Largemouth Bass

Lansing might be known for its urban landscape, but it offers surprisingly good largemouth bass fishing in the Grand River and its connected lakes and ponds. The best time to target largemouth here is during the spring spawning season and again in the fall as they fatten up for winter. Focus on areas with heavy vegetation, such as lily pads and submerged weeds, especially in quieter backwaters and connected lakes like Park Lake. Flipping and pitching soft plastics into these areas can be highly effective. The Grand River itself can hold some surprisingly large bass, especially near fallen trees and other structure. Be aware that the river can experience fluctuating water levels, so check conditions before heading out. A great access point is near Potter Park Zoo, where you can fish the river and connected ponds. Largemouth in this area are often opportunistic feeders, so don't be afraid to experiment with different lures and techniques.