Largemouth Bass

Onekama, Michigan, offers some excellent largemouth bass fishing, primarily in Portage Lake. This inland lake, connected to Lake Michigan, provides diverse habitat from shallow weedy bays to deeper, cooler waters. Bass fishing here really picks up in the spring as the water warms, with pre-spawn activity in May being particularly productive. Look for them around docks, fallen timber, and weed edges. Summer can be good too, especially early mornings and evenings. A local tip: Portage Lake can get busy with recreational boaters, so consider fishing during the weekdays or off-peak hours for a more peaceful experience. There's a public boat launch on the north end of the lake. The largemouth in Portage Lake tend to be healthy and aggressive, often hitting topwater lures with gusto. Focus on areas near the channel connecting to Lake Michigan, as these areas provide current and attract baitfish.