Smallmouth Bass

Charlevoix is a fantastic destination for smallmouth bass anglers, offering diverse habitats across Lake Michigan, Round Lake, and Lake Charlevoix. The clear, cool waters are prime for sight fishing in the spring as the smallies move shallow to spawn. Focus on rocky shorelines and submerged structure in Round Lake and the northern end of Lake Charlevoix. Tubes, drop-shot rigs, and small crankbaits are all effective. As the water warms in summer, smallmouth bass often move to deeper water near offshore reefs and humps. Look for areas with current or wind, as this can concentrate baitfish. Fall can be an exceptional time to target larger smallmouth as they feed heavily before winter. A local tip: The channel connecting Lake Michigan to Round Lake can hold surprisingly large smallmouth, especially during periods of strong current. Be mindful of boat traffic in the channel. The Michigan DNR maintains several access points around Lake Charlevoix, so check their website for the most up-to-date information.