Many of the area lakes have smallmouth bass, although, these fish aren’t usually the main target. Walleye, muskie and northern pike get a lot of the attention, which is great for bass anglers. If you choose to target smallmouth bass, there are a couple of lakes that give you a good chance to catch quite a few bass and there are some trophy fish in the 4 to 5 pound range as well.
Big Cormorant Lake (Becker County, MN)
Big Cormorant Lake is a very good walleye lake. At 3,421 acres, it is the second largest lake in Becker County. Its relatively close proximity to the Fargo-Moorhead area results in heavy angling pressure and shoreline development. The DNR hasn’t done a status of the fishery on this lake since 2008, but back then it showed very good numbers of walleye with good numbers of northern pike and smallmouth bass as well. Other fish include bluegill, crappie, rock bass and perch. Anglers can also target bluegill, crappie, largemouth bass, rock bass and perch.
MN DNR Lake Information Report
Island Lake (Becker County, MN)
Island Lake is a 1,142 acre lake and it is known for its walleye fishing, although, there are catchable numbers of many different species of fish. Anglers can also target northern pike, yellow perch, crappie, bluegill, largemouth bass and smallmouth bass. This lake is a popular fishing lake and it does get quite a bit of fishing pressure.
MN DNR Lake Information Report
Best Baits for Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass will eat a variety of different baits. Minnows, nightcrawlers and leeches are definitely the best live baits for smallmouth bass.
When it comes to artificial lures, you have lots of options. Soft plastic crayfish, twin tail grubs, worms and minnow baits are very effective. Hard baits such as crankbaits, jerkbaits and spinners also work great.
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Live Baits for Smallmouth Bass
Best Rigs for Smallmouth Bass
With so many different soft plastics to use, you have so many different rigs that work great for smallmouth bass. The drop shot rig, a simple jighead, standup jigheads and scrounger jigheads are some of the best rigs for smallmouth bass. To see our full list, take a look at our best rigs for smallmouth bass page.
Best Techniques for Smallmouth Bass
There are so many different techniques you can use for smallmouth bass since they can be found shallow, deep and anywhere in between. Anglers usually cast for them, but jigging, drop shotting and drifting are also some great techniques for smallmouth bass.
To learn more, take a look at our best techniques for smallmouth bass page.
Learn More About Smallmouth Bass
Our smallmouth bass fishing section has tons of tips on the best lures, live baits, where to catch them and how to catch them.
Visit our smallmouth bass fishing website to learn more.
