Fishing Charters in Michigan
Browse fishing charters in Michigan that can help you catch smallmouth bass.
Art of Fishing Guide Service-Smallmouth Bass Charter Lake St. Clair
Art of Fishing Guide Service is owned and operated by Art Ferguson. Art has more than 30 years of smallmouth bass guide experience. Book Today!
Into The Wild Fly Fishing Guide Service
Into the Wild Fly Fishing the Upper Peninsula's Best Guide Service | Brook Trout, Steelhead, Brown Trout, Smallmouth Bass, Salmon
Best Time to Catch Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass can be caught year-round in Mount Clemens. Right now in March, activity is Fair.
Seasonal Activity Chart
Smallmouth Bass
For Smallmouth Bass enthusiasts, Mount Clemens, Michigan, offers access to world-class fishing on Lake St. Clair. While technically a lake, its shallow, weedy flats and rocky shorelines provide ideal habitat for Smallmouth. The best time to target them is late spring and early summer, during and after the spawn, and again in the fall as water temperatures cool. Focus on areas with rocky bottoms, points, and drop-offs. A key local tip is to use a drop-shot rig with a small plastic worm or creature bait. Lake St. Clair is known for its clear water, so fluorocarbon leaders are a must. Smallmouth in this area are renowned for their size and fight, often exceeding 5 pounds. Boat access is readily available through numerous marinas and boat launches around Mount Clemens, but be prepared for potentially rough water conditions depending on the wind.
Plan a Trip to Mount Clemens
See what's biting in Mount Clemens, find top-rated guides, and estimate charter costs.
How to Catch Smallmouth Bass
Detailed fishing techniques coming soon for Smallmouth Bass in Mount Clemens.
Smallmouth Bass Fishing Regulations in Michigan
Open Season
Year-round, catch-and-release only from January 1 - Friday before Memorial Day. Harvest allowed starting Saturday of Memorial Day weekend.
Daily Bag Limit
5 per day
Size Limit
No size limit
License Required
Resident or Non-resident Fishing License
Check the Michigan Fishing Guide for exceptions on specific bodies of water.
⚠️ Always verify current regulations with the Michigan state wildlife agency before fishing.
Related Species in Michigan
Frequently Asked Questions
Where can I find Smallmouth Bass around Mount Clemens?
Lake St. Clair is a great place to target Smallmouth Bass near Mount Clemens. Focus on rocky areas, drop-offs, and structures.
When does Smallmouth Bass harvest season open in Michigan?
Smallmouth Bass fishing is catch-and-release only until the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. After that, you can harvest them.
What's the bag limit for Smallmouth Bass in Michigan?
The daily bag limit for Smallmouth Bass is 5 fish, and there is no minimum size limit. This applies after the harvest season opens on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend.
What are some effective lures for Smallmouth Bass in Lake St. Clair?
Tube baits, crankbaits, and spinnerbaits are all popular and effective lures for targeting Smallmouth Bass in Lake St. Clair.
More Smallmouth Bass Fishing in Michigan
Other Species to Fish in Mount Clemens
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