Smallmouth Bass

While Largemouth often steal the spotlight, the Concord, Michigan area also offers some overlooked Smallmouth Bass fishing opportunities. Several of the lakes and connecting waterways hold decent populations of these hard-fighting fish. The key is to target areas with rocky bottoms, gravel beds, and current – features that smallmouth prefer. Look for them near bridge pilings, rocky points, and drop-offs. Early summer, after the spawn, and fall are generally the best times to target smallmouth around Concord. One practical tip is to focus your efforts on the waterways connecting the larger lakes. These areas often have current and rocky structure that attract smallmouth. Another tip is to downsize your presentation. While largemouth often respond well to larger lures, smallmouth can be more finicky. Try using smaller crankbaits, tubes, or even live bait like nightcrawlers or minnows. Smallmouth in this region aren't known for their size, but their fight is impressive, and they can provide a fun and rewarding fishing experience.