Michigan Smallmouth Fishing
Experience the thrill of flyfishing for Smallmouth Bass in northern Michigan, where some of the country’s best warmwater fishing awaits. With clear, cool waters, abundant food sources, and great river and lake access, the region is a prime destination for flyfishing enthusiasts. Known for their fierce fight and aggressive strikes, Smallmouth Bass provide an exciting challenge for anglers of all skill levels. Our full-day trips, led by experienced USCG-certified captains, take you out on the calm, clear waters of Northern Michigan, where you’ll have the chance to cast poppers, streamers, and other enticing flies to these powerful fish.
The trips are designed to offer an exceptional day on the water, tailored to your experience level. We combine sight fishing techniques with poling methods depending on the time of year and conditions. These trips are perfect for anglers seeking an unforgettable experience targeting Smallmouth Bass in the serene waters of northern Michigan’s lakes and rivers. Whether you’re casting to fish on the flats or working streamers near drop-offs, every day offers a unique adventure.
Our fishing approach revolves around maximizing your chances of success using the most effective tactics for smallmouth bass:
- Sight Fishing: This method is the highlight of our smallmouth bass trips. Using the boat to navigate the flats, you’ll have the opportunity to spot smallmouths in shallow water (typically 3-4 feet deep). This allows for precise casts and a thrilling visual experience as the fish strike.
- Streamer Fishing: For targeting deeper bass or post-spawn fish, streamer fishing is the go-to technique. Using 7wt rods with 250-grain sink tip lines, you’ll be able to cast larger baitfish patterns and entice the smallmouths lurking in deeper drop-offs and structures.
- Poppers & Crayfish Patterns: Smallmouth bass are aggressive feeders, and using poppers or dying baitfish patterns allows you to get their attention quickly. The explosive strikes are as fun as they are intense, providing an adrenaline-packed fishing experience.
- Poling & Trolling: Depending on the conditions, we may use a combination of poling (especially in shallow waters) or trolling in deeper areas to locate and target smallmouth bass. This allows us to cover more water and adjust our strategy based on real-time conditions.
Target Species
Our Smallmouth Bass trips are available from July to August. During these warmer months, the smallmouth bass are most active and eager to strike, especially in the clear waters of the Northern Michigan
- Late May to June: Smallmouth begin moving onto the flats for spawning as the water temperature reaches the high 50s and low 60s. Early in the season, you’ll have the opportunity to sight fish, targeting smallmouth bass in 3-4 feet of water, often in areas rich with sand, gravel, and boulders.
July to August: As the smallmouth bass transition from the post-spawn into their summer patterns, they set up on predictable feeding areas and ambush points eager to take a well presented fly. Fishing during this time offers thrilling action, with smallmouths eager to strike topwater and streamer flies. These months offer the best conditions for sight fishing, allowing you to spot bass in shallow water and cast directly to them.
Where We Fish
Lower manistee (where they fish for steelhead too)
Our fishing trips take place on some of northern Michigan’s most renowned waters, providing you with access to the best fishing conditions and stunning scenery:
- Lake Leelanau: A beautiful inland lake with rocky flats and drop-offs, perfect for targeting Smallmouth Bass. Depending on weather and wind conditions, we may head out here for a calm, productive day of fishing.
- The Bay: A prime area for smallmouth fishing, where the flats offer ideal conditions for sight fishing. These clear waters provide a perfect backdrop for watching smallmouths attack poppers and streamers as they cruise through the shallows.
- Inland Lakes: If the wind is unfavorable for lake fishing, we’ll head to nearby inland lakes with rocky flats and drop-offs. These lakes are teeming with smallmouth bass and offer great alternative fishing options when conditions aren’t right for the open waters.
- Manistee River: Known for producing strong, aggressive smallmouths, the Manistee River offers both streamer and popper fishing opportunities. In the warmer months, these smallmouth bass use the river’s structure and currents to their advantage, providing exciting, visual fishing.
- Lower Manistee and Other Tailwaters: In addition to lakes, we also fish the tailwaters of rivers like the Lower Manistee, Muskegon, Boardman, and Au Sable. These areas provide excellent habitats for big smallmouth bass, often holding them in slower currents and near deep structures. These rivers are ideal for anglers looking to target larger bass while using streamers and sinking lines.
What's Included
- Use of rods and reels
- Snacks
- Lunch (full day trips only)
- Beverages
- Instruction by one of our award winning, flyfishing professionals if desired
What To Bring
When preparing for your fishing trip, be sure to bring a valid Michigan fishing license. You’ll also want to pack personal items like waders, rain gear, insect repellent, and sunblock to ensure your comfort throughout the day. Due to the potential danger of flies in the air, all clients are required to wear eye protection, so don’t forget your glasses or sunglasses. A hat is also recommended to provide some shade and protect you from the sun. Lastly, be sure to dress for the weather, as conditions can vary throughout the day and season.
- Michigan fishing license
- Personal items such as waders, rain gear, insect repellent, sunblock, etc.
- Glasses / Sunglasses (*Due to the danger associated with flies in the air, all clients will be required to wear eye protection)
- Hat
- Dress for the weather
- A lot of alcohol (ok to bring a few beers but don’t show up with a huge cooler of drinks)
- Drugs
- Weapons
Michigan Smallmouth Fishing FAQs
Have a question? We've got answers. If you do not see your question answered below, please do not hesitate to contact us.
$375 - $525
Trip Rate
Other Trips
Michigan Trout Fishing
Michigan Steelhead Fishing
