Smallmouth Bass

While Pigeon, Michigan, isn't directly on a renowned smallmouth bass fishery, its proximity to Saginaw Bay and the rivers that feed it make it a worthwhile destination for bronzeback enthusiasts. Focus your efforts on the rocky shorelines and structure in the Bay itself, especially during the pre-spawn period in late spring (May-June). The rivers flowing into Saginaw Bay, like the Pigeon River itself, can also hold smallmouth, particularly around bridge pilings and submerged wood. Smallmouth in this area are typically aggressive and respond well to crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and tube jigs. Access to the Bay is easy via several public boat launches near Caseville. A local tip: try fishing around the breakwalls and riprap along the shoreline – these areas tend to hold good numbers of smallmouth. The smallmouth here typically range from 1-4 pounds, offering a fun and challenging fishing experience.