Largemouth Bass

Manton, Michigan, offers a variety of freshwater lakes and ponds that provide excellent largemouth bass fishing opportunities. Houghton Lake, a short drive away, is a popular destination, but don't overlook the smaller, more secluded waters closer to Manton. These smaller lakes often hold surprisingly good numbers of bass and see less fishing pressure. The best time to target largemouth bass in this area is during the pre-spawn (late spring) and post-spawn (early summer) periods. Look for shallow, weedy areas and submerged structure where bass are likely to be feeding or spawning. A local tip: Early morning and late evening are prime times, especially during the warmer months. Use topwater lures or shallow-diving crankbaits to entice strikes. Access to some of these lakes can be limited to smaller boats or kayaks, but the payoff can be worth it. The bass population generally consists of fish in the 1-4 pound range, with the occasional larger fish possible.