Smallmouth Bass

Targeting Smallmouth Bass near Beverly Shores presents a unique opportunity to tangle with these feisty fish in a Great Lakes environment. Lake Michigan's shoreline and nearshore waters offer diverse habitat, from rocky outcroppings to sandy flats, all holding smallmouth. Focus your attention on areas with structure – piers, breakwalls, and submerged rocks are all prime locations. Spring and early summer, when the water warms up, are excellent times to fish, as smallmouth move into shallower water to spawn. Later in the season, they often retreat to deeper, cooler areas, so adjust your tactics accordingly. A local tip is to try drop-shotting with small plastics near the breakwalls. Alternatively, casting crankbaits or spinnerbaits along the shoreline can also produce results. Be sure to check the water clarity, as this can impact lure selection. Indiana Dunes State Park offers good access to the shoreline, but be prepared for potentially crowded conditions, especially on weekends.