Ontario Smallmouth Bass Fishing on Remote Drive-to & Portage Lakes

The smallmouth bass fishery is becoming better and better on the Indian Lake Chain every year. The Chain provides a lot of boulders, reefs and rocky ledges which is perfect for smallmouth bass. Size can average between 3 & 5lbs.. There isn't a better game fish than smallmouth bass. Once they bite it is like Bruce Banner becoming the Incredible hulk, you are sure to see flips, jumps and actions once that hook is set. Pound per pound there isn't a harder fighting fresh water fish than bass.

Successful baits include in-line spinners, rapalas, meps 3 and various plastics. Jig and live bait are always a good reliable bait to use.

Spring for Smallmouth Bass fishing

Some of the best fishing for smallmouth bass can be found at the end of May through mid- June when they are spawning. In the spring that they are very aggressive and are found in weedy, shallow bays. You would be looking at anywhere between 2 and 6 feet of water. You will find that they are more active on warm days as the cold water on the colder days tends to slow them down.

We encourage strictly catch-and-release bass fishing at this time. You can't keep any smallmouth over approx. 13 3/4" from Jan. 1st through to June 30th.

Summer for Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Later in the season, after they leave these shallow bays, fisherman target lilly pads, fallen trees and broken rock areas where is gets the afternoon sun. As the water temperature increases, smallmouth bass tend to move deeper, choosing offshore rock structure more than shorelines. Look to humps and reefs, tapering from 14 to 24.

Fall for Smallmouth Bass Fishing

During the transition in the fall, the bass stay in deeper water and on the structure. They are schooled up in these spots but not as fast and aggressive as the spring. Simply slow down your presentation and you could switch to tube jibs or even lindy rigs to get their attention.

Once the bite is on - be ready!