Largemouth Bass

For largemouth bass enthusiasts heading to Merrill, Michigan, the Tittabawassee River and its connected backwaters offer a diverse fishing landscape. While the river itself can be productive, exploring the adjacent oxbows, sloughs, and flooded timber is where you'll often find the most success. Spring, during the pre-spawn and spawn, is a prime time, with bass moving into shallow, protected areas. Fall, as the water cools, is another excellent opportunity. Flipping jigs and Texas-rigged plastics into heavy cover is a classic technique. A practical tip for this area: be prepared for fluctuating water levels, especially during the spring melt or after heavy rains. Check river gauges before heading out. Also, consider using weedless lures, as the vegetation can be thick. The largemouth in this region tend to be ambush predators, so focus on areas where they can hide and wait for prey. Don't overlook the potential of topwater baits early and late in the day.