Smallmouth Bass

Looking for a smallmouth bass adventure near Onaway, Michigan? The inland lakes surrounding the town, including Black Lake, offer good smallmouth habitat. What makes this area special is the combination of rocky shorelines, submerged structure, and clear water. These lakes tend to have healthy populations of crayfish and other forage, leading to well-fed and aggressive smallmouth. Focus your efforts on rocky points, drop-offs, and areas with submerged timber. The pre-spawn period (late spring) and the fall are excellent times to fish, as the smallmouth are actively feeding. A local's secret? Try fishing around the islands on Black Lake; they often hold good numbers of smallies. Be aware of zebra mussels in some of these lakes, as they can affect water clarity and fish behavior. Smallmouth in this region are known for their bronze color and hard-fighting attitude, making for an exciting day on the water.