Largemouth Bass

While Custer, Michigan, might be better known for its proximity to the Pere Marquette River, don't overlook the opportunities for largemouth bass in the area's smaller lakes and ponds. These often-overlooked waters can hold surprisingly good bass populations. Spring and early summer are ideal, as the bass move into the shallows to spawn. Try targeting weedy areas and lily pads with topwater frogs, spinnerbaits, or Texas-rigged worms. As the water warms, focus on deeper structure like drop-offs and submerged timber with crankbaits or jigs. A local tip: ask around at the local bait shops for information on private lakes or ponds that may allow fishing access for a small fee. These can often provide unpressured fishing and a chance to catch some truly impressive bass. Be aware of the heavy vegetation growth in some of these smaller lakes, and be prepared to use weedless presentations.