. WALLOON, CHARLEVOIX, BURT/MULLET are frequently requested. (Though this is a place you are likely to see some other anglers). |   The smallmouth bass is native to the upper and middle Mississippi River basin, the Saint Lawrence River – Great Lakes system, and up into the Hudson Bay basin.The world record size was over 11 pounds caught in the lake Dale Hollow, on the Kentucky—Tennessee border. The only thing anglers need to remember is that the season is catch-and-immediate-release until May 28 or June 18 depending on the body of water you're fishing. “Gentlemen; It’s been some time since I have provided you with and update on the Piper Lake smallmouth bass eradication project. If the bay proves a bit too rough, no worries. Again, dragging a tube will get you in fish. The bigger lakes have the bigger fish but because of their size, they are more affected by weather and make finding fish during a short stay a little more challenging. Based out of Michigan, Ben hosts a YouTube channel called The Smallmouth Experience where he uploads weekly videos sharing his experiences of catching smallmouth bass, as well as helpful tips for anglers out there who want to find more success on the water. You'll find plenty of areas to target including weed beds and rocks. Those blackish areas are created by submerged vegetation and rock. Located in Southeast Michigan, Downriver Bass Association is a non tournament bass fishing club. If you want to start an argument in a hurry, ask a couple of anglers whether the East or West arm offers the best smallmouth fishing. Like so many Michigan waters, 4-pound fish are pretty common and you'll wear your arms out on 2- and 3-pounders once you get dialed in. Most any lake north of rt 72 all the way up to the Bridge, has some population of smallmouth. Michigan's smallmouth bounty stretches from south to north, west to east. Top water action for Michigan Smallmouth Bass. In 2016, angler Robert Bruce Kraemer broke the state record for smallmouth bass , landing a 23.10-inch, 9.98 … A cold weather front can put a major damper on the bass bite. Surrounded by all the Great Lakes, there are no shortages of spots that would make great places for smallmouth bass fishing. One of these days someone is bound to hook into and land a verified 9lb smallmouth bass on Lake St Clair. The previous record, a 9.25-pound smallmouth, was caught on Long Lake. 449 likes. Whether you are an angler looking to improve your skills, or you’re an advanced fly fisherman looking for fun, then smallmouth fishing is … What gives Michigan its edge on being a great fishing location is the abundance of water. About 90 minutes north, you'll find Burt and Mullett Lakes‑ the largest inland lakes in Michigan. Access to these waters is abundant and easy. No trip to Michigan would be complete without a visit to Mackinaw City. Lake Michigan has many off-the-radar areas like this with terrific smallmouth fishing. The pristine waters of Lake Michigan and crystal clear up north lakes are the backdrop for the fish-of-a-lifetime. It is the type species of its genus. Spending so much time on the water, he is able to stay on top of the fish as they progress through their seasonal patterns. After a fall of testing new 2021 Mathews products on the road as he filmed new episodes for Bowhunter Magazine's television program, editor Curt Wells had an exciting visit with Mark Hayes, Mathews design engineer, as the pair looked at the new V3 27 and V3 31 bows. Be sure to get there early. Along Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula there are thousands of acres of good water and plenty of big smallies. Michigan is the top location for smallmouth bass fishing. The highlight of my Traverse City visit was a Long Lake Michigan fishing trip for smallmouth bass using the sight technique. The Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore, Located along the shore of Lake Michigan about 30 minutes from Traverse City, this park was voted by viewers of ABC's Good Morning America as the "Most Beautiful Place in America. Tucked at the base of Mission Peninsula, this wisp of land that separates Grand Traverse Bay into its East and West Arms, Traverse City is a special place. Once you find them, it's hard to beat a drop-shot rig for targeting specific fish-holding cover. This time we'll stop in Au Gres, a beautiful port town that just happens to offer excellent access to Charity Island in Lake Huron's Saginaw Bay. That record has held its place for quite some time–109 years to be exact. He hooked the record fish on a green grub. Virtually in the shadow of the Motor City, Lake Erie offers excellent smallmouth fishing. The big lip on this crankbait is designed to help it dive deep. A 4-pounder is a "good" one and you should find several in a good day with fish over six pounds far from uncommon. Only Whitefish Lake contains all of the three major species in this area Walleye, Northern Pike, and Smallmouth. Sight fishing at this time of year can be insane. ELK, SKEGEMOG, TORCH, CLAM, BELLAIRE AND INTERMEDIATE. Lake St. Clair is a world-class destination for anglers targeting the Smallmouth bass of a lifetime. (231) 519-7348 Unfortunately I am driving over 5 hours one way to get to the primetime waters in Michigan, but it has been worth every ounce of gas used. Techniques to target smallmouth through the seasons . Michigan's state park system is second to none and many of the parks can serve as convenient and picturesque launching points for a day of fishing. In most parts of the country, a 5-pound smallmouth earns "fish-of-a-lifetime" status. You can find licenses at hundreds of retailers or buy them online. Where is the best smallmouth fishing in Michigan? Photo by Jeff Simpson. The Johnstons' favorite smallmouth lures. Greg Gasiciel from Rhodes caught the new state-record smallmouth on October 18, 2015. Topwater lures like this are a popular choice for fishing smallies near the surface. The bass weighed 9.33 pounds and was 24.50 inches long. Bass in the 2- to 4-pound range are caught regularly, and 5-pounders are not unheard-of. Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomite) Identifying characteristics: two dorsal fins with spinous and soft-rayed portions united, body longer than deep, jaw extends to the middle of the eye, bronze streaks in cheek. Michigan has more than 11,000 inland lakes and in many places 5 pounds is where trophy smallmouths begin. With the Detroit cityscape as a backdrop, you'll target the thousands of rock piles and reefs that litter the floor of Lake Erie. We'll start on Michigan's "West Coast." The smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) is a species of freshwater fish in the sunfish family (Centrarchidae) of the order Perciformes. It's vast, deep and cold. Spinnerbaits and Rat-L-Traps can produce fish-every-cast action. Michigan boasts good populations of both largemouth and smallmouth bass statewide, though as you travel northward, smallmouths are the dominant species. Along Wisconsin’s Door Peninsula there are thousands of acres of good water and plenty of big smallies. Spawning activity begins in the spring when water temperatures reach 60 degrees Fahrenheit or more. Carl T. Johnson Hunting and Fishing Center, Bluesource/DNR Big Wild Forest Carbon Project, Assistance for Private Forest Land Owners, County and Municipal Law Enforcement Information, Fisheries Division Citizens Advisory Committees, Michigan History Center Commissions & Committees, Pigeon River Country Equestrian Committee, Timber and Forest Products Advisory Council, Upper Peninsula Citizens' Advisory Councils. snagmaster49 Member. Smallmouth bass appear in the shallows here during the springtime then stay all summer. Both, however, can be caught from the same bodies of water and often from the same general areas. 11 broadheads new to the expandable-blade market this year — ATA Show. Many of the lakes across the northern tier of the Lower Peninsula offer outstanding smallmouth fishing, as do many of the rivers of southern Michigan. In my experience, the best water is the one that you decide to fish. We have also been landing a few nice Walleye, and Northern Pike as well. We're not talking about a single lake here and there. Plan your own trip here. A visit to the Thunder Bay National Marine Sanctuary will give you a glimpse into that past – and a glimpse into the lake thanks to the popular glass bottom shipwreck tour. We've had numerous occasions of landing some monster 25" bass into the boat and invite you to do the same. Sammy and I hit one of the bigger inland lake to go after pre-spawn smallies. The Hobie MirageDrive 360 pedal propulsion system is the pinnacle of kayak control with more efficient fin designs, glide technology and allows the boat to be moved in any direction. But I don't consider the place I'm about to tell you about "most parts of the country." During June, smallmouth move into shallow reefs to spawn. Lake Michigan has many off-the-radar areas like this with terrific smallmouth fishing. Then we'll head north into the land of the Sleeping Bear. 593 1. Michigan boasts good populations of both largemouth and smallmouth bass statewide, though as you travel northward, smallmouths are the dominant species. Traverse City smallmouth bass fishing – A male smallmouth protecting the eggs – Photo courtesy of Sport Fish Michigan . It is the diversity in topography, scenery and experience that defines Michigan's fishing and a smallmouth trek "around the horn" is as good as it gets. Detroit's Comerica Park is home of the Detroit Tigers and is one of the best facilities in all of Major League Baseball. The record was verified by a Michigan state DNR fisheries biologist. Bear Archery's newest bows - Redemption EKO and Legit RTH - are light, adjustable and fast. Both species move shallow in the spring to spawn and are easily located and enticed into biting before they go on the beds. Largemouths are more often associated with shallow, weedier bodies of water or reservoirs with standing timber, while smallmouths are more closely linked to rocky habitat and rivers. (Though this is a place you are likely to see some other anglers). Dan Ockert 517-749-1879 Expansion of Woodland Series targets continues fun, realistic way to practice. For a great family meal, be sure to stop into Darrow's. There are scores of port cities along the Lake Michigan shoreline. Two dorsal fins with spinous and soft-rayed portions united, body longer than deep, jaw extends to the middle of the eye, bronze streaks in cheek. Since there are so many hoping to get help on the best for size and numbers … Dark spots in the crystal clear waters of many Michigan lakes indicate submerged structure. The usual smallmouth seen by anglers is eight to 15 inches long and weighs less than three pounds, but they are capable of reaching upwards of five to six pounds in waters with adequate food and habitat. Dropshotting for Smallmouth Bass by Jeremiah Eads. Smallmouth Bass offer some of the best fishing when things get hot. Lake St. Clair is a world-class destination for anglers targeting the Smallmouth bass of a lifetime. In fact, the near-shore smallmouth bass fishing on Lake Michigan is actually fantastic! In 1906, a smallmouth bass record was set in the state of Michigan. Huge Smallmouth Bass Sets New Michigan Record A 9.33 pound smallmouth bass was caught this week at Hubbard Lake in Northeast Michigan. Photo by Jeff Simpson. But big fish live here and few have ever seen a lure. Michigan Smallmouth Bass Fishing. To get started, click the link below to visit mymagnow.com and learn how to access your digital magazine. Huge Smallmouth Bass Sets New Michigan Record A 9.33 pound smallmouth bass was caught this week at Hubbard Lake in Northeast Michigan. More than just a place to fish, Michigan offers great family fun. The state touches four of the five Great Lakes and is home to tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams. Grand Traverse Bay: Located in northern Michigan, Grand Traverse Bay is the large bay that contains many other smaller … Smallmouth bass mature at age three or four, and occasionally live to be 10 to 12 years old. We are trying to work on the components of this complex proje Founded in 1852, Traverse City is an eclectic mix of history and future. After many years of teaching and coaching basketball in Indiana, my wife, Zoe, and I now reside in the KALKASKA/TRAVERSE CITY area. "Lake Charlevoix has two big arms, and map study definitely will pay off there, by finding the biggest flats in this lake," Stout reports. There is no closed season. Jul 3, 2013 #1 . Water clarity is intense with visibility easily surpassing 20 feet. With the Hobie MirageDrive 360 pedal propulsion system, anglers have ultimate kayak control... From dabblers to divers, there's an Avian-X Topflight decoy for every duck hunter. Unfortunately I am driving over 5 hours one way to get to the primetime waters in Michigan, but it has been worth every ounce of gas used. Michigan’s top bass lakes include Lake Charlevoix, Mullet Lake, Thunder Bay (Lake Huron), Burt Lake, Lake St. Clair, Grand Traverse Bay (Lake Michigan) Check them out here In addition, here’s a bit more advice from Jonathan Van Dam on the best smallmouth fishing in Michigan July and August fishing for our resident Smallies in the Manistee River is a great way to spend a day. I live in northern Lower Michigan (Otsego County) and fish several of the lakes in & around this area. At Torch Lake, you can pull your boat up to a giant sandbar to lounge then use it as your starting point for some fun tubing. You'll encounter big fish. After ten years of tournament experience throughout Michigan, Joe has spent the last several years fishing Lake St. Clair exclusively. These meetings were structured to bring stakeholders together to discuss the status of the present fishery and its sustainability. Plan your next fishing and boating adventure here. August/Sept./Oct. Fly fishing Lake Michigan along Indiana’s coast for smallmouth bass is an adventure every serious bronzeback angler should experience. This waterway passes through three other lakes along the way including Burt and Mullett. Want to explore more of Michigan? The record was verified by a Michigan … In 2015, Hubbard Lake produced the new state record – a 9.33-pound beast. Perhaps one of the best kept secrets on Lake Gogebic is that it makes an excellent habitat for bass fishing. I specialize in smallmouth, largemouth and sight fishing for the FLY guys. Michigan boasts good populations of both largemouth and smallmouth bass statewide, though as you travel northward, smallmouths are the dominant species. Leaving the Traverse area will be tough. Mullett is known for producing higher numbers of fish while Burt is revered for giving up huge smallmouth. But the fishery is hardly the only gem of the state. Lake Michigan is home to a great population of smallmouth bass, and the fishing for them has never been better. Each summer, smallmouth bass ascend the Muskegon River to feed on prolific crayfish, steelhead and salmon smolts. Favorite Bass: Smallmouth Favorite Lake or River Lake St. Clair, Au Sable River, Pigeon River, Pere Marquette, Rifle River, Clinton River Share; Posted February 8, 2019. Trophy Michigan smallmouth bass are abundant in northern Michigan. With some great weedy edges, fallen timbers, and a very large body of water, there are many trophy bass just waiting to be caught by you. Fly fishing Lake Michigan along Indiana’s coast for smallmouth bass is an adventure every serious bronzeback angler should experience. The state of Michigan offers fantastic smallmouth bass fisheries throughout its many lakes, including Lake Michigan, Grand Traverse Bay, and Saginaw Bay. See Photos; Techniques to target smallmouth through the seasons. Drop-shots presented to deeper areas of isolated cover work when summer heat moves fish deeper. Similarly, bass can be taken on all types of flies, with fly fishermen often using streamers that imitate minnows or crayfish to take them subsurface. The phrase "gin clear" simply doesn't do it justice. Simply cast to any dark spots in the water. Recent 13-pounder on Sam Rayburn could be start of awesome 2021. ), it boasts a gorgeous expanse of pure sand that ranges from ankle to waist-deep and creates the perfect area to anchor the boat and float the day away. In the last twenty-five years the introduction of invasive species such as zebra mussels, gobies and rusty crawfish have all drastically helped the lakes smallmouth bass fishing. Michigan has a new state record for smallmouth bass. Mexico's Lake Picachos is full of big largemouths; catching 300 pounds in one day not uncommon. If you're looking for bigger water, Lake Huron is renowned for its smallmouth fishing and Thunder Bay is one of the state's more overlooked smallmouth fisheries. Subscriber Services. "When you start fishing those flats, look … Smallmouth Bass are pound for pound the strongest fighting fish in Michigan Rivers. I've caught fish over four pounds in both lakes and wouldn't be able to choose a favorite between the two if my best crankbait depended on it. The maritime history of the Great Lakes is special and unique. Change up your baits until you find one that starts getting strikes then stick with it. The new bolt gun with a synthetic stock is available in several popular hunting chamberings. Many times I have tried to catch a fish that I could see. I am a fanatic about dropshotting for smallmouth bass. Better yet, the areas with some of the finest fishing also happen to be some of state's most scenic and family-friendly places to visit. It's an odyssey into a state where lakes love to live. Smallmouth Bass from the Lake Michigan drainage could be parsimoniously grouped into two or six genetically distinct units that largely corresponded with either river or lake habitats, while fish from the Mississippi River drainage grouped into two, six, or nine genetic units that were mostly associated with watershed boundaries. As difficult as it may be to hit a lake and do something other than fish, Torch Lake deserves some special attention. You could bank fish but much of the river runs through private property so you'll need other means to get the most out of it. The record was verified by a Michigan state DNR fish biologist. We've had numerous occasions of landing some monster 25in bass into the boat and invite you to do the same. Perhaps America's top game fish, bass are known for their spirited fight making them one of the most enjoyable catches for any angler. This is Michigan. Here, again, we have an embarrassment of smallmouth riches. Photo by Tony Hansen. Central Michigan Bass. Smallmouth bass are numerous and provide good fishing throughout the river. Bass (Smallmouth) fishing in Traverse City varies moderately throughout the year. And if there is a better state for smallmouth bass fishing than Michigan, it has yet to reveal itself. After spawning, bass typically move out to deeper water, though there are almost always some bass, especially largemouths, in shallow water, usually associated with cover such as weed beds, fallen timber or boat docks. Our final stop is the lake that put Michigan's smallmouth fishing on the map: Lake Erie. Smallmouth fishing starts to pick back up in mid August and will continue thru the end of October. Michigan is home to some big fish. Perhaps nobody knows these Indiana smallmouth bass like Captain Ralph Steiger, who operates a very successful guiding business on the waters of Lake Michigan. By the time the fry work their way out of the gravel on the ninth or tenth day, they are very dark in color. Cast a tube (green pumpkin is a popular choice) and drift until you hit fish. Smallmouth Bass Fishing Lake Michigan and the Bays. The state touches four of the five Great Lakes and is home to tens of thousands of miles of rivers and streams. All of the lakes contain Smallmouth and Largemouth Bass, although the smallies far out number the bigmouths. You'll never run out of water to cover. Check out some of the compound bows from this year's ATA Show. Anglers can also target perch, muskies, panfish, pike, walleye, and largemouth bass. If you have waders or a kayak, hit the Rifle River. The fisheries here are so prolific for bass fishing, northern Michigan and the Traverse City area have been the focus of many national television shows and numerous magazine articles. Went out with a friend fishing an early Sunday morning.We have fished this spot a few how ever not this early in the day. Three-day licenses are just $30 — a true bargain by any measure. here just to pursue Michigan smallmouth bass. Smallmouth Bass from the Lake Michigan drainage could be parsimoniously grouped into two or six genetically distinct units that largely corresponded with either river or lake habitats, while fish from the Mississippi River drainage grouped into two, six, or nine genetic units that were mostly associated with watershed boundaries. Standard smallmouth offerings are preferred, which means spinnerbaits and tubes. Shoemaker, had a good run with a fish caught in Long Lake in Cheboygan County weighing 9.25 pounds and measuring 27.25 inches, Greg Gasiciel was able to best that fish for a new state record. But keep in mind this is Lake Michigan. Smallmouth Bass Fishing on Lake Gogebic in Michigan's Upper Peninsula - The Timbers Resort LAKE GOGEBIC BASS FISHING Perhaps one of the best kept secrets on Lake Gogebic is that it makes an excellent habitat for bass fishing. We're heading south again along the eastern shore. Under the watchful eye of the male, they swim in a dense dark cloud over the nest for a few days, then begin to disperse. (231) 519-7348 Michigan's smallmouth fishing is revered by many anglers as the best of the best. Michigan Smallmouth Bass Fishing and Pan Fishing Reports for the Muskegon River, Pere Marquette, and Big Manistee River below Tippy Dam. This Northland Fishing Tackle pro can remember catching smallmouth bass along the Lake Michigan shore as far back as twenty years ago, but back then, a 15-inch bass was a noteworthy fish. pretty remarkable considering that the Michigan state record smallmouth bass is a whopping 9.25lbs, and caught in 1906. The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources held public meetings in 2017, 2019, and 2020 in an effort to engage stakeholders that have an interest in the smallmouth bass fishery in the waters of Green Bay and Lake Michigan. This is big water and you'll need to use caution when the wind kicks up – particularly if the wind comes from the east. Several excellent inland lakes, including Hubbard, Grand and Long lakes, offer top-notch smallmouth fishing. We fish Monday evenings and Saturday mornings. And those that do grow those fish big — Real big. smallmouth bass fishing in northern michigan Discussion in 'Fish Taxidermy' started by snagmaster49, Jul 3, 2013. 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