We've had wild temperature swings the past few weeks and that's had an affect on the smallmouth. One day we're throwing frog patterns and the next, we're back to leech patterns. Welcome to spring in Michigan.
When you have these wild swings, pay attention to your water temps. Above 60 degrees, its game on. You can sling anything from swimflies to frog patterns. If the temps are 40 degrees up to 50 degrees, use lead eye'd patterns like peanuts and leeches. From 50 degrees to 60 degrees, those fish will chase, so use your swimflies like Leggy Bois, Game Changers, Yard Sales and D & D's. There is always the exception to this but this is the general rule for smallmouth.
On the northern pike front, it's still game on. Water temps continue to be optimal and with the pike coming off the spawn, they're feeding aggressively.
The Grand and her tributaries are in great shape so, make sure you swing on by the shop to get geared up or to get the latest information on what's happening and what's working.