Ned Rig Fishing on Portage Lake
Portage Lake · Michigan · Midwest
This 2,110-acre natural lake features diverse structure, including steep drop-offs, expansive shallow flats, emergent vegetation, and numerous docks. Its connectivity to the Huron River chain provides a dynamic environment, influencing water levels and fish movement throughout the year, supporting both largemouth and smallmouth bass.
Ned Rig pairs a 3–4" ElaZtech-style floating plastic (TRD, Finesse TRD, or similar) on a 1/15–1/6 oz mushroom head jig. The bait's buoyancy causes it to stand upright on the bottom, creating a subtle action that triggers bites when nothing else will. Exceptional on hard bottom, gravel, and rock.
Ned Rig Setup for Portage Lake
| Rod | 6'10"–7'2" medium-light spinning rod, moderate-fast action |
| Reel | 2500 size spinning reel |
| Line | 10 lb braid + 8 lb fluorocarbon leader |
| Weight | 1/15–1/6 oz mushroom jig head (Z-Man Finesse ShroomZ or similar) |
| Hook | Size 1 or 1/0 wide gap, built into jig head |
Seasonal Tactics on Portage Lake
Lake: Prespawn largemouth stage on shallow flats and in protected bays, often near submerged wood and developing weed lines, before moving to visible cover for spawning. Smallmouth gather on deeper points and rock structures as water temperatures rise into the low 50s.
Ned Rig: Deadly on pre-spawn fish holding on gravel and pea-gravel flats in 4–12 feet.
Lake: Bass relate heavily to offshore weed edges, main lake points, and deeper dock pilings, seeking cooler water and dense cover during the day. Topwater and power fishing techniques become effective early and late, with finesse presentations working through midday lulls.
Ned Rig: Work deeper rock piles and main lake points. Drag slowly, let it stand. Green pumpkin and watermelon dominate.
Lake: As water cools, bass often follow baitfish into shallower bays and creek mouths, feeding aggressively before winter. Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and bladed jigs can be particularly effective during this period of heightened activity.
Ned Rig: One of the best techniques as fish get finicky before winter. Match shad colors on sandy/gravel bottom.
Lake: Anglers find bass, particularly smallmouth, congregating in deeper basins and on sharp breaks, becoming lethargic and requiring slow, subtle presentations. Vertical jigging or blade baits are often employed to coax bites from these cold-water fish.
Ned Rig: Best cold-water finesse technique after drop shot. Extremely slow drag on hard bottom near deep structure.
Best Conditions
Clear water, hard and rocky bottoms, post-cold-front, heavily pressured fish, any season except peak summer spawn
Use Z-Man ElaZtech plastics exclusively — they float and are nearly indestructible. Regular soft plastics sink and kill the technique.
More Techniques for Portage Lake
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