Smallmouth Bass

If you're chasing smallmouth bass in Northwest Indiana, Griffith offers some surprisingly good opportunities. While not known for trophy smallies, the local waterways connected to the Little Calumet River and its tributaries hold decent numbers of these feisty fish. Spring is prime time, as the smallmouth move into shallower areas to spawn, making them more accessible to anglers. Focus your efforts around rocky areas, submerged timber, and bridge pilings. Late summer and early fall can also be productive as the fish actively feed before winter. A key local tip: access to the Little Calumet can be tricky; look for public access points along the paved Porter County trails that run along the river. Also, be aware that water levels can fluctuate rapidly after rainfall, so check conditions before you go. These smallmouth aren't particularly picky, but they respond well to crankbaits, tubes, and spinnerbaits presented accurately. Don't overlook topwater lures during low-light conditions.