Tag Archive for: Grand Traverse Bay

Northern Michigan Smallmouth Bass

Northern Michigan Smallmouth Bass

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Northern Michigan Smallmouth Bass

Northern Michigan Smallmouth Bass

Capt Owen of Clear Water Angling

Smallmouth bass fishing season in Northern Michigan for Mangled Fly guides is in its last few weeks, as we transition towards the Big Manistee and Fall Steelhead  But by no means does this indicate that the fishing is slowing down, I highly recommend reaching out to Owen at Clear Water Angling if you have the smallmouth itch this fall.  As fall is a prime time to hunt some of the biggest fish of the season, as they put on the feed bag before winter.

Baitfish

One of the key indicators of the fall transition is when you find big Baitfish concentrations.  Baitfish are grouping up in huge baitfish balls, and predator fish take advantage.  Yesterday on Grand Traverse Bay when we found the bait we found not all smallmouth, but Cisco and even a King Salmon feeding on the baitfish.

Northern Michigan Smallmouth BassWhile Grand Travese bay is still in the upper 60’s for tempature as of mid September, which has kept most of the Smallmouth out deep, it is only a matter of time before Baitfish and Smallmouth go shallow.

When they go shallow throwing A-rigs, or jig and a minnow type outfitters will serve you real well, currently with them hanging on the deeper edges drop shot is the name of the game.

Fishing Drop Shot

Fishing with a drop shot rig for smallmouth bass during the summer months has beeen highly effective for a number of reasons. Smallmouth bass tend to be more active and aggressive during the warmer months, making them more likely to strike at a bait presented in a drop shot rig. The drop shot rig allows for precise presentation of the bait at different depths, which is crucial when targeting smallmouth bass in the late summer as they may be holding at varying depths depending on water temperature and oxygen levels.

Additionally, the drop shot rig is a finesse technique that allows for a subtle and natural presentation of the bait, which can be particularly enticing to wary smallmouth bass in clear water conditions. This can be especially beneficial during the summer when bass may be more selective in their feeding habits. Overall, fishing with a drop shot rig for smallmouth bass during the summer months can increase your chances of success and help you catch more fish.

Some of my favorite late summer finesse baits to fish on a drop shot are Baby Z Too (Arkansa Shiner)  KVD Dream Shot (KVD Magic) , and Roboworm 4.5″ (Aarons Magic)

Northern Michigan Smallmouth BassFirst 6 pound Smallmouth
Northern Michigan Smallmouth Bass
Northern Michigan Smallmouth Bass
Northern Michigan Smallmouth Bass
Northern Michigan Smallmouth Bass

Booking a Smallmouth Trip

Interested in booking a Smallmouth Bass Trip or going for Lake Trout on light tackle, drop us a message via email, or text/call us directly 231-631-5701.

Jon Ray

Best Time to fish Grand Traverse Bay for Smallmouth Bass

Grand Traverse Bay Smallmouth Bass Fishing

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Grand Traverse Bay

"Fishing

Throughout the year, the changing seasons play a significant role in smallmouth bass fishing.  Seasonal change affects both the behavior of the fish and the strategies employed by anglers. In particular, the optimal month for Grand Traverse Bay smallmouth bass fishing can vary depending on the season. Spring often boasts a period of heightened activity as smallmouth bass feed aggressively coming out of winter. As the waters warm up in late spring to early summer, smallmouth bass move shallower for the spawn. Therefore, anglers may find the months of May and June to be particularly ideal for targeting smallmouth bass.

Summer

During the summer fishing for Grand Traverse Bay smallmouth bass can be an exciting and rewarding experience for anglers of all skill levels. With the warming temps Smallmouth in Grand Traverse Bay will tend to go deeper than they do in the Spring.  However, this doesn’t mean they are too deep for topwater offerings, especially if you’re willing to get up early.  Fishing smallmouth bass on topwater is truely an exciting approach to fishing the Grand Traverse Bay.

When targeting Grand Traverse Bay smallmouth bass in the summer it is important to focus on areas with structure.  Rock structures such as rocky points, ledges, and rock piles, are all areas where these fish like to feed.  Goby and Crayfish patterns are a key food source for smallmouth bass.  The key to success here is to find the preferred bait which usually means you will find the smallmouth bass.  One thing about smallmouth bass that translates well universally is no food = no smallmouth bass.  These guys love to eat and will be found very close to their food source.

Goby

Invasive Gobies provide plenty of food for Smallmouth Bass

Fall Fishing

Fall is a prime season for smallmouth bass fishing in Northern Michigan. The Fall is particularly renowned for its abundance of trophy-sized smallmouth bass. As the temperatures begin to cool, these elusive and aggressive fish become more active.  They can often be found moving into shallow waters in search of food to prepare for the upcoming winter. The crisp autumn air and vibrant colors of the changing leaves provide a picturesque backdrop for anglers seeking the thrill of battling these hard-fighting Grand Traverse Bay smallmouth bass.

Whether casting along rocky shorelines with Umbrella rigs, targeting submerged structure with swimbaits, or working shallow flats with the fly rod, the opportunities for landing a trophy smallmouth are plentiful during the Fall in Northern Michigan. With the combination of ideal weather conditions and the smallmouth’s voracious feeding habits before Winter, Fall smallmouth bass fishing offers anglers an unparalleled experience on the water.

With more anglers focused on King Salmon and Steelhead fishing many of the best inland lakes and Grand Traverse Bay can be barren of other anglers.

Fishing Techniques

Fishing methods for smallmouth bass can range from using gurgle bugs on a fly rod to drop-shotting deep rock piles off a point. While we primarily enjoy using a fly rod with various patterns such as Goby, Crayfish, and Topwater flies, we also recognize the importance of having a spinning rod as a backup.  Windy conditions and the need to approach larger fish in clear water from a distance are conditions that at times are better managed with spin tackle.

In the clear waters of Grand Traverse Bay, smallmouth bass may not always be approachable with a fly rod thus prompting the need for spinning gear. Grand Traverse Bay is known for regularly yielding smallmouth bass weighing in excess of six pounds. These larger bass are old and wise and often require long casts to catch.  Additionally, many anglers appreciate the exhilarating challenge of catching and fighting a smallmouth bass on light spinning gear.

Conclusion

Want to experience the thrill of smallmouth fishing in the pristine waters of Grand Traverse Bay where the breathtaking natural beauty meets unparalleled angling opportunities. Northern Michigan is home to some of the finest smallmouth bass fishing in the country.  This picturesque bay offers the perfect setting for both seasoned anglers and beginners looking to hone their angling skills. Grand Traverse Bay promises a fishing experience like no other!  So come and immerse yourself in the tranquility of Grand Traverse Bay, feel the excitement of each bite, and savor the joy of reeling in a prized smallmouth bass.

Carp on Grand Traverse Bay – Picture of the Day

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June is prime time for carp on Grand Traverse bay and had a chance yesterday to get out on the bay and chase down the golden bones on the flats.

carp in Traverse City

A Tight Loop Spring Edition – Carp Article

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John Stefanciw (chewy) and I did a Grand Traverse Bay carp article for A Tight Loop, you can check it out on page 12 of the latest edition of this midwestern online magazine.  Late May and early June are prime time for these brutes on a fly.  100% visual experience.  More coming soon about carp on a fly, working on a fly tying video and soon will be posting an article on the Hawkins Fly Fishing site.

traverse city carp