Hi Guys,

I'm planning a trip to Michigan (not particular on the area), but I'd like to fish for smallmouth from a kayak. 

I'm not asking for anyone's best spots, I just want to get out on a kayak friendly (wind friendly) lake to fish for smallmouth bass.

Ideally somewhere the launch ramp is relatively close to decent fishing because I'll be paddling. I don't have a trolling motor attached to my kayak. 

I'm from Pittsbugh PA, but have been to Michigan all the way up to Traverse City, so I'm a little familiar with the layout of the state.

Thanks,

Mike K.

I think I would consider some of the slower river options, like the upper Muskegon, lower Au Sable, etc.... Especially say the reservoirs or the areas where river is blending to reservoir. This would also coincide with camping opportunities if that is something you are also looking for on many of the rivers in Michigan...

 

My home waters where I grew up on the St. Joseph River along with the Kalamazoo River in SW Michigan are great options... Can be more industrial and agricultural type scenery though, you may not love that aspect of it...

 

Manistee River comes to mind, obviously all the lakes around Traverse City here that you mentioned are good, but in the 8 years I have lived up here the angling pressure has increased substantially. I find myself fleeing the area for most of my fishing endeavors anymore, lol 

 

Lots of river options in NE Michigan too that you could float, smaller ones... but the fish aren't small...

 

Menominee River would be a bit of a hike, but is an incredible fishery...

 

Few things on this planet fight harder than a river Smallie, butterballs are cool and all, but a mean river fish is tough to beat, in a kayak, those places would all be great. 

 

There is the Huron in SE Michigan, despite the fact there are incredible fisheries there, I just simply have never spent much time in SE Michigan and virtually none spent fishing there. Can't be of much help... 

I agree about choosing a river to float down. The current takes care of moving you so you only have to paddle to steer. However, you’ll need to arrange a shuttle. Locate a kayak/canoe rental place and for a fee, they’ll not only provide a shuttle, but they will give you good options for stretches to fish. If that works for you, try to arrange to leave your car at the take out point. You won’t have to wait around for someone to come and get you once you get done.

Thanks guys, seems like a good plan.