Smallmouth Bass fishing forcast for 2012

[Magic Stick]

Hey Jim,

Having fished Mille Lacs a few times for Smallies and not having to much luck maybe you could answer
a couple of quick questions.

What colors of Grubs, Tubes, Brush Beavers, X-Raps, and crankbaits should one use this time of year?

And if I were to fish the rock piles and marker bouys at the southern end of the lake, what depth would you recommend?

How does the lake look this year as far as bug hatch and water clarity? From what I can see on the various web cams, the lake looks clearer this year (Zebra Mussels?) and I’ve seen some May flies on the cams.

Thanks for any help……

Magic Stick

[Jim DaRosa]

Magic Stick.....You ask alot of questions....I will try to answer.
As far as colors...it varies a bit each season. I like the greens, purples, pumpkin, smoke and watermelons...all with flakes. Crank baits any natural color work best for me...match the hatch.
Only minor bug hatches so far..seeing some mayflies and midges but not many.
The lake early on was very clear and yes i think Zebra mussels are clearing up the lake. BUT the recent rains of last week has left the lake a tanic color from all the runoff....I have never seen ML look this way. Also the cleaner water and perhaps early ice out..lots of slime green algea on bottom..

Hope this helps.

[Magic Stick]

Hey Jim,

I do have an inquisitive mind......

I do appreciate all the info. I think the few times I've fished Mille Lacs I was using more brown, orange, yellow, cream colored lures and plastics which have worked really well for me on the other lakes I fish.

I'm looking to hit the lake on Saturday and chasing them on the south end and giving those colors a try.

Thanks again for the info.....

Magic Stick