Grand Rapids, Michigan is more than just a thriving city—it’s also a gateway to some of the best smallmouth bass fly fishing in the Midwest. While steelhead often steal the spotlight, the city’s surrounding rivers offer an exceptional opportunity to target aggressive, hard-hitting smallmouth bass. Here’s how this unique urban fishery delivers both excitement and accessibility for anglers.
The Smallmouth Bass: A Fish with Attitude
Known by its Algonquin name Achigan, meaning “one which fights,” the smallmouth bass lives up to its reputation. When a smallmouth strikes, it brings a fierce tenacity that sets it apart. Topwater takes come with violent slashes and a distinct sense of aggression. This intensity is what makes smallmouth fishing such a thrilling pursuit.
Prime Location Just Outside the City
Less than an hour from downtown Grand Rapids, smallmouth habitat begins to emerge. Rivers in the area wind through scenic terrain and provide outstanding access to pre-spawn bass. Local guide Capt. Tom Werkman, of Werkman Outfitters, offers fly anglers a direct route into these productive waters. As part of a three-part overview of the Grand Rapids fishery, this trip highlighted how quickly one can shift from city streets to secluded river bends.
Understanding the Pre-Spawn Bite
Mid-April is a key time for targeting smallmouth. During the pre-spawn period, bass gather in deeper holding water close to their spawning grounds. With water temperatures still cool, these fish are building up energy reserves, making them more likely to strike large prey. The timing is ideal for anglers who enjoy targeting active fish with streamers.
Gearing Up for Action
Fly fishing for spring smallmouth requires a balance of strength and finesse. A 7-weight fly rod delivers the backbone needed to cast larger flies and handle aggressive takes. A reel like the Ross Evolution R, paired with a Scientific Angler Sonar Titan 3D SINK I/2/3 fly line, allows for deeper presentations in pre-spawn holding zones. These setups are designed to keep streamers in the strike zone longer and handle explosive hits.
Fly Patterns and Presentation
The key to success on this outing was matching the fly to the fish’s aggressive mood. Streamers around 4 inches in length produced the most strikes. Productive color patterns included solid black and a striking blond/black/orange combo. While several variations were tested, these two color schemes consistently drew action.
Presentation also played a major role. A slow retrieve with sharp, erratic strips triggered the most responses. Many strikes came during long pauses, when the fly appeared vulnerable. Adding subtle line jiggles during the pause often made the difference between interest and a full-on attack.
Heart-Pounding Hookups
Few fishing experiences compare to the jolt of a streamer-eating smallmouth. Strikes are often sudden and unforgiving. One of the day’s biggest bass hit just as the retrieve began, snatching the line cleanly from the angler’s hand. Quick reflexes and solid hook sets are essential to land these brawlers, especially when the fight turns acrobatic.
The Verdict: Grand Rapids Delivers
While the exact number of fish caught may fade from memory, the quality of the experience stands out. With expert guidance, the right fly presentation, and ideal seasonal conditions, it’s possible to enjoy a banner day of smallmouth bass fishing within a short drive of the city.
Grand Rapids continues to prove itself as more than just an urban hub—it’s a premier fly fishing destination. From steelhead to smallmouth bass, the region offers a unique blend of big-city comforts and wild, river-bound adventure. Few places in the country allow anglers to enjoy trophy fishing in the morning and return to a vibrant urban scene by evening.
For those seeking a powerful fight, breathtaking riverscapes, and a surprisingly short travel time from downtown, the smallmouth bass waters near Grand Rapids are hard to beat.
Image/Source: SI
