Largemouth Bass

If you're heading to Baldwin, Michigan, for largemouth bass, you're in for a treat. This area is dotted with numerous small lakes and ponds, many of which hold healthy populations of bass. What makes Baldwin unique is the relatively undeveloped nature of many of these waters; think quiet, natural shorelines and less fishing pressure than you might find closer to urban areas. Prime time is late spring through early fall, with the pre-spawn period in May and early June being particularly productive. For bank access, try exploring some of the smaller, unnamed lakes accessible from the backroads off M-37. Remember that many lakes have soft, mucky bottoms near the shore, so wading can be tricky. Local anglers often have success with weedless lures like Texas-rigged worms or spinnerbaits fished around lily pads and submerged vegetation. The bass in these waters tend to be opportunistic feeders, so don't be afraid to experiment with different presentations.