Deep Water Smallies

[ironmike12]

A local lake, is very deep and is said to have both smallies and large mouth. I haven't heard very many people talk about having good success up there, except for crappie and other pan fish. I looked at a map today and it is 110 feet deep in the deepest portion. It also has large areas that range from 20-60 feet deep. How deep with the smallies go? Would a drop shot or jig be my best option? Water temp. is 61 right now. There tends to be a lot of boat traffic in the summer. Thanks for any advice.

[Crestliner2008]

Right now, with those water temps, I'd say the smallies are in full spawn, which could last as little as two weeks to as much as 2 months, depending on the lake conditions. If the water is clear, you can find the bedding areas quite easily. Then, just about anything you throw at them will get some results. (Especially a top water popper!)

If you have a sonar on your boat, look for structure (drop offs, humps or channels) that have bait on it (bait balls on your graph). Smallies like to frequent those spots in summer. Then, a drop shot is king, but any presentation that gets your bait in front of them will/should work. Good Luck!

[ironmike12]

Thanks for the reply! I am fishing from a canoe and don't have any electronics yet. I'll see if I can get a more detailed map. Thanks again for the advice.