Smallmouth Bass

If you're looking for scrappy smallmouth action in southwest Michigan, Marcellus is a great place to start. This area is dotted with numerous smaller lakes and connecting waterways, many of which hold healthy populations of smallies. The key here is mobility – explore different lakes and target areas with rocky structure, drop-offs, and submerged wood. Prime time is late spring through early fall, with pre-spawn (May-June) and fall (September-October) often producing the biggest fish. A local tip: Don't overlook the connecting channels between lakes. These can be current-rich areas that concentrate fish, especially after a rain. Also, many of the lakes have limited public access; research boat launches and parking ahead of time. The smallmouth in this region tend to be aggressive, so pack a variety of lures, including crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and tube jigs.