there are tons of forums and videos on fishing pre-spawn bass. most of them apply to reservoirs.

How do i catch pre-spawn bass in south Michigan's natural lakes that are less than 500 acres? 

I usually go to the following areas in progression.

 

1st - Look for coves with a dark bottom that is protected from the wind.  NW corner of the lake will warm up first.

 

2nd - Boat channels almost anywhere.

 

3rd - Weedbeds with new growth.  Cover all parts, outside, inside, and over the top.

 

4th - The first drop off in front of spawning areas.

 

5th - Spawning flats looking for cruising fish.

 

6th - Spawn!

 

7th - Empty beds?  Look for males nearby guarding the fry, and females suspending back on the first drop off.

thanks alot for the info hopefully i can find them and catch them a little easier this weekend.

thanks alot for the info hopefully i can find them and catch them a little easier this weekend.

 

One other thing to try.

 

If you come upon an area where the lily pads are just coming up but not all the way to the surface, try fan casting a small spinnerbait such as a Beatle-Spin or a Strike-King Mini through that area.   I've seen bass spawning on lily pad roots in areas with no hard bottom in the past.

Good advice. Deepest water near spawning areas, which may be 2 feet deeper or 10 feet depending on what your lake looks like. Points, drops, etc.

It's been several years since fishing Canadian Shield natural lakes. These lakes are very old, most bays tend to be dark muck bottoms ideally suited for pike not bass, LMB or Smallmouth.

I would look for any rocky reefs outside of gravel or sandy shore areas for pre spawn bass. Where you find lighter color bottoms with emerging coon tail weed beds in pockets tend to be the preferred bass spawning sites.

Tom