Northern Michigan Smallmouth Bass
Northern Michigan Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass fishing in Northern Michigan has shifted into a more defined summer pattern. We have been fishing both Grand Traverse Bay and several inland lakes in the area, and the biggest change has been the movement of fish toward deeper water. While there are still some smallmouth using shallower structure during low light, wind, or active feeding windows, most of the better numbers are now setting up on deeper breaks, rock points, and offshore structure.
The mid-size inland lakes continue to offer good opportunities, especially where fish have access to deeper rock, weed edges, and sand-to-gravel transitions. Early and late in the day, a few fish can still be found cruising shallower flats and edges, but as the sun gets higher, deeper water has been the more consistent program. Drop shot fishing has become a key presentation, especially for fish holding tight to bottom or relating to deeper structure.
Current Smallmouth on Grand Traverse Bay
Grand Traverse Bay is now settling into a true summer smallmouth pattern. Most fish have moved beyond the post-spawn transition and are beginning to group up around deeper structure. Deeper rock points, boulder fields, drop-offs, and defined edges are holding a good number of fish right now. Covering water and using electronics to locate fish and bait has been important, but once you find them, there can be multiple quality smallmouth in the same area.
Drop shot fishing has been one of the most important techniques on the bay recently. With many smallmouth holding deeper and tight to bottom, a drop shot allows anglers to stay in the strike zone and work fish more precisely. Goby-style baits, small minnow profiles (Zman 3.5″ shiner), and natural-colored finesse plastics have all been productive. Long casts, light line, and subtle presentations continue to be important in the clear water, especially on calm, sunny days.
Fly anglers can still find opportunities, but the game has become more structure-oriented as fish slide deeper. Crayfish patterns, goby imitations, and baitfish-style streamers are all good choices right now, especially around deeper rock points and breaks. Getting flies down near the bottom is important, so intermediate or sinking lines can be helpful depending on depth and wind. A slow strip, pause, or subtle jigging retrieve has been the most effective when fish are not willing to chase aggressively.
Light tackle spinning gear continues to be the most consistent way to target deeper fish. Drop shots, tubes, Ned rigs,hair jigs, and hula grubs are all worth having ready. Natural colors that imitate gobies, crayfish, and other bottom-oriented forage have been the most reliable. On windy days, moving baits and swimbaits can help cover water, while calmer conditions often call for slower finesse presentations.
As the summer pattern continues, expect the best fishing to remain focused around deeper structure. Some smallmouth will still slide shallower during low light, wind, or feeding activity, but the more dependable groups of fish are now being found on deeper rock points, offshore breaks, and areas with access to both feeding flats and deeper water. Wind can be a big help on Grand Traverse Bay, breaking up the surface and making fish less wary in the clear water.
Overall, smallmouth fishing remains very good across Northern Michigan, but the approach has changed. Staying mobile, fishing deeper, and relying more on drop shots, crayfish patterns, goby imitations, and bottom-oriented presentations will be key to finding the most consistent action. Whether fishing Grand Traverse Bay or inland lakes, focus on deeper rock, clean edges, and structure that gives smallmouth easy access to both food and depth.
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New Summer Hats
Stay cool and covered this summer with our new Mangled Fly Richardson Performance hats. Lightweight, breathable, and built with Stay-Dri comfort, these caps handle hot days on the water or around town. Available in clean light blue and sleek grey, they feature sharp embroidery and an easy everyday fit style. Perfect hat for fishing in the summer.
Booking a Smallmouth Trip
Interested in booking a Smallmouth Bass Trip on light tackle or fly gear, drop us a message via email, or text/call us directly 231-631-5701.
Jon Ray
