Fishing For Smallmouth Bass at Fallasburg Park

Fished the early evening hours of April 19, 2025. It was breezy, but mostly sunny. The air temps were in the 50s, but were tolerable. A white Rooster tail was the hot lure today. Targeted areas with structure, focusing mostly on underneath the wooden bridge. With a slow retrieved against the current, managed to locate two smallmouth bass. One of them was quite nice in size and color, as seen in the above YouTube video.

When fishing in Michigan, it’s important to make sure that you have the right fishing gear. Be sure to check out YUMEOWL’s Fishing Plier Set (Amazon Affiliate link).

Spring Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Fishing for smallmouth bass in the Spring can lead to great results. However, do so carefully. While it is catch and immediate release season in Michigan, these fish are either preparing to spawn, spawning, or post spawn. These fish can be quite fragile. Handle with care!

Spring Smallmouth Bass Fishing Tips

Spring in Michigan marks the start of some incredible smallmouth bass fishing opportunities. As waters warm and bass move from their winter depths toward spawning areas, anglers who understand these transitions can experience trophy-class fishing. Here’s a quick guide to help you target Michigan smallmouth bass this spring.

Understanding Spring Smallmouth Behavior

Spring smallmouth fishing in Michigan follows a predictable pattern that can be broken down into three distinct phases:

Pre-Spawn (45-55°F)

Bass are moving from winter holdover areas to staging areas near spawning flats. They’re actively feeding to build energy reserves for the spawning process. This is often when the largest bass of the year are caught.

Spawn (55-65°F)

When water temperatures stabilize in the mid-50s to mid-60s, smallmouth create nests in shallow areas with gravel or sandy bottoms. Males become territorial and aggressive during this period.

Post-Spawn (65°F+)

After spawning, smallmouth recover in deeper water near their spawning areas before establishing summer patterns. They’re often found near drop-offs adjacent to spawning flats.

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The Weather

It was around 60 degrees with overcast skies, and storms in the surrounding areas. The water was quite shallow and stained. Even the pond above the dam was significantly lower than it has been at this time for several years. Without decent rainfall, come summer, these rivers may be mostly unfishable due to low water levels and elevated water temperatures. It’ll be an interesting summer. Hopefully we pick up some decent rainfall in the coming months and avoid fish die-offs.

Results

While locating holes where fish were holding was difficult, we did manage to catch a couple of small Smallmouth Bass utilizing Mepps spinners. If the bite is difficult, Mepps spinners can be among the only things that will trigger a bite. I like to drift them downstream while reeling slowly, allowing them to swing through holes behind structure where I think that there may be fish.

About The Park

Leslie E. Tassell Park is a small park along the Thornapple River in Cascade Township (just outside of Grand Rapids). It’s a nice park that features two small parking areas. Picnic tables and a picnic shelter make this a nice stopping point for a canoe or kayak trip down (or up!) the Thornapple River. The park can be found at: 2900 Thornapple River Dr SE, Grand Rapids, MI 49546.

Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Many of Michigan’s rivers and lakes offer awesome smallmouth Bass fishing opportunities(including our Great Lakes). While it’s not a species we target heavily, it can make for a nice change of pace from chasing stream trout. Bivvy Creek (our fly fishing brand) is releasing some bass poppers! Be sure to check them out here.

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While we’re in the midst of fishing season here in Michigan, that’s not all we’re up to! Be sure to check out our essential backpacking gear list. Also, for survival and disaster preparedness tips, check out our sister website, diysurvivaltips.com.

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Can You Catch Bass in Winter?

Yes, of course you can. It will be more difficult and you will need to bundle up, but you can definitely catch bass during the winter. Bass don’t hibernate or wait out the winter months without eating. In fact, bass will still feed every day even when it is very cold. And if the bass are eating, then you can catch them.

Where Do Bass Go in the Winter?

The common answer is that bass go out into deep water when it gets cold. For the most part, this is true. But depending on the body of water, type of bottom, weather, and other factors, bass may not be as deep as you think. For example, in a small pond, the deepest water is probably only about 20 feet off of the bank (which is actually an advantage for pond bank fishing), and it rarely gets deeper than 12 feet. In this situation, bass will tend to hold closer to rocks in order to warm up, even if it means moving into a bit shallower water. There are other situations that influence bass location. But the important thing to understand is that bass go to the warmest water possible. Often that does mean very deep water. But other times it might mean rocks, sunny spots, or wind protected areas of the lake.

Winter Bass Behavior

Like I mentioned earlier, bass still eat quite a bit during the winter. It is a common misconception that bass don’t need to eat because the cold water slows down their metabolism so much. While the cold does lower the metabolism, it is nowhere near enough for them to survive long periods without eating. So it is best to not even consider this, because it can discourage anglers from fishing at all. Speed and depth are the two most important factors in bass behavior. Bass will move much slower and more cautiously. Generally, bass will move very slowly and hold tightly to the bottom. In very deep water, bass will sometimes suspend, but that is less common and almost nonexistent in ponds and small lakes.

Best Lures for Winter Bass Fishing

• Ned Rig: It really doesn’t get better than the Ned rig for winter bass fishing. The ned rig is best known for catching bass when the conditions are tough, and nothing else will. There are a bunch of ned rig baits you can use, but I like to either use a craw style or a classic stickworm for cold water.
• Blade Bait: The blade bait was specifically designed for fishing cold water. The thin, silent design is exactly like a small shad. And for whatever reason, simple metal lures always seem to catch fish. You can’t go wrong with a Yo-Yo retrieve in medium to deep water. 
• Jerkbait: The suspending jerkbait is almost synonymous with winter bass fishing. It is hard to beat a realistic baitfish imitation suspended right in front of the bass’s face. And with the erratic, side-to-side motion, the jerkbait is both a reaction bait and a slow, enticing presentation. 
• Finesse Jig: If you find a piece of wood or brush in deeper water, it will almost certainly be holding some bass. Nothing really beats a jig for fishing cover. The smaller, finesse jigs will give a more subtle and non threatening presentation to the cautious winter bass.

Best Winter Lure Colors

During the winter, all of the fish will be in deeper water, and be getting less sunlight. This results in them losing a lot of their color. The bluegill, bass, shad, and even the crawfish will become very pale. This is what you want to imitate with your lure colors. Choose colors that are more dull and pale in color. Grey, light brown, and green are a few good options. The less color, the better during the winter months.

Warm Winter Days

Bass will change their behavior up a bit during a winter warm front. Bass will move up into a bit shallower water and feed up as much as they can before it gets cold again. These warm fronts are a great time to try to get more of a reaction strike. Moving lures like chatterbaits, crankbaits, and umbrella rigs work very well on these days. Bass will also target shallow rocks because of how fast rocks heat up in the sun. Crankbaits are my favorite lure for fishing these rocks. These warm days will liven up the water a bit and get bass moving shallower and becoming aggressive for a brief time.

Ice Fishing

No winter fishing discussion would be complete without talking about ice fishing. Bass are not the most popular ice fishing species, but they can be caught just like any other fish. Ice fishing is best done in the Northern states where the ice gets really thick. The down side of ice fishing for bass is that you can’t cover very much water. If there are no fish where you are dropping your bait, you may just be out of luck. And since you are standing on ice above a freezing lake, ice fishing safety is paramount. But if you enjoy being able to sit in one place and let the bass come to you, you should definitely give it a try.

FAQ

What is the Best Time of Day for Winter Bass Fishing?

Bass are often more active during the warmest parts of the day in winter. Aim to fish during late morning to early afternoon when the sun has had a chance to warm the water slightly.

What Gear is Best for Winter Fishing?

Use lighter lines and sensitive rods to detect subtle bites in cold water. Fluorocarbon line is often preferred as it sinks and is less visible to fish.

When Does the Winter Fishing Season Start?

The exact time depends a bit on your location, but the winter fishing season usually starts between early late October and late November.

When Does the Winter Fishing Season End?

Generally, the winter will end between late February and late March. At this time bass will begin transitioning into their pre-spawn behaviors. 

Letting This Go

While winter bass fishing presents its challenges, it’s a rewarding pursuit for those who embrace the cold. Armed with the right knowledge of bass behavior, preferred habitats, and effective lure choices, anglers can defy the winter chill and reel in impressive catches. So, bundle up, gear up, and venture forth into the winter wonderland, where bass await the intrepid angler’s challenge.

The post Can You Still Catch Bass in the Winter? appeared first on Pack & Paddle Expedition.

The Panther Martin Best of the Best Spinners Kit includes six of the most effective and popular Panther Martin spinners, carefully selected to cover a wide range of fishing conditions and preferences. From the iconic gold blades that mimic the flash of natural baitfish to vibrant and eye-catching patterns that trigger aggressive strikes, each spinner in this kit is expertly crafted to attract fish and maximize your chances of success.

What sets Panther Martin spinners apart is their unique design, featuring a patented convex/concave blade that creates irresistible vibrations and erratic movements in the water. This action, combined with the vibrant colors and lifelike patterns, makes Panther Martin spinners irresistible to a variety of freshwater gamefish, including trout, bass, pike, and panfish.

Whether you’re casting in a fast-moving river, a tranquil lake, or a secluded pond, the Panther Martin Best of the Best Spinners Kit is versatile enough to handle any fishing situation. With its compact size and convenient packaging, this kit is perfect for stashing in your tackle box or backpack, ensuring that you’re always prepared to reel in the catch of a lifetime.

Conclusion

So why wait? Elevate your fishing game and experience the thrill of success with the Panther Martin Best of the Best Spinners Kit. With its proven effectiveness, durable construction, and unbeatable value, this kit is a must-have for any angler looking to maximize their time on the water and create lasting memories with every cast.

The post This Panther Martin Spinner Kit Is 40% Off appeared first on Pack & Paddle Expedition.

About Bivvy Creek

Bivvy Creek is a brand dedicated to redefining the fly fishing experience. With a commitment to craftsmanship, sustainability, and community engagement, Bivvy Creek offers a range of premium fly fishing gear for anglers who seek both elegance and efficiency on the water.

Passionate Community Engagement: At the heart of Bivvy Creek is a commitment to fostering a vibrant and supportive community of anglers. We believe that fly fishing is not just a sport; it’s a shared journey of exploration and camaraderie. Through social media initiatives, community events, and partnerships with angling organizations, Bivvy Creek aims to bring together like-minded individuals who share a love for the water and the pursuit of finned adventures.

Sustainability at the Core: Bivvy Creek acknowledges the importance of environmental stewardship in preserving the waters we cherish. Our commitment to sustainability is reflected in our product choices, packaging, and partnerships. Bivvy Creek strives to leave a minimal footprint, ensuring that future generations can experience the same joys of fly fishing in pristine environments.

Join the Bivvy Creek Experience: Pack & Paddle Expedition Co invites anglers, both seasoned veterans and those new to the sport, to join the Bivvy Creek experience. Explore our premium fly fishing gear, connect with our community, and embark on a journey that celebrates the beauty of nature and the art of fly fishing.

The post Introducing Bivvy Creek! appeared first on Pack & Paddle Expedition.

Gear List

• Ugly Stik GX2 Spinning Rod and Reel Combo
• Mepps Aglia Plain Spinner
• Panther Martin Best of the Best Spinners Kit

The Weather

The weather was mostly cloudy-interspersed however with periods of mostly sunny. Temperature was 62 degrees Fahrenheit. Humidity was 64%. Wind was around 1 mph North. Overall a beautiful day for fishing.

Since the Rogue River access points are off of a trail, I opted to pack everything and put waders on once I found a good spot to enter the river.

Michigan Fishing Report

Only fish that managed to be caught this morning was a small, smallmouth bass. The bass was caught on a spinner that was drifted over some logs in the water and hit while reeling it in slowly. While I was looking for trout, I didn’t see any in any of the holes I was able to wade to. Walking back, I did hear from someone who had seen a Coho salmon caught last week. With some deeper holes in this stretch of the Rogue River, I could see them holding fish as they try to push up stream. However, the water was clear today and there weren’t holes in this particular stretch holding large fish.

SJK Strike Fishing Vest

Features of the SJK Strike Fishing Vest 12 pocket layout offers maximum functionality Neoprene collar for added comfort Mesh body improves breathability Front hook/loop rod holder Quick release buckle closure Center back net keeper Custom logo treatment

Other Fishing Reports

As always check out the Michigan Department of Natural Resources’ weekly fishing report here. They cover a lot more ground that we do. Check out our list of fishing webcams and reports! Looking for fly fishing gear or tenkara fishing gear? Check out our new fly fishing brand, Bivvy Creek!

The post Michigan Fishing Report 9-13-2023 appeared first on Pack & Paddle Expedition.

We fished here during the weekend of September 8 and September 10, 2023. The weather on September 8th was beautiful. September 10 saw cool and rainy skies, but nothing heavy.

Bois Blanc Township Marina

Since this was essentially the start of the off season, there was room to fish between the boats along the wharf. While there were some small fish (I believe young smallmouth bass), larger fish weren’t present until the end of wharf. That’s where I located this nice northern pike. A Rapala Deep Husky Jerk would be a great bet if you go out.

Orvis Guide Hip Pack

The Orvis Guide Hip Pack is a nine liter pack for holding fly fishing gear close. Tools to tipPet, flies and snacks, every little thing you need is right there at your hip for easy access. Tie a new fly, clip it, keep on fishing. The hip pack is there to secure it all, so you can continue fishing without obstruction, distraction, or slowing down.

Thompson Lake

Thompson Lake in the central part of Bois Blanc Island offers a nice fishing pier that’s easily accessible. As shown in the YouTube video above, the water around the pier is quite shallow and only features small perch. To the east end of the lake, there is deeper water which (supposedly) holds larger fish such as pike. We fished here on September 8th but had no success in limited time.

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Check out these urban survival tips from our sister website, DIYSurvivalTips.com.

Michigan DNR Fishing Report for 9-6-2023

Check out the link above for additional Michigan fishing reports for the past week! Have a fishing report you’d like publish on our website, gopackandpaddle.com? Send us a message! Always looking for more reports to publish. We can’t fish everywhere (unfortunately).

The post Michigan Fishing Report-Bois Blanc Island 9-10-2023 appeared first on Pack & Paddle Expedition.

Fishing Report

It was a beautiful but breezy day. Lots of boats still in the water enjoying the second to last weekend of summer. Fished on the north pier in Grand Haven, lakeside. Opted to forgo the channel side due to all of the boat traffic. Used a combination of shrimp, jigs, and spoons. Had little success during the mid afternoon. Other groups of fishermen had the same result. One salmon had been caught off of the pier that morning, but it was slow for everything. Indeed, there weren’t any boats with fishermen out either. The one salmon caught was caught on an alewife. Both bait and game fish seemed to be limited in their numbers currently. Doesn’t appear that the salmon are staging for their fall run quite yet.

Weather

Waves were 1-2 feet out on the pier, aided by gusting winds. Wind was strong out of the north, with maybe a north-easterly direction. Clear skies, no clouds. Air temperature was mid-70s with a water temperature around 60 degrees. Other than the wind, it was a perfect day for fishing. Probably would have been a good day for inland lake fishing.

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The Michigan Department of Natural Resources publishes a pretty detailed fishing report weekly from around the state. You can find it here. Want to write fishing reports for us? Send us a message! Always looking for more reports.

Be sure to sign up for our mailing list to stay up to date with fishing reports, articles, and editorials!

The post Fishing Report 8-27-2023 Grand Haven Fishermen’s Pier appeared first on Pack & Paddle Expedition.

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These fish are known for their acrobatic jumps and powerful runs, making them a challenging but delightful catch. However, to successfully catch steelhead, you must have the right fishing gear, including the right fishing line.

What Fishing Line To Use For Steelhead?

Choosing the right fishing line for steelhead fishing can be tricky, as many options are available. Consider factors like water clarity, fishing location, and the size of the fish you will target when selecting a fishing line. This blog post will discuss the types of fishing lines suitable for steelhead fishing. Pair your fishing line with a float in order to fish with spawn bags or shrimp.

The Best Choice: Fluorocarbon Fishing Line 

Fluorocarbon fishing lines are a popular option for steelhead fishing, and for a good reason. Fluorocarbon is the best option for steelhead fishing as it is stronger than monofilament but has high tensile strength. Steelhead are athletic fish. Fluorocarbon fishing lines are made from a denser material than monofilament, which makes them more resistant to abrasion and ideal for fishing in clear water. Fluorocarbon lines are also less visible underwater, which makes them an excellent choice for wary fish like steelhead. Here’s some great information on winter steelhead fishing.

Monofilament Fishing Line 

Monofilament fishing line is a popular choice for steelhead fishing. It is a single strand of nylon, which makes it affordable, flexible, and easy to use. This type of fishing line is suitable for beginners and experienced anglers alike. Monofilament lines are available in different sizes, and the pound test of the line should be matched to the size of the fish you are targeting. KastKing line is among the better monofilament line choices.

Braid Fishing Line 

Braid fishing lines are becoming increasingly popular among anglers. A braided line is an excellent option for fishing for catfish or similar fish; steelhead fishing requires a different line. It’ll snap. If you do prefer to use braid for steelhead, make sure you’re using a fluorocarbon leader.

What Are The Current Michigan Steelhead Fishing Regulations?

You can find the current Michigan fishing regulations for steelhead on the Michigan Department of Natural Resources (DNR) website. Please note that the 2023 fishing year ends on March 31st, 2024. Make sure to review 2024’s fishing guidebook once it’s available for any updated regulations and requirements.

Reading More

Check out the best flies for springtime trout fishing! Planning on camping with kids? Here are some tips that will help you have a great family camping trip. Also, here’s a summary of the 4-3-2024 State of Michigan DNR Fishing Report.

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Fishing is one of the most popular outdoor activities, and it’s no surprise that anglers are always looking for new and practical techniques to improve their catch. One such technique that has gained popularity in recent years is jigging. In this post, we’ll discuss jigging for fish techniques and why they are worth incorporating into your fishing routine.

Jigging is a fishing technique involving a jig lure to attract fish. A jig lure consists of a weighted head and a hook, with various skirt and tail options that mimic the movement of baitfish. Jigging involves dropping the jig lure to the bottom of the water column, then quickly lifting and lowering the rod to create a rhythmic, pulsing movement that attracts fish. Other popular jigging lure options include jigging with spoons. In fact, there are spoon designs specifically for jigging rather than reeling or trolling styles of fishing.

Watch some fishing highlights here:

Jigging Techniques

Anglers can use several different jigging techniques, including vertical jigging, slow-pitch jigging, and high-speed jigging. Vertical jigging involves dropping the jig to the bottom and quickly lifting and dropping the rod in short, sharp movements. Slow-pitch jigging, on the other hand, involves slower, more deliberate actions, with the rod tip kept low to the water. High-speed jigging is a faster technique that involves quick, aggressive movements to create a more erratic jig motion.

Benefits of Jigging

One of the key benefits of fish jigging is its versatility. It can be used in salt and freshwater environments and can be effective for many fish species, including bass, walleye, pike, and more. Also, you can use jigging in various water depths, from shallow streams to deep offshore waters.

Another benefit of jigging is its ability to trigger fish that may not be actively feeding. The rhythmic movement of the jig lure can create a reaction strike, enticing fish to bite even when they’re not necessarily hungry. Additionally, jigging allows anglers to cover a large area of water quickly and efficiently, making it an excellent technique for locating fish.

In conclusion, jigging is a versatile and effective fishing technique that every angler should consider incorporating into their routine. Whether you’re a seasoned pro or a beginner, experimenting with different jigging techniques can help you improve your catch and make the most of your time on the water. So, grab your jig lures and try jigging – you may be surprised at the results!

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Looking for a list of essential backpacking gear? We’ve got you covered at gopackandpaddle.com. Questions? Comments? Leave a comment below or send us a message.

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