Smallmouth Bass

Southwest Michigan, around Gobles, offers surprisingly good smallmouth bass fishing in its many inland lakes and rivers. The Black River, with its rocky stretches and clear water, is a local favorite for wading and targeting smallies with crankbaits and tubes. The best time to fish for them here is during the pre-spawn in late spring (May-June) and again in the fall (September-October) when they're actively feeding. Focus on areas with current breaks, submerged logs, and rock piles. A practical tip: many access points are undeveloped, so a kayak or canoe can be a real advantage for exploring the river. Be mindful of private property along the banks. The smallmouth in this region tend to be scrappy fighters, often found in the 1-3 pound range, though larger specimens are certainly possible. The water clarity of the Black River impacts lure selection, so bring a variety of natural-colored options.