I have to go up to big and little Birch lake next week, near Melrose, MN. both lakes have largemouth and smallies, I know what to do for the LMB but could use some help with the smallmouth. water temps should be around 60 and falling slowly, what would be a good approach to try and catch a picture fish. both lakes have some deep water, some humps and shoreline veg. thanks for any help. Jack.
If you know of some decent smally hideouts on this lake, I would start the day by running some earth tone or crawfish patterned cranks. Key thing to consider when fishing any species is establishing the level of their bite/feed pattern. If they are on the feed bag , tempt them with flashy, loud, wobbling and faster moving presentations. If they need more coaxing, slow things down with plastics, live bait or smaller, slower artificials like spinners or smaller original floating rapalas, retrieved in a methodical slower .
TIme of day will always be a factor, especially this time of year!
Look for deep weedline, boulder(structure), tie-down areas. Places that concentrate high levels of bait fish and predators. I like to start deeper, moving shallower, covering all depth(bases).
Keep in mind that Fall means schooling fish and more aggressive fish. So, if you find one bronzeback there is a VERY good chance he/she has a friend near by!!!
Keep the rods bendin’!!!
Jim W
thanks Jim for the advice, I’ll let you know how it goes. I have not been up in this area for 20 years. Jack.
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