Mona/White Lake Info

[robhj]

Will be taking some guys from St. Louis out for 3 days this week for some LM, SM, & Pike action. I have fished both of these lakes several times with decent success, but was wondering if anyone could provide some general ideas on where to start regarding depths, presentations, etc. I have been away from the bass game for a few years and have been chasing muskies when I do get out and I am looking forward to swtiching gears for a few days.  These guys don't get to fish much and I love showing them how awesome Michigan fishing is when we get together. I am open to any suggestions on lakes to try within 1 hour drive from Spring Lake, but would like to keep my options to lakes with good populations of LM, SM, & Pike since these guys only get to fish for LM when they fish around the St. Louis area. Your suggestions are greatly appreciated!

[Dan]

I have little to none in terms of experience on Muskegon or White, but about an hour north of Muskegon is Hamlin Lake and you got it all there.

[Mike S.]

Unfortunately, Muskegon lake is shut right off.  Fishing has been very tough there for the last 3 to 4 weeks.  The public boat launch on Mona Lake is being rebuilt, so the only way to get in if you aren't a member of the yacht club is through the big lake.  GLB just had a members tournament on White yesterday, and the bite was typically in 5 foot of water or so.  The guys who did really well, from what I gathered, were fishing jigs.  At least the ones who got second were anyways.  The top 3 had some really nice bass.  There were also a couple of nice pike.  Good luck.  Hopefully you can find some fish for them.  I know it's hard, when you have people come from out of state with big expectations....or hopes, to make them happy.

[Eric]

 I took 3rd at the DK Open on White and got just shy of 13 from docks in the marinas across from the launch.

[Waterfoul]

Had nearly 13 lbs on Muskegon last Sunday.  Not good enough for money in a 9 boat tourney.  Top boat had just over 16 lbs with the next 3 boats over the 14 lb mark.  To say Muskegon is shut off would not be true.  While a couple of my fish were from White Lake ALL fish in the top 3 bags were from Muskegon.  I'm told that most BIG fish were caught early on top water.

[Mike S.]

I will retract my last post about Muskegon Lake.  I went out tonight with my son and had a blast.  Just playing around and had seven in the boat, one went 3 pounds.  All fish were caught in 5 foot of water or less, on Berkley power bait worms.  I missed quite a few, don't know what they were.  But anyways, they were biting pretty good.  Hopefully I can get out there tomorrow.

[dominater]

Here's my 2 cents:
Mona is a waste of time.  In my opinion, Muskegon or White this time of year is the way to go.
If you are on White, focus on the 4 to 6 foot range.  The main lake has a flat that runs through the middle that has some good grass on top.  You can go out there and throw a jig in the pockets of the weeds, or a burn a spinnerbait over top.  A gitzit or small worm will work well too.  The wood on the main lake will hold fish.  Again, jig, shallow crank, or spinnerbait.  I haven't been on white in a couple weeks but I'm pretty sure the deep bite will be hard to find.  I'm guessing most fish are on their way shallow.  If you aren't comfortable fishing out on the main lake, you can fish the shallow wood in the narrows.  Flip a jig or tube and you will most likely be on fish.

If you are on Muskegon, you have a couple options.  You can fish for smallies in the mouth of the river or fish the same type of areas as I described for White.  Find the black bouy, and idle in until you find the break at 6 feet.  I would also mix in a top water bait like a buzzbait, rico, or spook. 

You mention you are close to Spring Lake so I will give you the report on the Grand too.  I was out on Saturday and fishing was good.  Throw shallow crankbaits on the wood in the river.  Look for isolated pieces.  I'm convinced they are on most wood this time of year.  To prove my theory, I was running up river between Bruces and the first no wake zone.  I stopped and fished a random stretch and started catching fish.  If they won't bite the crank, pitch a jig.  Mix in a buzzbait or spinnerbait between laydowns and you will likely pick off a bonus fish or two.  If you are up by Riverside Park, fish all of the wood around there.

Good luck.

[Waterfoul]

Well... fished Mona Lake two weeks ago and caught plenty of decent sized bass... on breaks and against some seawalls.  So don't count it OUT but I think right now Muskegon or White will be your best bet.  And as I understand it the ramp on Mona is being rebuilt.