Silver Lake/Grand Traverse Bay

[Chewy]

My family and I are renting a cottage on Silver Lake just outside of Traverse City 6-21 to 6-28.  I have never been on Silver Lake but I have read there are Smallies and Largies in there.  My question is what stage of pre-spawn-post are the fish in? 

I also have a queestion about the Bay.  I have an 1992 with a 150.  I have no  big water experience.  Is it safe for my son and I to put in on the leeward side of Old Mission Point and fish out of the wind in a 18' bass boat.  I have read many articles about big smallies spawning there this time of the year and would like to try it, however I want both of us to come back in one piece.

Any and all help is greatly appreciated.



     

[chrisvmo]

yah its awsome up there I have a 95. 18 ft. and have had no problems up there...also take a day and fish long lake its right by silver and its my favorite smallmouth lake in the state this time of year.

[TheFishinPollock]

Most of the lakes up here are either in a late prespawn or a full on spawn. Only lake I have not seen beds on up here is Six Mile lake by East Jordon.  Water temps are anywhere from 68 to 72 degrees. 

I fished silver this year 2 weeks ago and got a few. Some good solid fish, some I was not sure how they got the spinnerbait in their mouths.

As for the bay. It's cold still. Ive seen some smallies in the Elk River  dam area this past week. My guide friends doing salmon  have seen them moving around  near the drops and shallows on both bays on the way out to their fishing grounds.  Running out there isn't bad in my 17 foot Champ as long as the wind is not over 10 from the west or east. South winds put some good rollers out there and anything brisk outa the north or northwest will make ya think twice.  Just use common sence. You know what your boat will handle .

Chrisvmo is right about long lake. It's chock full of nice big smallies also.  It's very clear and  bluebird days make it hard to fish most of the time.   
A few other lakes in the area ar Leelanau, Glenn, and lake Ann.  All good choices for smallies and a coupla largemouths.


Good luck up here and hope you enjoy the area. We love it up here.

Matthew