Where to go up north for smallies

[Luke]

Where would a good place to go up north for small mouth. And what would be a good time of year to go?
I have been south multiple times and really enjoy it but would really like to take a trip up north for small mouth.
Not looking to go to like St Lawrence as thats a bit too far to go.

What are some places you all would suggest.

[Phoenix Jim]

Rainy lake Ontario. We (I go with Russ) go every year and this year we caught over 100 a day and I’m not exaggerating!

[brnzbaklvr]

Lake St Clair...If you don't want to go too far...Northern Michigan if you don't mind driving a couple of hours more...It's worth it though for the scenery alone.
If you have time do both.

[willwork4fish]

I take a trip every year to Washington Island on Lake Michigan every fall. Been doing it for 20 years now, mid to late October. It's dicey because you have to hit the weather and water temps just right but when you do it can be incredible. Over the years we've had a good amount of 6's (including a 6-13) and one year a guy got one that I believe was 7 1/2. This year we didn't have any over 5 but a dozen or so that were close and more between 3 and 4 than under 3. I weighed a 16 incher that was 3-1...they get so fat.

Besides the fishing it's just a really cool place to go.

[ksubasser24]

There are so many options. I would pick a region you want to visit and see and then pick the fishery in that region. Good smallies in MN, WI, MI, Heck even here in SD is pretty incredible. Lots of lakes in NE SD that have great smallmouth. You could spend a week and fish a different lake every day.

[TheBarBack]

Depends... do you want to fish little inland lakes or do you want to go fish BIG inland lakes? Because I'm inclined to say lake michigan... but if you're bringing kids or family I'd look at smaller lakes

[Luke]

Not looking for like big huge bodies of water like the great lakes as the wife is not a fan of rough water. It dosent bother me too much but have never been on something that big when it gets bad.

[mattmann7]

New Hampshire and Maine have good options for big and small water.

[TheBarBack]

Not looking for like big huge bodies of water like the great lakes as the wife is not a fan of rough water. It dosent bother me too much but have never been on something that big when it gets bad.

Private message me... not gonna give all my spots away to all these spot buzzards

[XingEyeballs]

Big water and smallmouth typically seem to go together but can be tricky trips for the faint of heart because the weather has to be good in order for the boating experience to be ok with a less “seasoned” angler… one area that comes to mind that can be a fun trip and manageable in most weather is the Mississippi River, pick a pool/pools. You’re not going to weigh 30#/5 fish bags like the Great Lakes but you can catch a lot in a trip.

[XingEyeballs]

Private message me... not gonna give all my spots away to all these spot buzzards

There’s no fish in the Dakota’s, just wind

[TheBarBack]

There’s no fish in the Dakota’s, just wind

You're 100% correct... thankfully I grew up in the mitten

[basshole51]

Sturgeon Bay, WI is under 10 hours from your neck of the woods. If you are looking for some smaller inland lakes PM me with and I can point you in the right direction in Northern MN and WI

[n2ratfishin]

Get a hold of Sherm, he can hook you up with great guides.

[BP in ME]

New Hampshire and Maine have good options for big and small water.

Liar. We do not. Besides, it's too far away

[mattmann7]

Liar. We do not. Besides, it's too far away

I was waiting for your response.

[basscat tyler]

Chequamegon Bay on Lake Superior would be a good place. The fishing on the Bay can be very good and there’s some smaller inland lakes within an hour.

[basscat21]

There is only Pike in NY..............you will lose to many lures.

[rid 05 198]

Bad around here.

[jbassman87]

Interested in this also. Fished in TX the last few years and want to chase some SM that grow bigger than the 4# ones here.