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by Russ Warye, Wisconsin Guide and author of SMALLMOUTH! The Top Lakes and Rivers of North America Witch Bay smallmouth action starts in May, peaks in June and is reliable from July through September. These ultimate fighters move with the season making them a game of finding the preferred cover and structure they are occupying at any day of the fishing season. Populations are improving as the catch-and-release season until June 30 protects the larger spawning adults. Remember these fish are extremely slow growing in these northern climates, taking at least 10 years to reach 15 inches in length. We suggest catch-and-release throughout the season. The basic tackle box could include the following (The author isn't sponsored by any lure company). Plastics (Finesse Fishing) - Finesse fishing is the deadliest presentation for smallmouth throughout the season. A selection of Twisters or grubs (Kalins) in 3-and 5- inch sizes is a great beginning. Additionally, 4-inch Berkley Power Worms and finesse worms (Kalin, Zoom, Berkley, etc.) are recommended as the second component to finesse bass fishing. These are matched up with 1/8 and ¼-ounce jigs heads, ranging from standard round jigs (with a larger hook) to darter-styles and Mushroom jig heads. Colors are basic - black, blue, brown, pumpkinseed, crawdad, etc. Again, color is rarely important, or the most significant factor. Pre-rigged plastic worms, especially the 4 and 6-inch size are often overlooked. Again, choose natural colors. Spinnerbaits and Spinners - Aggressive bass love spinnerbaits, especially in a ¼-and 3/8- ounce sizes. Don't forget Beetle Spins or Twister Spins, again in a ¼-ounce size. Silver and gold blades paired up with white, brown or orange bodies (read skirts in the case of spinnerbaits) are suggested. A large bass is quite capable of hitting a pike-sized spinnerbait - sizes in the ½ to 1-ounce size, if they are feeding. In-line spinners in the Mepps, Blue Fox and Rooster Tail styles are famous for taking bass. Start with #3 and 4 blades (silver, gold, red/white) with or without bucktail. Plain spinners can be tipped with a 1 ½ or 2-inch Twister in orange and it becomes a great combination. Minnow Baits - "Twitching" Rapalas on a quiet morning or evening is a blast. Bring #5's, 7's and 9's. Additionally, Husky Jerks and Rogues are excellent suspending minnows that must be in the box. Stick with the smaller sizes. Countdown Rapalas are always suggested. Crankbaits - The Shad Rap is a Lake of the Woods tradition. Others in this class are the Wally Diver, Berkley Frenzy, Yo-Zuri and Shadling. Try a couple of the new suspending Shad Raps. Deep-running baits, like the Hot N' Tot also have their place. Additionally, Rat-L-Traps in silver and gold have a well-deserved reputation. Jigs and Live Bait - Finally, when everything is tough, going to a jig tipped with a whole nightcrawler or leech is a good bet. Orange jig heads are a great color, because of the their tendency to focus on crayfish. Topwaters - Smallmouth fishing wouldn't be complete without a couple of topwaters, including Chug Bugs, Pop-R's, Tiny Torpedoes, even a downsized Hula Popper. All can be effective on a quiet morning or evening.
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