How is the Bassin in SW. Mich lakes ??

[Basscaster]

I was planning on fishing S.W. Michigan next week. What are the water temps in the inland lakes ? Is the largemouths still biting or should I hit the Rivers ? I would prefer to fish some smaller lakes within 50 miles of Elkhart Indiana(staying). Any general fishing advice would be helpful seeing I am a hit or miss Fall Fisherman. Tips, Lakes, baits or advice will all be helpful but not expected.. Pm's will be kept to myself. A little insight is all I am asking for a headstart on a 3 day trip. Thanks !

[TritonTR20]

There are about 200 lakes within 60 miles of Elkhart. This time of year expect less but bigger fish. More 4lb+ fish this time of year than any other for me. Recommendations are Paw Paw, St. Joe River Benton Harbor , Magician, Wawasee, Maxi or many of the smaller lakes can also be really good this time of year.

[TCook]

Your best bet is the benton harbor stretch of the st joe river the lake smallies are in.

Check southwestmichiganbass.com for the best up to date information on local water.

[Firefighter Jeff]

Have you gotten out there Tim???

[Basscaster]

Thanks very much for the info. I haven't been out in a month.  Does anyone have an idea of what I can expect for water temps on the lakes in SW Mich ?

[TCook]

Have you gotten out there Tim???

No I have not been fishing since we went up north, kinda tough to find someone to fish with since I now work weekends. I put the river out there from the recent reports. Good luck up on Burt hopefully the wife lets you fish some lol. If its tough hit that small lake we went too, I know it was not on but it could be now and worth checking.

[ReggieMFD]

Hey Tim,
             Jeff and I did hit that lake on Friday the 29th and Jeff did really well.  He got a 5.4, 4.12, and a 3.10 and his best 5 went around 21 lbs.  On tubes and his bigger ones on lipless cranks.  Got out there about 2:00 and it was windy out of the West.  Water temp was about 46-47 I think.  Unfortunately Me and my son Brad did not fair as well at all.  We blanked!!  We were fishing same baits and same area as he was, but not even so much as a bite.  Not a good trip for us, fish wise.  Talk to Jeff to see pics I took.  He is supposed to report hear I think.    

[Firefighter Jeff]

Hey Tim,

     I talked with that outdoor writer/guide friend of mine.  Guess he was on Burt last Monday before I went up.  Water was 57.  After the storms and cold weather it was 49 degrees Saturday  !!!  Big drop and stained water equals poor fishing !!!

[edyer]

I was planning on fishing S.W. Michigan next week. What are the water temps in the inland lakes ? Is the largemouths still biting or should I hit the Rivers ? I would prefer to fish some smaller lakes within 50 miles of Elkhart Indiana(staying). Any general fishing advice would be helpful seeing I am a hit or miss Fall Fisherman. Tips, Lakes, baits or advice will all be helpful but not expected.. Pm's will be kept to myself. A little insight is all I am asking for a headstart on a 3 day trip. Thanks !

I fished a small lake near Hastings yesterday(Middle Lake) and got one fish in three hours, but it was a 4.5 pound largemouth. Caught it on an unskirted jig with a Yammmy Flappin Hog. Water temp was 46.