So my buddies and I are trying to plan a place to have our fantasy football draft next August.  We usually go away for 2-3 days.  I've suggested renting a lake house near Traverse City and most of the guys are pretty excited.  I had a bit of an ulterior motive though, wanting to do some smallie fishing.  Anyone know the best spots up there for smallies?  The bay or inland lakes?

Without a doubt, Traverse Bay should be your number one priority.  End of June or the first part of July would be better, but you should still find plenty of fish.

 

Other choices if the weather turns sour should include Duck/Green Lakes, Elk/Torch/Skegemog Lakes, and many of the other smaller lakes in the area.