Great Lakes Bass Fishing Forum

A buddy of mine had suggested heading to the Iron River area and fish Chicagon Lake this fall for smallmouth.  The past 2 yrs I have fished Burt/Mullet/Walloon and ran into horrible weather and so-so fishing. 

Any board members have any suggestions on Chicagon Lake

Thanks

I thought this lake was better known for muskies.

Let us know how u do on smallies.

The lakes you mentioned can be tougher during real bad weather.

But any Northern Michigan smallmouth lake can be tougher in the fall during bad weather trends. I would imagine the UP might be farther yet on that curve but it should make a difference on what type of lake it is.

I've never been to Chicagon Lake but the MDNR does list it under Iron County, Smallmouth Bass Better Fishing Waters (http://www.michigan.gov/dnr/0,1607,7-153-10364_53405-218586--,00.html).

I always like a new lake challenge but you have to be prepared that it could go either way and make the best of it. Unless you're already in the UP or over in Wisconsin, that's a loooonnnggg drive so I hope it goes well for you. I rarely hear fishing reports about that area so it would be interesting to get one.

Looks like it could go either way with lots of deep, deep water but enough flats and shelfs to be a potential candidate for fun fall bass fishing.

Michigamme Reservoir is an older reservoir that I have known a few people to fish and do well in the past for bass, pike and maybe muskie too? Several other lakes on the MDNR list in that general area to fall back on. Good luck!

Looks like there is a bunch of lakes up near this area...going to hit a few different lakes and try to hone in on a lake/pattern.  At least I can get away from work and spend time on the water. 

Yup

I have camped/fished Marion Lake which is further west from Chicago. Lots of smallies but on smaller size.

Lots of loons and bald eagles to boot.

The ambience counts for extra for me so that is helpful. There are some lakes way up north that I fish more for the ambience than the size of the fish.

Trip update

Fished total of 5 lakes in and around Iron River...caught about 50 bass and a 23lb Musky..9 bass over 4lbs and a nice 5.02 lber..never really had a day with huge numbers, but the weather was great and definitely will try again next fall.