UTERSmallmouth bass fishing in Michigan freshwater
In Michigan freshwater, smallmouth bass peak June–October and are around May–November, spawning in July, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. June: On the beds on the sand-gravel flats.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Smallmouth bass in Michigan freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchNot here
- AprilNot here
- MayArrivingCatch-and-release pre-spawn on the inland lakes; Grand Traverse Bay is its own story.
- JunePeakOn the beds on the sand-gravel flats.
- JulySpawning
- AugustPeak
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberAround
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish smallmouth bass near Au Sable River, Pere Marquette, Houghton Lake
Eleven thousand inland lakes for walleye, pike, bass and panfish, the Au Sable and Pere Marquette trout rivers, and the Great Lakes' runs (see the lake guides).
What to use for smallmouth bass
- CrayfishHooked through the tail on a #2 to 2/0 hook and dragged slowly along rock and gravel — the smallmouth bait, and good for catfish and walleye.
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- LeechesHooked once through the sucker end on a #8 to #4 hook under a slip bobber or on a live-bait rig — walleye and smallmouth can't leave them alone.
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 45–82°F water, best at 60–74°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch smallmouth bass in Michigan freshwater?
Peak season is June–October, with fish spawning in July (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Smallmouth bass are in Michigan freshwater May–November. June: On the beds on the sand-gravel flats.
Where do smallmouth bass hold in Michigan freshwater?
Look on river, creek / stream, lake, reservoir, bridge, dock / pilings — around Au Sable River, Pere Marquette, Houghton Lake, Lake St. Clair, Burt Lake, Manistee River.
What is the best bait for smallmouth bass in Michigan freshwater?
Live bait: crayfish, minnows (fatheads, shiners), leeches, nightcrawlers. Crayfish: Hooked through the tail on a #2 to 2/0 hook and dragged slowly along rock and gravel — the smallmouth bait, and good for catfish and walleye. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for smallmouth bass in Michigan freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (Michigan DNR) and change — read the current rule at https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/fishing/fishing-regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://www.michigan.gov/dnr/things-to-do/fishing/license-info.
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All about smallmouth bass · Michigan fresh water, the whole year