Northern Michigan Bass Fishing

Northern Michigan’s world class fishery is unique because of the two timeframes which produce the most opportune conditions for both numbers and size. The spring and the fall is when you’re going to want to be here for the best chance of success.

Once the calendar hits April, the season begins. Depending on how long our winter holds on, amazing fishing can start beginning in April. Cold water has the fish condensed and they have not seen a bait in months. This prespawn action carries all the way through April, May, and into mid-late June. Targeting depths anywhere from 2 to 40 feet of water, this prespawn bite carries us through the 3 month period. Spawning starts typically in June. During this period, we avoid focusing on these spawning fish and instead target prespawn, and or post spawn fish adjacent to the main spawning areas. The fishery is extremely fragile. TCB believes that the pressure, stress, disturbance, and abuse that fishing for spawning fish causes is traumatic to the longevity of this fishery.

During the months of July, August, and early September we do not typically target smallmouth bass. Instead, we enjoy some peak periods of other world class fisheries. These alternative options include vertical jigging for Lake Trout that range from 10 to 25+ pounds. It is an exhilarating fight on light tackle and a delicious fish for eating if you choose to keep a couple. Trolling king salmon is another incredible fishery we have in this area. Trolling with us is a hands on experience that directly involves you in the setting of lines, grabbing of rods, and netting of fish. These king salmon commonly range around 15 to 20 pounds with fish reaching 30 pounds depending on the year. Chinook (king salmon) is an incredible fish to keep for eating. The third option is hands on salmon action. Jigging and casting for king and coho salmon is as close to saltwater fishing as it gets. For all of these options, gear and fish cleaning is  provided.

As we get into the last week of September, we transition back to smallmouth. The cooling waters and shortened days get these fish schooled up and feeding. They know winter is coming. During this timeframe, we utilize a variety of techniques: throwing umbrella rigs, single swimbaits, drop shots, jerk baits, topwater, tubes, ned rigs, blade baits, and spoons. This fall bite is not for the faint of heart. At times, the bite windows can be small and can be extremely finicky. Great number days are possible and the biggest fish of the year is possible on any cast with a little talent and hard earned luck. Late September though mid November is the ideal time to take advantage of the opportunities that the fall can provide.

With all of these options, we encourage clients to think of these trips as a western hunting trip. People do not go out elk hunting for a single day; this would limit the potential that the trip has. While we understand this is not always feasible, we encourage all of our groups to at minimum contemplate fishing for multiples days. Every single one of our valued repeat clients and friends utilize a 2 or 3 day approach. Doing this allows you the chance of the odds aligning for the best fish. There are factors that we can not control but that can dramatically influence the potential of the trip. Time on the water is irreplaceable and the more time you spend doing the right thing in the right area, the higher the odds of the right results occurring.