Expert-Guided Smallmouth Bass Fishing in Traverse City

Reel in Trophy Smallies on Lake Michigan

Get ready to chase some of the hardest-fighting fish in the Great Lakes on this full-day smallmouth bass adventure. We'll spend 8 hours exploring the pristine waters around Traverse City, targeting those chunky bronzebacks that make northern Michigan a bass fishing mecca. Whether you're a seasoned angler or just getting your feet wet, our trip offers the perfect mix of action, scenery, and good old-fashioned fun on the water.

What to Expect on the Water

We'll kick things off bright and early, loading up the boat with all the gear you'll need for a full day of smallmouth action. As we cruise out onto Lake Michigan, you'll be blown away by the crystal-clear water and stunning shoreline views. We'll hit some of my favorite smallmouth honey holes – from rocky points and dropoffs to weed edges where the big boys like to hang out. The fishing can be non-stop at times, with smallies smashing topwaters or crushing deep-running crankbaits. And when you hook into a 4+ pounder, hold on tight! These fish are known for their acrobatic jumps and blistering runs. Between spots, we'll swap fishing stories and soak in the beauty of northern Michigan.

Techniques That Land Lunkers

We'll use a variety of tried-and-true smallmouth tactics to put fish in the boat. Depending on conditions, we might start the day working topwater lures like poppers or walking baits across shallow flats. As the sun gets higher, we'll switch to finesse presentations like drop shotting or Ned rigging to tempt suspended fish. When we find active schools, nothing beats ripping a lipless crankbait or spinnerbait through the water column. I'll show you how to work each lure effectively and read your electronics to locate fish-holding structure. The key is staying versatile and matching the presentation to what the smallies want on any given day. By the end of the trip, you'll have a boatload of new bass-catching skills in your arsenal.

Why Anglers Keep Coming Back

"Captain Jack was awesome! Not only did he put us on great fish but was very professional, courteous, and friendly. We learned a lot about Lake Michigan smallmouth fishing and he was extremely patient. Was excited for us as we were when we caught fish and did a great job netting. I have fished all my life but I have a very unique story about my trophy smallmouth caught with Captain Jack that I will remember the rest of my life." - Patty

Species You'll Want to Hook

Smallmouth bass are the star of the show on Lake Michigan, and for good reason. These bronzed beauties are pound-for-pound some of the hardest fighting freshwater fish you'll ever tangle with. They typically range from 2-5 pounds, but fish pushing 6 or even 7 pounds are always a possibility. Smallies in Lake Michigan grow big and strong feeding on a buffet of gobies, crayfish, and baitfish. They're known for their aggressive strikes and acrobatic fights, often leaping clear out of the water multiple times during the battle.

The best smallmouth fishing usually kicks off in late spring as the water warms and fish move shallow to spawn. Summer offers consistent action as bass set up on offshore structure. Fall can be lights out, with big fish putting on the feedbag before winter. No matter when you visit, there's a good chance of hooking into the smallmouth of a lifetime.

What makes Lake Michigan smallies so special is their environment. The crystal-clear water means you can often sight fish for cruising bass in the shallows. And the vast expanse of the lake has allowed these fish to grow to trophy proportions. When you set the hook on a big Lake Michigan smallie, be ready for some serious drag-screaming runs!

Time to Book Your Spot

If you're itching to tangle with some hard-fighting northern bass, this is the trip for you. We've got all the gear, knowhow, and prime fishing spots to make it happen. Whether you're a die-hard smallmouth fanatic or looking to check Lake Michigan bass off your bucket list, you won't be disappointed. With stunning scenery, non-stop action, and the chance at a true trophy, this full-day adventure delivers the goods. Spots fill up fast during peak season, so don't wait to lock in your date. Give us a call and let's get you out on the water chasing those Lake Michigan bronzebacks!