KENT LAKE
Of the good bass lakes in southeastern Michigan, Kent Lake is one of the best, according to Jeff Braunscheidel, a fisheries biologist with the Lake Erie Management Unit.

In 2002, a Master Angler Award largemouth bass measured 23 inches, and in 2003, another qualifying largemouth was caught that measured 22 inches.

Anglers can expect more 14-inch fish than anything else, but the trophy-class fish are there. Whether it's due to smaller bass being thinned out by the northern pike or the good forage base and habitat, plenty of rod-benders will be taken this spring.

Early-season largemouths will be found in the northern part of the lake near the beaches before they're marked off with buoys. The bottom consists of sand and gravel, which provides good nesting locations for largemouths. There are sandbars and small islands a little ways out into the lake that post-spawn bass will frequent.

Largemouths in this lake are heavily pressured. Kent's proximity to metro areas in southeastern Michigan means plenty of anglers, but the lake just keeps pumping out quality bass.

Kent Lake is part of the Kensington Metropark on the north side of Interstate 96 between the Milford and Brighton exits in Oakland and Livingston counties, and is operated by the Huron-Clinton Metropolitan Authority. The park manages a marina on the north side of the lake, and a total of eight locations to launch a boat. A daily or annual sticker is required to use the park. Rental boats are available. The park is open between 6 a.m. and 10 p.m. A vehicle entry permit is required. There is a no-wake limit on the water. For more information, contact the Lake Erie Management Unit at (734) 953-0241 or the Kensington Metropark at 1-800-477-3178. The Livingston County Visitor's Bureau can be contacted at (517) 548-1795 for assistance in trip planning.

WIXOM LAKE
"I have several lakes that are pretty good for largemouths, but Wixom is one of the best," said Jim Baker, Southern Lake Huron Management Area fisheries biologist. "Bass are typically a couple of pounds, which is average for central Michigan, but there are some over 5 pounds. There are some big bass in there."

Wixom Lake covers 1,980 acres in Gladwin and Midland counties. It has sections that warm up early and draw big bucketmouths up from the colder depths. The back bays and channels that are dredge cuts off the main lake warm up quickly. These areas serve not only as spawning locations but places where you'll find bass soaking up the warmth, particularly on colder days.

"The Albright Shores area and Muddy Bay are good spring spots to try," Baker said. "If the water is cold, I'd go with plastics. If the water is quite cold, the bass will come up right along the shoreline to find that little bit of warmth. When the water warms up is when to try crankbaits, spinnerbaits and, later on in the summer, a jig-and-pig."