Smallmouth Bass

If you're chasing Smallmouth Bass in Chesaning, Michigan, the Shiawassee River is your prime target. This stretch of the river offers classic smallmouth habitat: rocky bottoms, submerged wood, and current breaks. The best time to target these bronze beauties is during the pre-spawn in late spring (May-June) when they move into shallower areas to prepare for spawning. Fall (September-October) can also be productive as they aggressively feed before winter. Look for deeper holes and eddies as the water cools. A good access point is near Showboat Park, where you can launch a small boat or fish from the shore. Be aware that the river can fluctuate in depth, so check local conditions before heading out. Local tip: many anglers have success drifting crawfish imitations along the bottom or using topwater lures early in the morning. The Shiawassee River smallmouth tend to be scrappy fighters, so be prepared for a good battle!