Canadian Lakes-Michigan

[GrifGod]

Does anybody have any helpful information for bass fishing on Canadian Lakes in central Michigan. Have a trip planned with a friend who knows people that live on the lake. Going up in late may, so it's post spawn. Any information, topo maps, etc. would be really helpful. Thanks guys!

[Lund Explorer]

I've fished there as it is just down the road.  Wouldn't be my choice for a destination lake, but you should have a fair shot at good numbers and a possible fish in the 5-7lb class.  Depending on how late in May that you are coming up, there may still be some fish sitting on shiny spots but most will have dropped off to the weed lines.  Topwaters, Jigs, Worms will all work, with crankbaits and spinnerbaits also giving you a shot a more than a few northern pike.

 

No maps exist that I know of.  The lakes were formed by dredging out connecting swamplands in the late 1960's into the 70's.  Expect to find quite a few docks, some lily pads, and if you get there before the first chemical treatments, plenty of pond weeds.  If they have sprayed, I would suggest traveling north to either Tri-Lakes, the Martiny Chain, or Chippewa Lake.  Townline Lake to the east of Lakeview is another choice that's close by.

[GrifGod]

Thank you for that helpful response! I actually fished Canadian Lakes last year in late May, and we caught a lot of numbers. The fish ranged from 1-3 lbs. I was looking to get more insight on the lake, but after hearing your response I'm starting to realize that I should look elsewhere. What would you say is one of the best bass lakes in that general area? Not trying to invade your honey hole, just looking for some great fishing. Thanks again!

[Lund Explorer]

The lakes I listed are all decent and would be a good option if you were staying @ Canadian Lakes.  I mentioned them because I know the fishing in any lake can drop off right after the airboat gets done spraying for weeds.  Having said that, I should mention that both Tri-Lakes and Townline Lake get the same treatment.

 

Tri-Lakes is going to give you numbers of largemouth, with the chance at the somewhat rare smallmouth.  If you can find them, some of these brown fish can be bigger than average.

 

Chippewa Lake is a numbers game and the size is going to be better than Tri-Lakes.  Largemouth predominate but there are some smallmouth here as well.

 

The Martiny Chain is a flooded chain of lakes that is strictly largemouth.  A bunch of small lakes connected by channels running through vast fields of lily pads.  The place just screams bass, but be warned, it can be the most fickle of the area's lakes.  I've been in tournaments where it took five fish to win and the weights went anywhere from 8lbs to 18lbs. 

 

Townline Lake is a real decent lake for largemouth, was a tournament stop for our old Tuesday night trail. 

 

One last area lake I forgot to mention earlier is the backwaters for Hardy Dam.  Hardy Pond is long, narrow, has current upstream and tons on submerged wood along its entire shoreline.  A tournament held last spring there had a winning weight of almost 20lbs!  Great fishing for both largemouth and smallmouth, it just takes a fairly speedy boat to get from one end to the other, is a little dangerous to navigate if you don't know where you are going, and can get crazy busy during the summer.

 

As you get closer to your trip, shoot me a PM and maybe we can discuss what's going on up here this spring.

[Lund Explorer]

Now if you're not sold on what Mecosta County has to offer and would be willing to make another area your destination, this would be my number one choice:

 

Lakes Cadillac & Mitchell are only 45 minutes to the north, but well worth the trip.  Even though I've lived in Mecosta County since 1961, it has been our camping/fishing destination every year during the last week in May.  Family issues have kept me from making this annual trip the last two years, but the results from spring tournaments show they're still a real hotspot.  The link below shows the results from a group I used to fish tournaments and cashed money with.  They only show the five fish limits, but I can tell you from past experience that if you find them, you can plan to dink drop 3lb+ fish trying to upgrade an 18lb limit.

 

http://www.bbtbass.com/Cadillac.htm

[GrifGod]

Wow!! Thank you so much for your insight Lund Explorer. I really appreciate you taking the time to give me information about the area! This information will go to good use! Thanks again, and I hope that you will be able to make the trip back up to Lakes Cadillac and Mitchell very soon!