Topwater Popper Fishing on Gun Lake
Gun Lake · Michigan · Midwest
Gun Lake is a 2,400-acre glacial lake in southwest Michigan that attracts anglers seeking quality largemouth and smallmouth bass fishing. The lake features deep basins, rocky points, weed beds, and shallow bays that create ideal habitat for bass throughout the seasons. Known for consistent catches and healthy fish populations, Gun Lake is a favorite among Michigan bass anglers seeking both quantity and quality.
A floating hard bait with a concave face that produces a spitting, popping action when twitched. Most effective in low-light conditions near cover — points, dock edges, weed lines, and grass pockets. The pause after the pop is where most strikes happen. Few experiences in fishing match watching a largemouth explode on a popper.
Topwater Popper Setup for Gun Lake
| Rod | 6'10"–7'3" medium casting rod, moderate action |
| Reel | 6.4:1 baitcaster or spinning |
| Line | 14–17 lb fluorocarbon or 30 lb braid (braid gives better action and hooksets) |
| Weight | 1/4–1/2 oz (Rebel Pop-R, Megabass Pop-X, Strike King KVD Splash) |
Seasonal Tactics on Gun Lake
Lake: Spring on Gun Lake brings aggressive bass as they move shallow to spawn, with excellent topwater and crankbait action around weed edges and shallow cover. Post-spawn bass relating to deeper structure and transition zones offer reliable fishing throughout May.
Topwater Popper: First light on spawning flats — fish hold shallow and crush surface baits. Slow cadence with long pauses.
Lake: Summer bass retreat to deeper water and weed-lined channels, requiring anglers to focus on structure-oriented presentations like drop shots and tube baits. Early morning and evening topwater sessions near weed beds can produce explosive strikes.
Topwater Popper: 30-minute window at dawn and dusk. Fish dock shade and grass pockets. Noon topwater dies.
Lake: Fall is a prime season on Gun Lake as bass feed aggressively in preparation for winter, with excellent results around rocky points and deep weed edges. Crankbaits and swimbaits excel as bass school and chase shad throughout the lake.
Topwater Popper: Extended feeding window as water cools. Fish can be caught on top all day in fall.
Lake: Winter fishing is challenging but possible for hardy anglers who focus on the deepest basins and structure using finesse techniques like drop shots and live shiners. Some success can be found near deeper vegetation and drop-offs during mild winter days.
Topwater Popper: Generally ineffective in water below 55°F — bass won't chase topwater in cold conditions.
Best Conditions
Dawn and dusk year-round, overcast days, calm to light-chop surface, spring through fall near cover and grass edges
Don't set the hook on the explosion — wait until you feel the fish pull the line. Half of all missed popper strikes are from anglers jerking too early.
More Techniques for Gun Lake
Ready to fish Gun Lake?
Ask Hank about current conditions, water temp, and exactly what to throw today.
Ask Hank →