James Lindner and Ron Dohm Jr. head to Michigan fishing smallmouth bass using deadly finesse swimbait tactics that are especially effective in the Fall.
The Start of a Promising Day on the Water
The brisk morning air had the bass a little shy, but as the sun rose, so did their activity. Lee was already working a smallmouth that had initially acted sluggish but was now proving to be a formidable catch.
As the morning progressed, the drag began to sing—a telltale sign of a strong smallmouth bass. The fish, displaying beautiful tiger stripes, fought hard, but it was eventually brought in successfully. It was a good-looking fall smallmouth, a testament to the incredible fishery Michigan offers during this time of year. 
Strategy and Adjustments for Fall Conditions
With the morning bite heating up, adjustments were made. “James, I wouldn’t even hesitate to put that motor at one, one and a half, and just creep along super slow.” The plan was simple: target hunting while fishing structure. Logs, submerged timber, and slow-moving waters were key. The strategy was to move deliberately, ensuring that casts were placed in optimal locations while taking advantage of the fish’s natural movement patterns.
Dead calm conditions dictated a slow approach. “When it’s still out and really, really calm, a lot of times you want to do exactly like what the day is like—go really slow, take it easy, make it simple.” And that simplicity paid off. Another bass was on, a feisty fish full of energy, proving that patience and precision were the name of the game.
The Beauty of Michigan’s Clear Waters
One of the standout features of Michigan’s fisheries is the crystal-clear water. Watching a fish fight against the line in such pristine conditions adds another layer of excitement to the sport. “That’s one thing that’s so cool in this water—the water clarity you guys have here in so many of these lakes, even in the Great Lakes. It’s just like, he thinks he’s four or five pounds. One day, he’ll be there.”
As the day progressed, the discussion turned toward the best times for catching the biggest fish. “The big ones are going to bite in the afternoon like smallmouth always do.” Cooler water temperatures often push the larger fish to feed later in the day, a pattern well known to seasoned anglers.
A Multi-Species Bonanza
While smallmouth bass were the primary target, fall in Michigan offers a fishing experience unlike any other. Captain Ben, fishing a nearby lake, reported a solid walleye bite, deploying a jigging rap to entice strikes. “The fall bite is definitely, definitely on,” he shared, emphasizing how wind conditions play a crucial role. “The wind picked up a little bit for us, which is actually good. That helps the bite quite a bit.”
Beyond walleyes and smallmouths, the fall season in Michigan presents anglers with an array of options. “Northern Michigan and all across the state, there’s so much to fish for right now—ciscos, whitefish, walleyes, smallmouth bass, muskies. Gosh, get out and go fishing. It’s a hard time to beat.”
Meanwhile, Captain Chad was enjoying a successful day targeting steelhead on a nearby river, soaking in the vibrant fall colors while reeling in big fish. “Tomorrow, I’m doing an inland lake trip for perch. It’s a fantastic time of the year.”
The Diversity of Michigan Fishing
Michigan’s fishing diversity is unmatched. Whether it’s trophy smallmouth in the fall, aggressive walleye bites, or springtime perch and lake trout, the opportunities are endless. “It’s probably one of the more diverse places in the country to fish,” one angler remarked. “Depending on the time of year, we’re able to do what makes the most sense and go after what our clients want, as long as it fits the season.”
The conversation drifted to the science behind the best fishing seasons. “Ron and I were talking about when’s the best time for the biggest fish of the year. Fall is obviously a really good one, and he really likes early season. But on both sides of those windows, you have the weather factor that really can determine how many fish you catch and where you’re catching them.”
Spring and fall are considered peak seasons for smallmouth fishing. “In the spring, it’s simple. They want to be warm and they want to eat, so you’re looking for warm water and giving them something to eat. The fall, they can eat everywhere—shallow, deep, mid-depths. They go where the bait is, and they don’t have a single pattern. That makes it a little more complicated but also incredibly rewarding.”
Weather, Patterns, and Maximizing Success
Understanding the role of weather and giving yourself time to adjust is critical. “Many of my longtime repeat clients know this: You have to give yourself a chance for things to go right. We can’t make the fish bite, but if you have multiple days to fish, you improve your odds significantly.”
Wind plays a huge role in the success of a fishing trip. “If you have a slick, calm day, you’re going to have a tougher bite. But if you get a nice breeze, those fish are going to be happy, they’re going to want to eat, and they’ll be more willing to play. It makes all the difference.”
Fine-Tuning the Technique
Throughout the day, it became clear that swimbaits were the top-producing lure. Using a St. Croix 7’10” medium power, moderate fast action rod paired with a Daiwa Ballistic 3000 reel allowed for long, precise casts. Heavier jig heads, like a 5/16-ounce, produced more reaction bites, proving that slight adjustments can lead to better success.
The key to Michigan’s thriving fishery lies in its abundance of baitfish. From crayfish and gobies to perch, smelt, and alewives, the available food sources create an ecosystem that fosters large, healthy fish.
Leveraging Modern Technology
Finding fish is the key to success, and modern electronics play a crucial role. With high-tech mapping, side imaging, 360-degree sonar, and forward-facing sonar, anglers can fine-tune their approach, identifying baitfish schools and structure in real-time. Proper use of these tools separates a good day from a great one.
As the sun set, it was clear that the time spent on the water had paid off. “We caught them on a lot of different baits—topwater, jerkbaits, tubes, drop shots. This time of year, it’s all about making sure you’re around the fish.” Staying flexible, adjusting tactics, and reading the conditions made all the difference.
In the end, Michigan’s fall smallmouth fishing delivered yet again. With stunning scenery, an abundance of fish, and an unmatched variety of techniques to deploy, it remains one of the best fishing experiences available. Whether chasing trophy smallmouth, walleye, or steelhead, the Great Lakes State has something for every angler.
How do I get in touch with Ron Dohm Jr.?
Thanks!