Great Lakes Bass Fishing Forum

I've been trying my luck so far this spring on some SW Michigan lakes within a couple hours of where I live here in Illinois. Is it just me or am I pushing the envelope a little so far this early because I've really struggled. Tried Long by Portage last week and caught some but not many and was told by a friend I should have went to Austin. Tried Paw Paw last week when the wind blew 35 mph caught a couple off docks nice lake though. Yesterday went to Austin had a couple on and lost them saw some fish cruising but at noon pulled out and thought I'd try Paw Paw again on the way home. That turned out for me anyway to be a complete bust. Thought maybe without so much wind I could catch a few fish but it wasn't to be. Water temp on Austin when I put in was 49 degrees Paw Paw was high 50's. Like I said maybe I'm rushing things here but just trying to get some confidence built up fishing these new lakes. Has it been tough for everyone. I'd make the drive to St.Clair but the wind gods aren't to good it looks.

It's been an inconsistent spring. Some really great days and some 'scratch your head' days. Kind of like the weather.

On a lake like Austin, if you find them you may do pretty good but they may be deeper yet.

They seem to be deeper on some lakes and really shallow on others on the west side of the state. I don't think you are too early at all. Just need to keep at it realizing that when conditions are poor the fishing is tougher, and maybe much more spotty.

Keep plugging away.