The larger bays including Chippewa Bay are the most popular pike locations Smallmouth Bass Smallmouth bass season opens on the third Saturday in June and early in the season smallmouths are found along the mainland points, island shorelines, rocky areas, and large flats. As summer progresses these fish congregate near deep water points, island drop offs, and mid-river shoals. Panfish Yellow perch are by far the most sought after panfish, and anglers catch them year round in all of the river's large bays. Small jigs and minnows work all year while worms are effective in spring and summer. May. For many anglers, bullhead season marks the end of winter and the beginning od spring.
Angles fish after dark in the river's numerous backwaters and nightcrawlers are the preferred bait.