Largemouth Bass

Largemouth bass fishing near Marlette, Michigan, revolves around the numerous smaller lakes, ponds, and reservoirs scattered throughout the Thumb region. These often-overlooked waters can hold surprisingly good populations of largemouth. The best time to target these bass is during the spring spawning season and the fall feeding frenzy. Look for shallow, weedy areas, docks, and submerged structure where bass like to ambush prey. Plastic worms, spinnerbaits, and crankbaits are all effective lure choices. A local's secret: many of these smaller lakes have limited public access. Spend some time scouting for road crossings or public access points. Also, don't be afraid to fish during the evening hours, as bass often become more active as the sun goes down. The bass in these smaller lakes can be aggressive, but also pressured, so vary your retrieve and presentation.