Largemouth Bass

Central Michigan, including the Shepherd area, offers some under-the-radar largemouth bass fishing. While not as famous as some of the larger lakes in the state, the smaller inland lakes and rivers around Shepherd hold decent populations of bass. Focus your efforts on lakes like Coldwater Lake or the Chippewa River. These bodies of water offer a mix of shallow weed beds, lily pads, and deeper channels, providing diverse habitat for bass. Early morning and late evening are typically the most productive times, especially during the warmer months. Spinnerbaits and plastic worms are local favorites, allowing you to cover water effectively and target specific cover. A practical tip: many of the smaller lakes have limited public access, so be sure to scout out access points beforehand. The bass in this region are generally healthy and aggressive, but can be pressured in popular spots, so try to find less-frequented areas.