What lure should I use for Largemouth bass in a clear, man-made lake in northern MI with varying depths?

Question

FishGPT · Accepted Answer

When fishing for **Largemouth bass** in a clear, man-made lake, especially in the northern parts of Michigan like the Lower Peninsula, choosing the right lure can make all the difference between a successful day on the water and just getting a nice sunburn. 🎣☀️ Given the conditions you've described—clear water, mixed depths, and a variety of fish species—here's a strategy that'll have those bass nibbling at your line:

### **Lure Selection**

**1. Swimbaits**: These are fantastic for clear water as they mimic the natural forage fish that bass prey on. Opt for a realistic, natural color like a shad or bluegill pattern to match the lake's forage. Check out the [TRUSCEND Fishing Lures for Bass](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08X6Q799C?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1), which are perfect for both shallow and deeper areas.

![TRUSCEND Fishing Lures](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41-QBAb0YuL._SL160_.jpg)

**2. Crankbaits**: These are excellent for covering water and probing different depths. Use a model that dives to around 8-12 feet for those areas with drop-offs. A medium-diving crankbait in a natural color will help you explore these transitions effectively.

**3. Topwater Frogs**: For early morning or late evening fishing, or when targeting areas with vegetation and lily pads, a topwater frog like the [BOOYAH Pad Crasher](https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00631GAP4?tag=tacklenet-20&linkCode=osi&th=1&psc=1) can be thrilling to use. The weedless design is perfect for avoiding snags while enticing those lurking bass.

![BOOYAH Pad Crasher](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/41daEo6UYtL._SL160_.jpg)

### **Techniques and Tips**

- **Vary Your Retrieve**: In clear water, bass can be more discerning. Try a steady retrieve mixed with occasional pauses or erratic jerks to mimic injured prey.
- **Focus on Transitions**: Bass often hang around drop-offs and transitions where they can ambush prey. Cast parallel to these areas to maximize your time in the strike zone.
- **Adjust to the Sun**: Bright, sunny days might drive bass deeper, so consider fishing deeper drop-offs or shaded areas.

### **Weather-Specific Tips**

Currently, it's partly cloudy with temperatures around 82.8°F, and the humidity is high at 84%. This means the bass might be slightly lethargic during the heat of the day but more active in the early morning or late afternoon.

**Weather Summary**: 
- **Conditions**: Partly cloudy
- **Temperature**: 82.8°F
- **Wind Speed**: 8.7 mph

**Practical Tip**: Fish early or late when the sun is low, and the water is cooler on the surface. Use subtle, natural presentations in clear water to avoid spooking the fish.

Remember, persistence is key, and a good day fishing is always better than a day at the office! Keep those lines tight and spirits high! 🎣😄

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