Best Smallmouth Bass Fishing Spots in the Upper Midwest

The Upper Midwest, with its myriad of lakes and rivers, offers some of the best smallmouth bass fishing in the country. Anglers looking for quality fishing spots will find no shortage of excellent waters in states like Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan. Here, we explore just some of the top destinations where the smallmouth bass not only thrive but also provide a challenging and rewarding experience for anglers.

The Upper Midwest is full of great smallmouth bass waters.  I personally fish a lot of them in Northern Wisconsin.  I can tell you from big water to small you can almost fish a lifetime and not run out of great places to try.  Below are just a sampling of some of the best smallmouth bass fisheries in the upper Midwest.  In no particular order here are some to give a shot.  Be sure to send us some pics of your catch for our photo board.

1. Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness, Minnesota:  The Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness (BWCAW) in northeastern Minnesota is a vast expanse of pristine water and forest, offering over a million acres of untouched wilderness. This area is dotted with lakes known for their crystal-clear waters and abundant smallmouth bass populations. Fishing here is as much about the experience of solitude and natural beauty as it is about the catch. Anglers can explore Seagull Lake and Saganaga Lake for some of the best opportunities.

2. Lake St. Clair, Michigan:  Though technically part of the Great Lakes system, Lake St. Clair is often considered a lake in its own right. This relatively shallow lake is renowned for its smallmouth bass fishing, particularly from late spring to early fall. The lake’s unique ecology provides ideal conditions for smallmouth bass, which can be found in abundance around the lake's numerous weed beds and sandy flats.

3. Chequamegon Bay, Lake Superior, Wisconsin:  Chequamegon Bay, located on the south shore of Lake Superior in Wisconsin, offers a different kind of smallmouth bass fishing experience. The bay’s cooler waters and varied structure, including drop-offs and large underwater boulders, make it a haven for smallmouth. The best times to fish here are late spring through fall, with peak activity in early summer.

4. Mississippi River, Minnesota to Wisconsin:  The stretches of the Mississippi River that flow through Minnesota and Wisconsin are full of smallmouth bass hotspots. The river’s diverse habitats, from flowing pools to rocky areas, cater to excellent smallmouth bass fishing. Cities like La Crosse and Wabasha provide great access points for anglers looking to explore different sections of the river.

5. St. Croix River, Minnesota/Wisconsin:  The St. Croix River, a tributary of the Mississippi, forms part of the border between Minnesota and Wisconsin and offers some of the finest midwesst smallmouth bass fishing in the region. The river's clean waters and abundant food sources make it a prime habitat for smallmouth. The stretch from Taylors Falls to Stillwater is particularly popular among anglers.

6. Mille Lacs Lake, Minnesota:  While known for its walleye fishing, Mille Lacs Lake also boasts a healthy population of smallmouth bass. The lake’s rocky structure and deep reefs provide perfect habitats for bass. Anglers often find success on the north and east shores, where the substrate is ideal for smallmouth activity.

7. Door County, Wisconsin:  Door County, extending into Lake Michigan, offers numerous opportunities for smallmouth bass fishing. The clear, cool waters around the peninsula are filled with rocky habitats that are perfect for smallmouth bass. Hotspots like Sturgeon Bay are renowned for both their beauty and their bass fishing productivity.  Hands down, Door County is one of the best areas for Midwest Smallmouth Fishing.

Conclusion:  The Upper Midwest is a paradise for smallmouth bass anglers. Each of these destinations offers a unique fishing experience, characterized by not only the quality of smallmouth bass fishing but also by scenic vistas and pristine natural environments. Whether you’re a seasoned angler or just starting out, the lakes and rivers of the Upper Midwest are sure to provide unforgettable fishing adventures. Remember to respect local regulations and practice catch-and-release whenever possible to help maintain the vitality of these magnificent fishing spots for years to come.

Bonus Content:

Believe it or not my number one lure on smallmouth bass last year was the Heddon Tadpolly.  A vintage bait that is not made anymore but did it catch the smallies for me.  I used a lot of different colors with success but my "go to" color was frog or bull frog as pictured below.  You can see our selection of Tadpolly's we have for sale.

Heddon Tadpolly in Frog Color