Topwater Popper 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.
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 Portage 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 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.
Topwater Popper: First light on spawning flats — fish hold shallow and crush surface baits. Slow cadence with long pauses.
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.
Topwater Popper: 30-minute window at dawn and dusk. Fish dock shade and grass pockets. Noon topwater dies.
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.
Topwater Popper: Extended feeding window as water cools. Fish can be caught on top all day in fall.
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.
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 Portage Lake
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