Michigan

Michigan (Upper Peninsula) Overview

While many of Michigan's Upper Peninsula rivers and streams are perhaps better known for trout it may come to the surprise to many that some quality smallmouth bass fishing can also be found in these same waters. Pound for pound, no other fish can give you the fight that these northland fighters can exhibit.

It appears that the Lake Michigan watershed rivers tend to hold more smallmouth bass than those waters heading north to the colder waters of Lake Superior. Some of the rivers, like the Menominee River, share its shores with neighboring Wisconsin. Information for that river can be found in the Wisconsin Pages of this site.

The American Whitewater Association also publishes information on their website, such as water flows, descriptions of rapids, and suggested paddling routes, about many rivers throughout the state of Michigan. However, many of their suggested trips are geared toward whitewater enthusiasts. Some of their suggested trips may not be suitable for river angling. It is important to know your paddling experience and be comfortable with fishing a river safely.

Anglers should be aware of Michigan Lake and River Use Restrictions, have a current Michigan fishing license, and be aware of the latest fishing regulations. The online version of the Michigan fishing regulations contains the latest corrections to the printed version. You may have to refresh your browser's cache for changes in the PDF file to appear.

For angling information about various river systems in Michigan's Upper Peninsula that offer smallmouth bass angling opportunities click on the drop down list under the Michigan heading and select the river system you are interested in.