Perrault Lake is known as a good smallmouth bass fishing lake. You can catch good numbers of bass here and big bass are available too. With the clear water, most anglers report better success by using lighter line in the 4 to 8 pound range and fluorocarbon definitely helps get more bites.
Catch Lots of Bass
Perrault Lake has a lot of smallmouth bass in it. If you’re looking for numbers, you can catch a lot of bass here. The clear water can be tough on some anglers, but once you learn how to fish clear water and locate bass on this lake, you will usually have good action for smallmouth bass while on a trip here.
Fish the Bays
There are plenty of bays on Perrault Lake. Smallmouth bass move into these bays early in the year in larger numbers as they prepare for the spawn. While you may find some smallmouth in the bays from spring through fall, the bays are definitely better in the spring and early summer.
Fish the Deeper Shorelines
Perrault Lake has many shorelines with access to deeper water. These spots are productive shorelines to fish during the summer and fall months as smallmouth bass cruise the deeper water looking for an easy meal.
Fish the Islands
There are several islands on Perrault Lake and these structures will hold plenty of smallmouth bass throughout the summer and fall months. Rocks and deep water close to the shorelines are key to finding some of the bigger schools of smallmouth bass. These fish will move in and out of these areas, so at times, you may catch them in bunches while at other times, you won’t get bit. If you are going to fish this pattern, you may have to move around and fish several different islands to find the numbers of bass that you’re looking for.
Fish the Points
There are many points on Perrault Lake. Smallmouth bass love points and you can usually find some bass using them from spring through fall. The points that have deep water access nearby and some rocks will usually be the better spots for smallmouth bass.
Fish the Rock Humps
There are a lot of rock humps on Perrault Lake and these are great areas to fish during the summer and fall for smallmouth bass and other fish too, so don’t be surprised if you find plenty of walleye and pike on these spots too. Smallmouth bass will move in and out of these spots throughout the days in summer and fall, so make sure to hit several of these spots until you find some active bass.
Fish the Rocks
Smallmouth bass love rocks and Perrault Lake has plenty of rocks to fish. Whether you are fishing the rocks along the shorelines, in some of the bays, off of the points and islands or the offshore structure, you have a lot of places to fish for smallmouth bass around the rocks here.
Fish the Weeds
The weeds are usually better spots for targeting northern pike and perch, however, at times, smallmouth bass will be found here too. The rocks are usually the better pattern, but don’t be shocked if you find some smallies patrolling the deeper weed lines all season long.
Fish the Wind Blown Structure
The wind definitely can play a role in where some smallmouth bass will be feeding, especially in the summer and fall. The islands help provide anglers an area to get out of the waves when the wind is blowing, however, the windy side will usually be the more productive area to fish.
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.
