Several of us from here in Missouri are headed up to Three Rivers Michigan (st. joseph co.) the beginning of September for some smallie action. Any recommendation on lakes around there or a little distance away that are producing or have produced great small mouth fishing? Long time LMB fisher, first time SMB fisher. We will be in boats. Any help is appreciated. Thanks! Dave.

Gun Lake north of Three Rivers has a good population of smallies as does Gull Lake east of Kalamazoo. I think the St. Joe river near Three Rivers has smallies.. There are other area lakes with smallies but I can't think of there names. D&R Sports in Kalamazoo - 269 372 2277 (KVD's & JVD's home base) about a 1/2 hour drive north would be a good source of information as would the Michigan DNR in Plainwell. Brewsters in Three Rivers is a great place to eat.

Austin Lake in Portage (maybe 10-15 minutes north of Three Rivers) is for great smallmouth. It's a 1000 surface acres and shallow, but they pull many 4-5+ lber's out of it. Gun and Gull lake are closer to the 3000 acre size. And 2nd on contacting D&R Sports for info. Great group of guys there. It's owned by Randy VanDam, Johnathon's dad (Kevin's brother as well).

^{Awesome guys! I knew i could count on the forum for great info!!! Thanks again!}

Diamond Lake is decent as well, but will be a zoo on Labor Day weekend

Any one going to be fishing these lakes that weekend? Any off the wall baits or colors that have been working good besides the usual smallmouth tackle?(tubes,grubs,spinners,craws,etc.) All help/info is appreciated!!