Species / Smallmouth Bass / Michigan
Bass
Smallmouth Bass Fishing in Michigan
A hard-fighting bass of clear rivers and rocky natural lakes, from the Great Lakes to Tennessee. Smallmouth love crayfish and gobies.
Best Months: Apr to Oct
Plan by Month
Best Flies, Lures & Bait for Smallmouth Bass
6 picks for October.
Clouser Minnow #1/0-8
FlyStreamer
Shop This FlyCrayfish Fly #2-6
FlyStreamer
Shop This FlyNed Rig 2.5 to 3 in
LureFinesse
Shop This LureSuspending Jerkbait 4 to 5 in
LureHard Bait
Shop This LureTube Jig 3 to 4 in
LureSoft Plastic
Shop This LureInline Spinner 1/16 to 1/4 oz
LureSpinner
Shop This Lure
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Rod & Reel
Smallmouth Bass Setup
Smallmouth Bass
Fly 9 ft 6 or 7 wt rod, floating line, 10 to 12 lb leader. Crayfish patterns, Clousers, and poppers.
Spin / Cast 7 ft medium spinning rod, 2500 reel, 8 lb braid to a 6 to 8 lb fluorocarbon leader.
Michigan
Where to Catch Smallmouth Bass
Rivers & Streams · Michigan
Detroit River
A spring walleye run of national fame on the river between Detroit and Windsor.
Walleye · Smallmouth Bass
Lakes & Reservoirs · Michigan
Lake St. Clair
A shallow lake between Lakes Huron and Erie, among the best smallmouth and musky fisheries anywhere.
Smallmouth Bass · Muskellunge · Walleye
Michigan
Shops to Stock Up
Anglers Point Marina Bait & Tackle
Chesterfield, Michigan
28955 William P Rosso Hwy
Recommended
Gear for Smallmouth Bass
Fly Lines
RIO Bass Fly Line
A short, aggressive head that turns over wind-resistant poppers and bass bugs.
Check PriceRods
St. Croix Triumph Spinning Rod
A sensitive, lightweight rod for finesse plastics and jigs.
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Orvis Clearwater Fly Rod Outfit
A complete rod, reel, and line outfit that covers most trout water and small-stream bass.
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Scientific Anglers Mastery Infinity Fly Line
A smooth-shooting, all-around freshwater line.
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Simms Freestone Stockingfoot Waders
Durable, breathable waders that hold up to seasons of wading.
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Frabill Rubber Mesh Landing Net
A fish-friendly rubber net that does not tangle hooks.
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Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Combo
Nearly unbreakable and sensitive enough for most freshwater fishing. A safe first combo.
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Shimano Sedona Spinning Reel
A smooth, durable reel in sizes for trout through inshore saltwater.
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Pflueger President Spinning Reel
Light and smooth for its price. A favorite for finesse and panfish rods.
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PowerPro Spectra Braided Line
Thin, strong braid for long casts, sensitivity, and pulling fish from cover.
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Seaguar Red Label Fluorocarbon
Low-visibility fluorocarbon for leaders and clear water.
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Yamamoto Senko 5 in
The original salted stick bait. Fish it weightless or wacky rigged.
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