Grand Traverse Bay day trip.

[Mike S.]

Myself, Mcfish, and another buddy of ours are planning an up north smallie day trip on June 16th. The plan, as of now, is to hit the bay. My question is, is that typically a good time of the year to try it?  I know there are many variables that can make it happen or not happen. For those who know it well, are we in the ball park for a potential good day or a waste of time?

[LGMOUTH]

Ben Nielsen and I went up there around that time last year. If it would have been another week later we would have crushed them. But we still caught 50+ fish and most of them were on beds. The east arm is the best for spawning fish if thats what your looking for. We caught a few around the 5lb range but most were in the 3-4lb class. I have a buddy that went up a week after we did and caught quite a few over 5 and some over 6. Hope this helps.

[thedude]

just pick a day mid june when the weather is nice and there hasn't been a big north or south wind for a few days to screw up the water temps.

[Mike S.]

Thanks guys.

[djkimmel]

Ben Nielsen and I went up there around that time last year. If it would have been another week later we would have crushed them. But we still caught 50+ fish and most of them were on beds. The east arm is the best for spawning fish if thats what your looking for. We caught a few around the 5lb range but most were in the 3-4lb class. I have a buddy that went up a week after we did and caught quite a few over 5 and some over 6. Hope this helps.

I keep getting told by one or two people literally that there are no big bass left in Grand Traverse Bay. Are you saying that is not true...??

[TheFishinPollock]

When it gets about a week before yer trip Mike. I'll take a day and go out see whats goin on.  The water might be colder if this ice sticks around longer than expected again. Both bay's have frozen over completely with 5 to 10 inches . Alot of it is chunk that refroze , but it's thick.

I'm am totaly convinced and ya can't change my mind, that the next state record will come out of one of the bays Dan. 

[Mike S.]

That would be great. If the bay isn't happening, we may shoot over to Skeg.

[thedude]

there were icebergs out there still mid-may last year, i wouldn't abandon hope i know the fishing was pretty good most of june including the early part.

[Mike S.]

I will keep that in mind. But I sit and think, Clair is only a 30 minute longer drive. Hmmmmm.

[thedude]

st clair is for may. traverse is for june

[Mike S.]

Got it!!

[djkimmel]

That seems like good advice. Though I like St. Clair August, September and October too. Sometimes even in November

[Waterfoul]

Hmmmm.... without my Table Rock trip this year I'll have a few more vacation days to use up.  Maybe we make it a 2 boat trip?  I even know a couple prime spots for bedding smallies on the East Bay.   

[Mike S.]

The more the merrier, Mike. Sounds good.

[stackenem]

I will be up there from the 13th of June till the 21st of June. Maybe we can make it a 3 boat trip.

[Dan]

Well maybe Cabelas will give me a weekend off. Otherwise, I'm that way already and may just run up with the Bass Cat to see what's going on.

[6 lb Smallmouth]

I'll be up there 6-11 to 6-25

It's been a long 2 years since I have fished GTB!

[bob o]

it sounding like a June road trip, I just might do this. my dad lives in Gaylord he would have a blast on East bay

[stackenem]

I got room for a few people to camp if they want to stay more than one day

[Waterfoul]

I got room for a few people to camp if they want to stay more than one day

My parent's have a place 25 minutes west of TC... running water, hot food, soft beds.  Camping?   :-)