Best Bass Lakes

The 10 Best Bass Lakes of 2016

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Since 2012 <em>Bassmaster</em> Magazine has published the annual 100 Best Bass Lakes, which also appears here on Bassmaster.com. Fans have loved it, and some have certainly criticized our choices. This year, we've incorporated some of that feedback and changed the formula for the Top 100. We'll start things off with the Top 10 Best Bass Lakes. Next week we'll present the top 25 lakes from each of the following four regions – West, Central, Northeast and Southeast. It's still 100 lakes, but now, readers will see the Top 25 lakes closest to them. This also creates four No. 1 regional fisheries. For now, enjoy the Top 10 Best Bass Lakes, and starting next week don't miss the regional selections.<BR><BR>
Since 2012 Bassmaster Magazine has published the annual 100 Best Bass Lakes, which also appears here on Bassmaster.com. Fans have loved it, and some have certainly criticized our choices. This year, we’ve incorporated some of that feedback and changed the formula for the Top 100. We’ll start things off with the Top 10 Best Bass Lakes. Next week we’ll present the top 25 lakes from each of the following four regions – West, Central, Northeast and Southeast. It’s still 100 lakes, but now, readers will see the Top 25 lakes closest to them. This also creates four No. 1 regional fisheries. For now, enjoy the Top 10 Best Bass Lakes, and starting next week don’t miss the regional selections.
Four months of research went into the following rankings, including information from state fisheries departments, B.A.S.S. Nation directors, Elite Series pros, the 3,500-member B.A.S.S. Council and B.A.S.S. Facebook fans. Plus, reams of catch data from more than a dozen tournament organizations over the past 12 months were studied. Here, then, are the best bass fisheries for 2016.
Four months of research went into the following rankings, including information from state fisheries departments, B.A.S.S. Nation directors, Elite Series pros, the 3,500-member B.A.S.S. Council and B.A.S.S. Facebook fans. Plus, reams of catch data from more than a dozen tournament organizations over the past 12 months were studied. Here, then, are the best bass fisheries for 2016.
<h4>10. Lake St. Clair, Michigan </h4><BR> Previous: <BR>2015: 3 <BR>2014: 16<br>2013: 1<br>2012: 13
10. Lake St. Clair, Michigan
Previous: 2015: 3 2014: 162013: 12012: 13
[430 square miles] St. Clair faltered in 2014 when it failed to pump out 20-pound limits of smallmouth bass as it had been doing regularly.
[430 square miles] St. Clair faltered in 2014 when it failed to pump out 20-pound limits of smallmouth bass as it had been doing regularly.
It was obvious the lake had made a strong comeback in 2015 when Todd Faircloth won a Bassmaster Elite Series tournament with 84-7.
It was obvious the lake had made a strong comeback in 2015 when Todd Faircloth won a Bassmaster Elite Series tournament with 84-7.
He caught every one of his bass within the banks of St. Clair. Also, don’t forget that abundant, overlooked largemouth bass swim in the lake’s canals and shallow bays.
He caught every one of his bass within the banks of St. Clair. Also, don’t forget that abundant, overlooked largemouth bass swim in the lake’s canals and shallow bays.
<h4>9. Falcon Lake, Texas</h4><BR> Previous: <BR>2015: 42 <BR>2014: 12<br>2013: 7<br>2012: 1
9. Falcon Lake, Texas
Previous: 2015: 42 2014: 122013: 72012: 1
[83,654 acres] Watch out bass world: This beast is grumbling. Named No. 1 lake in the nation in 2012, drought and overfishing maimed this world-class largemouth destination. It has slowly filled with water, and fishing pressure has decreased. The green fish have responded quickly.
[83,654 acres] Watch out bass world: This beast is grumbling. Named No. 1 lake in the nation in 2012, drought and overfishing maimed this world-class largemouth destination. It has slowly filled with water, and fishing pressure has decreased. The green fish have responded quickly.
An April Bass Champs event here took 31.97 pounds to win. Two other limits topped the 29-pound mark! And you were not in the Top 32 if you didn’t have at least 20 pounds. A 10.67 took big-fish honors.
An April Bass Champs event here took 31.97 pounds to win. Two other limits topped the 29-pound mark! And you were not in the Top 32 if you didn’t have at least 20 pounds. A 10.67 took big-fish honors.
If you look back to a January Bass Champs event here, it took 32.63 to win, and an 11.78 won the big-fish pot. The lake still is not as consistent as it was in 2012, but it is quickly heading in the right direction.
If you look back to a January Bass Champs event here, it took 32.63 to win, and an 11.78 won the big-fish pot. The lake still is not as consistent as it was in 2012, but it is quickly heading in the right direction.
<h4>8. Rodman Reservoir, Florida</h4><BR> Previous: <BR>2015: 30 <BR>2014: 55<br>2013: 14<br>2012: Not Ranked
8. Rodman Reservoir, Florida
Previous: 2015: 30 2014: 552013: 142012: Not Ranked
[13,000 acres] This body of water is on fire right now for big fish. It currently leads the state in Trophy Catch lunkers, with 70 caught between January and the middle of May (an 11-12 leads the pack). The 20th annual Save Rodman Reservoir derby this past May took 34.04 pounds to win!
[13,000 acres] This body of water is on fire right now for big fish. It currently leads the state in Trophy Catch lunkers, with 70 caught between January and the middle of May (an 11-12 leads the pack). The 20th annual Save Rodman Reservoir derby this past May took 34.04 pounds to win!
“Rodman has always been a hotspot for trophy bass, but this year has been phenomenal!” admits Tom Champeau with the Florida Wildlife Commission. “Plus,” he continued, “a lot of big fish have not been turned in on purpose.” Well, looks like the secret’s out.
“Rodman has always been a hotspot for trophy bass, but this year has been phenomenal!” admits Tom Champeau with the Florida Wildlife Commission. “Plus,” he continued, “a lot of big fish have not been turned in on purpose.” Well, looks like the secret’s out.
<h4>7. Lake Berryessa, California</h4><BR> Previous: <BR>2015: 37 <BR>2014: 22<br>2013: 53<br>2012: Not Ranked
7. Lake Berryessa, California
Previous: 2015: 37 2014: 222013: 532012: Not Ranked
[20,700 acres] This Bay Area gem was built to supply Solano County agriculture and residents with water, so levels fluctuate dramatically regardless of excessive rainfall or drought.
[20,700 acres] This Bay Area gem was built to supply Solano County agriculture and residents with water, so levels fluctuate dramatically regardless of excessive rainfall or drought.
But the largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass that call this place home deal with the changing conditions and thrive.
But the largemouth, smallmouth and spotted bass that call this place home deal with the changing conditions and thrive.
On April 2 it took 39.90, which included a 9.11-pound kicker, to win a Wild West Bass Trail team event.
On April 2 it took 39.90, which included a 9.11-pound kicker, to win a Wild West Bass Trail team event.
<h4>6. Mille Lacs Lake, Minnesota</h4><BR> Previous: <BR>2015: 10 <BR>2014: 69<br>2013: 74<br>2012: 35
6. Mille Lacs Lake, Minnesota
Previous: 2015: 10 2014: 692013: 742012: 35
[132,000 acres] This lake is a hot mess right now. Locals prefer walleye here, as they are surrounded by one of the best smallmouth fisheries in the nation.
[132,000 acres] This lake is a hot mess right now. Locals prefer walleye here, as they are surrounded by one of the best smallmouth fisheries in the nation.
Known as one of the nation's top walleye destinations, the largemouth and smallmouth fishing is some of the finest in the upper Midwest.
Known as one of the nation’s top walleye destinations, the largemouth and smallmouth fishing is some of the finest in the upper Midwest.
Hopefully, the state will not allow the overharvest of brown bass while the walleye population struggles.
Hopefully, the state will not allow the overharvest of brown bass while the walleye population struggles.
You have as good of a chance to catch a 6-pounder in this lake as anywhere in the world. Expect eye-popping catches in the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship in September.
You have as good of a chance to catch a 6-pounder in this lake as anywhere in the world. Expect eye-popping catches in the Toyota Bassmaster Angler of the Year Championship in September.
<h4> 5. Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California</h4><BR> Previous: <BR>2015: 4 <BR>2014: 13<br>2013: 9<br>2012: 8
5. Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta, California
Previous: 2015: 4 2014: 132013: 92012: 8
[1,100 square miles] A labyrinth of tule-lined rivers, sloughs and vegetation-choked flooded ­islands make this one of the nation’s premier largemouth fisheries.
[1,100 square miles] A labyrinth of tule-lined rivers, sloughs and vegetation-choked flooded ­islands make this one of the nation’s premier largemouth fisheries.
It took more than 25 pounds to win 60 percent of the January-April tournaments we surveyed. And there were five 30-pound bags at an American Bass contest in March.
It took more than 25 pounds to win 60 percent of the January-April tournaments we surveyed. And there were five 30-pound bags at an American Bass contest in March.
Big fish prizes during spring tournaments typically go to anglers with a bass near or just over 10 pounds.
Big fish prizes during spring tournaments typically go to anglers with a bass near or just over 10 pounds.
<h4>4. Lake Erie, New York</h4><BR> Previous: <BR>2015: 19 <BR>2014: 3<br>2013: 5<br>2012: 4
4. Lake Erie, New York
Previous: 2015: 19 2014: 32013: 52012: 4
[30-mile radius from Buffalo] Your odds for catching a 20-plus-pound limit of five smallmouth bass may be better here than anywhere. And, you can do this in any season.
[30-mile radius from Buffalo] Your odds for catching a 20-plus-pound limit of five smallmouth bass may be better here than anywhere. And, you can do this in any season.
You’ll also battle scads of smallies that weigh over 3 pounds while you’re at it.
You’ll also battle scads of smallies that weigh over 3 pounds while you’re at it.
Who can forget the 93 pounds, 6 ounces that Kotaro Kiriyama caught when he won a Bassmaster Elite Series event here in 2008? The bite is just as good now as it was then.
Who can forget the 93 pounds, 6 ounces that Kotaro Kiriyama caught when he won a Bassmaster Elite Series event here in 2008? The bite is just as good now as it was then.
<h4>3. Clear Lake, California</h4><BR> Previous: <BR>2015: 9 <BR>2014: 2<br>2013: 3<br>2012: 10
3. Clear Lake, California
Previous: 2015: 9 2014: 22013: 32012: 10
[43,785 acres] Despite above-average fishing pressure this trophy producer doesn’t stop pumping out quality bass. And it’s even better in 2016. Charles Almassey landed and released a 16.3-pound largemouth, the biggest caught here since 1990, in March.
[43,785 acres] Despite above-average fishing pressure this trophy producer doesn’t stop pumping out quality bass. And it’s even better in 2016. Charles Almassey landed and released a 16.3-pound largemouth, the biggest caught here since 1990, in March.
A three-day WON tournament during the same month saw 31 bass between 7 and 11 pounds come to the scales.
A three-day WON tournament during the same month saw 31 bass between 7 and 11 pounds come to the scales.
Guides also reported clients regularly catching 30-plus pound limits.
Guides also reported clients regularly catching 30-plus pound limits.
<h4>2. Santee Cooper Lakes, Marion and Moultrie, South Carolina</h4><BR> Previous: <BR>2015: 29 <BR>2014: 94<br>2013: 48<br>2012: Not Ranked
2. Santee Cooper Lakes, Marion and Moultrie, South Carolina
Previous: 2015: 29 2014: 942013: 482012: Not Ranked
[110,000 acres and 60,000 acres, respectively] Results of an FLW event here last March would have convinced you that this might be the best lake in the nation right now. Bryan Thrift won the three-day event with 79-15, and he was one fish short of a limit on Day 2.
[110,000 acres and 60,000 acres, respectively] Results of an FLW event here last March would have convinced you that this might be the best lake in the nation right now. Bryan Thrift won the three-day event with 79-15, and he was one fish short of a limit on Day 2.
That’s a 6-pound average — which was illustrated perfectly by his final-day limit of 30-7. A 32-1 limit was also weighed in, as well as 16 other limits that topped 25 pounds!
That’s a 6-pound average — which was illustrated perfectly by his final-day limit of 30-7. A 32-1 limit was also weighed in, as well as 16 other limits that topped 25 pounds!
And this isn’t just a spring fishery. A Fishers of Men event here in May took 32 pounds to win, as well.
And this isn’t just a spring fishery. A Fishers of Men event here in May took 32 pounds to win, as well.
<h4>1. Toledo Bend Reservoir, Louisiana/Texas</h4><BR> Previous: <BR>2015: 1 <BR>2014: 15<br>2013: 10<br>2012: 15
1. Toledo Bend Reservoir, Louisiana/Texas
Previous: 2015: 1 2014: 152013: 102012: 15
[185,000 acres] If becoming the No.1 lake in the nation were a game of thrones, Toledo Bend would be the world’s first dynasty. In the history of the rankings, this is the first time a fishery has held the No. 1 spot for more than one year. In 2015, we thought this legendary fishery was showing off by producing 81 verified fish over 10 pounds. Well, the lake went from showing off to being downright obnoxious this year. As of May 17, Toledo Bend had already produced 139 double-digit bass! So far, the big-fish crown sits atop a 14.15 landed this past March. And remember, these fish are weighed on verified scales before being returned to the lake — no guestimates allowed.
[185,000 acres] If becoming the No.1 lake in the nation were a game of thrones, Toledo Bend would be the world’s first dynasty. In the history of the rankings, this is the first time a fishery has held the No. 1 spot for more than one year. In 2015, we thought this legendary fishery was showing off by producing 81 verified fish over 10 pounds. Well, the lake went from showing off to being downright obnoxious this year. As of May 17, Toledo Bend had already produced 139 double-digit bass! So far, the big-fish crown sits atop a 14.15 landed this past March. And remember, these fish are weighed on verified scales before being returned to the lake — no guestimates allowed.
Ten-pounders aren’t the only reason to come to this sprawling border fishery. Limits of 6-pounders are fun, too. Just ask Kevin VanDam, who won the May Elite Series event on The Bend. He just barely missed the 100-pound mark when the dust settled on the four-day derby. In all, 36 limits over 20 pounds were weighed in. What makes that number most impressive is that the anglers were seeing these results during a time when the lake was fishing tough! The region had seen record rainfall leading up to the Elite tourney, and fish were still confused by the high water. If you look back to just before the flooding, the results are nothing less than phenomenal. During a March Fishers of Men event, a husband/wife duo weighed in a five-fish limit that reached 34.81 pounds! That’s just shy of a July 2015 limit that weighed 38.22 pounds.
Ten-pounders aren’t the only reason to come to this sprawling border fishery. Limits of 6-pounders are fun, too. Just ask Kevin VanDam, who won the May Elite Series event on The Bend. He just barely missed the 100-pound mark when the dust settled on the four-day derby. In all, 36 limits over 20 pounds were weighed in. What makes that number most impressive is that the anglers were seeing these results during a time when the lake was fishing tough! The region had seen record rainfall leading up to the Elite tourney, and fish were still confused by the high water.
If you look back to just before the flooding, the results are nothing less than phenomenal. During a March Fishers of Men event, a husband/wife duo weighed in a five-fish limit that reached 34.81 pounds! That’s just shy of a July 2015 limit that weighed 38.22 pounds.
“There is no doubt that this is the best big-bass factory in the nation right now,” VanDam said from the weigh-in stage. And there is little evidence that Toledo Bend will slow down any time soon. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries employed 20 Elite Series anglers who did not make the final-day cut to help distribute Florida-strain largemouth fingerlings throughout the lake. Being the No. 1 bass fishery in the nation is a big deal to the communities surrounding this lake, and it seems they are going to fight to retain the title.
“There is no doubt that this is the best big-bass factory in the nation right now,” VanDam said from the weigh-in stage. And there is little evidence that Toledo Bend will slow down any time soon. The Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries employed 20 Elite Series anglers who did not make the final-day cut to help distribute Florida-strain largemouth fingerlings throughout the lake. Being the No. 1 bass fishery in the nation is a big deal to the communities surrounding this lake, and it seems they are going to fight to retain the title.
<b>Other 2016 Best Bass Lakes galleries:</b><br> <a href=http://develop.bassmaster.com/best-bass-lakes/slideshow/25-best-bass-lakes-southeast target=
Other 2016 Best Bass Lakes galleries:25 Best Bass Lakes: Southeast25 Best Bass Lakes: West25 Best Bass Lakes: Central25 Best Bass Lakes: Northeast

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