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Where do smallmouth bass spawn?

I am fishing on Manistique Lake, U.P. Michigan. Its a very shallow lake with rock flats, weed flats, and dropoffs. Where in the lake am I going to find spawning smallmouth bass? Also, other fish in the lake are walleye, pike, perch, bluegill, and suckers. Crawfish are also on the menu.

Public Comments

1. smallies will spawn in water between 1-8 feet deep. its been said that bigger fish spawn on the deeper end of that range. the rock flats will be the place to find them. usually in gravel thats about 1/4 to 1/2 inch in diameter. look for gravel patches between all the big rocks and you should find some smallie beds. keep in mind, they wont move into the shallows to spawn until the water reaches a certain temp.

2. Here is a little something concerning the habitat and the water temperature that the Small mouth bass prefer, taken off the internet.


Habitat:
Smallmouth bass prefer clear, calm waters and seek out areas with gravel, rubble, or rocky bottoms. They live in midsize, gentle streams that offer deep pools and plenty of shade, or in fairly deep, clear lakes and reservoirs with rocky bluffs, steep drop-offs and large shoals. They will also utilize weed beds and other vegetation, especially if found near some type of rock. Although they are fairly adaptable, they are rarely found in murky water. Smallmouth will inhabit rivers and streams with strong current but will spend most of their lives in areas that are sheltered from current. Mature smallmouths prefer rocky, shallow areas of lakes and rivers and retreat to deeper waters as temperatures rise. They tend to seek cover and avoid bright sunlight. They hide in deep water, behind rocks and boulders, and around underwater debris and crevices, preferring water temperatures between 66 and 72 F. Most bass do not travel great distances, and those in streams may spend the entire year in the same pool. As temperatures fall, they become less active and seek cover in dark, rocky areas.