Best inland Largemouth bass lake to fish this weekend?

[Anthony Adams]

I just found out I have a 3 day weekend and I want to go fishing somewhere.

I am either going to fish a tournament or go fun fishing.

If I go fun fishing I was thinking I wanted to go for some Largemouth bass. I feel like some dock or trash fishing.

I was trying to think of some place I have never been fishing and boy is that hard to do.

I live in Genessee County and I would like something that can be a one day trip so it cant be more than 1.5 - 2 hours away max.

I was curious what you all thought was the best Largemouth bass fishery.

Also note if the lake has a healthy smallmouth population to go with it.

What lake has a great trash fishery.

Some lakes that come to mind for me are

Fletcher, Martiny, Wixom

[Skulley]

I may try Tipsico or White Lake in Oakland County.  I always get the largies pretty good on both those.  White Lake does have a decent population of smallies too.  I have never been on the Martiny Chain.  If I went there, I would have to camp.  Been on Wixom several times.  The Dad of a co-worker of mine lives on Wixom up near Albright Shores.  Good fishing up that arm of the lake.  Got some pads up there in some deeper water.  Hold good largemouth.  More than likely though I will be going to Erie or St. Clair. 


BD                       

[Dan]

Add a little more distance to that "Willing to travel" range and go to Hamlin Lake. Great largemouth fishing and it has smallies to boot. You hook a 12 incher on Hamlin and they fight so dang hard you'll be thinking its a 3 pounder. I don't know why some lakes have fish that seem to fight harder than others. Maybe it's the overall condition of the fish??? Can't go wrong on Hamlin, and if you get hungry on the water, go to Barnharts and dock your boat and get a pretty darn good burger. Decent fishing is important, but good burgers, now that's a make it or break it selling point.

[Anthony Adams]

I know Hamlin very well. At one time I would have said it's one of the best bass fisheries in the state. I've won my fair share of tournaments on it but it's been over 10 years since I've last fished it.

I have a good friend that lives near Hamlin and he tells me it's been down for some time. Looking at the tournament results I believe him. I don't think it's the fishery it once was.

[Dan]

There haven't been many "big fish" caught there lately. However, there are an abundance of 14 to 16 inch fish that look very fat and healthy. The bigger fish weighed in many of the recent tourneys have been smallmouth which in years past would not have been the case.

[Anthony Adams]

I've had some big largemouth and smallmouth bags on Hamlin and it was once known for some excellent largemouth fishing. I've always liked Hamlin  I will definately consider. Besides I probably have a place to stay and a fishing buddy to fish with if I head that way.

What I am really looking for is a lake I've never fished before. Something new. I haven't done much frog and trash fishing this year so I wanted something that fit that category.

[Dan]

Martiny Chain over in the Mecosta County area maybe.

[BIGSHOW]

hamlin is awesome.I've stayed at Barnharts cottages on the upper part of the lake.They aren't to bad.For 70 bucks a day or so.Plus a place to put your boat right on the water.Always did good there for largemouth and pike.

[Durand Dan]

How about Maceday Lake? Large and Smallmouth. There are some giants!!

[McCarter]

Portage chain in pickney is another option.  Literally has everything you are looking for.  And there is a open tournament there saturday that dave wilson is putting on. 

McCarter himself