Northern Michigan Smallmouth Bass
Northern Michigan Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass fishing in Northern Michigan has moved into a solid summer pattern. We have been fishing both Grand Traverse Bay and several inland lakes in the area, and July is setting up to be a great month for targeting smallmouth. Most of the inland lake fish are well past the spawn now and have transitioned into post-spawn feeding patterns. Topwater, streamers, swimbaits, tubes, and finesse presentations have all been producing depending on the lake, weather, and water clarity.
The mid-size inland lakes have been especially fun, with fish relating to visual structure such as weed edges, rock, wood, and sand-to-gravel transitions. This has made for some great fishing with kids and newer anglers, as many of the best casting targets are easy to see. Fish are feeding heavily after the spawn and are putting weight back on as water temperatures continue to stabilize.
July Smallmouth on Grand Traverse Bay
Grand Traverse Bay is moving into one of the most exciting windows of the smallmouth season. With the spawn mostly behind us, fish are beginning to settle into post-spawn and early summer patterns. Water temperatures have still been on the cooler side in many areas of the bay, but smallmouth are spreading out and starting to relate to classic summer structure including rock edges, sand flats, boulder fields, weed edges, and drop-offs.
Fly anglers can find excellent opportunities sight-fishing to cruising smallmouth in the clear water of Grand Traverse Bay, especially during calm conditions early and late in the day. Streamers, crayfish patterns, goby imitations, and baitfish flies are all strong choices right now. A slow strip, pause, or subtle jigging retrieve can be very effective when fish are holding close to bottom. With Mayflies still part of the food chain, there can also be some limited topwater opportunities when fish are looking up.
Light tackle spinning gear continues to be a very productive way to cover water and target post-spawn bass. Hula Grubs, drop shots, small swimbaits such as Spark Shads, tubes, Ned rigs, and hair jigs are all good options in July. Natural colors that imitate gobies, crayfish, and alewives are reliable choices in the bay’s clear water. Long casts and light line are important, especially when fishing calm conditions or pressured fish.
As July progresses, expect fish to continue moving toward deeper structure and more defined breaks. Some smallmouth will still be found shallow, especially during low light, wind, or bug activity, but many of the better groups of fish will begin setting up on depth changes, isolated rock, and deeper edges. Wind can be a big advantage on Grand Traverse Bay this time of year, helping break up the surface and making fish less wary.
Overall, July is a great time to fish Grand Traverse Bay for smallmouth bass. Whether you prefer fly fishing or light tackle spinning gear, this is a fun time of year with a mix of sight-fishing, structure fishing, and active post-spawn feeding opportunities. Staying mobile, covering water, and adjusting to the wind and light conditions will be key to finding the most active fish.
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
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.
