There's no lack of structure on 470-acre Lake Orion. It doesn't have much woody cover, with the exception of a bay on the south side of the lake. Twitch a stick bait on the surface here or bump the stumps with a spinnerbait and you are likely to encounter some very nice bass.

Like most southern Michigan lakes that allow it, recreational boaters churn Lake Orion to a froth on weekends, but you can avoid them and find some good bass in the coves and back bays located on the west side of the lake. The main body of the lake is a maze of humps and sloping contours that provide ideal bass structure. Early in the season before the weeds reach the surface is a good time to cast spinnerbaits and crankbaits. Later, work buzzbaits or twitch surface lures over the weedtops.

For more information on Lake Orion largemouths, contact KD Outdoors at (248) 666-7799.

LAKE FENTON
You won't find many lakes in Genesee County, but 845-acre Lake Fenton is about as good as they get for largemouths. Lake Fenton has excellent water quality, depth, structure and vegetation -- everything a bass needs.

Look for largemouths on the south end of Lake Fenton when the season opens. This shallow end of the lake warms quickly, and spawning bass seek out the warm water. As the bass fan out after the spawn, look for mid-lake flats and submergent vegetation off Log Cabin Point and Case Island to attract plenty of bucketmouths. Bass topping 5 pounds are not uncommon. Drag a Carolina-rigged lizard or worm for best results. Summer finds bass schools in surprisingly deep water off points on the north end, and drop-shotting is a proven tactic then. When in doubt, find some thick weeds, let a spinnerbait flutter into the openings, and hold on.

For maps, tackle and information on Lake Fenton, contact the Flint Gander Mountain store at (810) 230-1212.

FLETCHER FLOODWATER
There aren't many northern Michigan lakes that are ideally suited to largemouth bass. Fletcher Floodwater, also known as Fletcher Pond, is one of them. There are many people who claim that this could be the best largemouth lake in Michigan.

The deepest water on Fletcher is only 7 or 8 feet, mainly along the old river channel. The rest of the lake is one big stumpfield, and bass can be found just about anywhere in it.