Copper mining in Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula ended decades ago but one hidden gem remains: a nearly untapped bronzeback (aka smallmouth) bass fishery that rivals the best the state has to offer.
The Keweenaw area is known mostly for great lake trout and walleye fishing, but it’s quietly experiencing a smallmouth bass Bronze Age – an age when the bass fishery is booming but remains off the radar of major fishing tournaments. The result is great fishing with relatively little pressure.
Michigan’s Keweenaw Peninsula is an untapped gem for smallmouth
SUBSCRIBER CONTENT
Read this article now.
Create a free Outdoor News account.
Create a free account below to get instant access to this article, thousands of Outdoor News stories, and our digital editions. Your 1-month trial starts the moment you sign up.
No credit card required
No credit card required
Subscriber? Login Here.
Share on Social
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn
Email
Hand-Picked For You
Michigan Mixed Bag: Night-time walleye surveys scheduled on several of the state’s waters through Mid-October
Staff and News Reports
September 22, 2026
Wednesday, Sept. 23 marks Travel Management Rule comment deadline
Ryan “Cal” Callaghan / President and CEO Backcounty Hunters and Anglers
September 22, 2026
Allegan County CO named Michigan’s Wildlife Officer of the Year
Staff Report
September 22, 2026
Michigan DNR clarifies rule changes in effect for trout, salmon, sturgeon
Anthony Candia
September 22, 2026
Michigan Letters to the Editor: There are some advantages of the Roadless Rule removal
Michigan Letters to the Editor
September 22, 2026
Ralph Loos: Michigan’s reliable hunting traditions got an update (upgrade?) this season
Ralph Loos
September 22, 2026
Related Articles

Michigan Cuffs & Collars: COs respond to capsized kayakers
Staff Report
September 22, 2026
Michigan cuffs and collars are field reports from DNR Conservation Officers. These reports are from the Sept. 25, 2026 edition

Michigan Mixed Bag: Night-time walleye surveys scheduled on several of the state’s waters through Mid-October
Staff and News Reports
September 22, 2026
Nighttime walleye recruitment surveys are being conducted from late September to mid-October, putting DNR survey crews on the water at

Wednesday, Sept. 23 marks Travel Management Rule comment deadline
Ryan “Cal” Callaghan / President and CEO Backcounty Hunters and Anglers
September 22, 2026
Managing travel and access is one of conservation’s trickiest topics.
Ask most hunters whether they’d rather drive right to