Big Bay de Noc is an underutilized and underfished body of water for smallmouths. Some of the best bass fishing is on the west side of the bay. Prevailing winds usually mean calm waters in this area. Anglers can launch at Ogontz Bay or near Wisley Bay to sample the absolutely untapped bass fishing this bay offers.
For more information on lodging, bait shops, guides and accommodations in the area, contact the Delta County Tourism & Convention Bureau at (906) 786-2192, or online at www.deltami.org /a>.
GRAND LAKE
"Grand Lake near Alpena is by far one of our best smallmouth bass lakes," said Tim Cwalinski, fisheries biologist for the Northern Lake Huron Management Unit of the DNR. "These fish are underfished, but people are starting to catch on to them as quality fish." Cwalinski indicated that Grand Lake is loaded with smallies in the 14- to 18-inch range, and bass to 21 inches aren't unusual.
At 5,660 acres, Grand Lake offers anglers plenty of room to roam and plenty of fish-attracting structure. Like many lakes, smallmouths on Grand take a back seat to many of the more popular game-fish species, including walleyes, pike and yellow perch. But don't let that fool you. The lake is loaded with chunky bronzebacks.
A prime early-season location for smallies up to 5 pounds is on the east side of the lake near a cluster of islands. Working the contours around the islands with tube jigs, spinnerbaits and crankbaits can be very productive. In the summer, the bass retreat to the bountiful structure that exemplifies Grand Lake. Smallies love the rocks and boulders that can be found throughout the lake, but good locations are off Macombers Point, Grand Point and off Whiskey Point. Drifting with leeches or minnows will not only keep you into the bass, but you're also likely to catch a smorgasbord of other species.
For live bait, tackle and fishing maps, contact Buck's Bait & Tackle at (989) 595-2121. For information on lodging and accommodations in the area, contact the Alpena Convention & Visitors Bureau at 1-800-425-7362 or online at www.alpena.net.
BURT LAKE
"The smallmouth population on Burt Lake is second to none," Cwalinski stated. "There are bass in the lake up to 23 inches, and plenty of 13- to 19-inch fish based on our most recent spring survey. Again, harvest is minimal."
Michigan's fourth-largest inland lake, Burt sprawls over more than 17,000 acres. It lacks a lot of defined structure and weedbeds, so finding subtle nuances that attract smallies is critical. Many of the points that jut out into the lake are good locations to look for bronzebacks. Try the 10- to 20-foot contours and dropoffs found off Greenman, Cedar, Dagwell and Colonial points. A good dropoff to try is right off the boat ramp on the south end. One of the few places to find weeds is in Maple Bay. The shallows there are good to hunt for foraging bass as the lake warms in spring.
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