By Andrew Ragas Wisconsin is a great state for catching smallmouth bass, not just for number of lakes but outstanding management and conservation practices. Excellent fishing is had spring through fall, but the most challenging, rewarding, and consistent fishing of the season takes place in summer. Where I fish on the inland waters of Vilas, Oneida, Iron, Price, and Forest Counties, I am blessed to have hundreds of lakes and rivers to fish where big smallmouth bass are caught frequently. Where to Go Good populations of smallmouth bass are present in most places. Nearly every productive smallmouth lake I’ve fished contains clear to moderately stained cola-brown water, and features a habitat comprised of sand, rock, gravel, wood, and some weed growth that is mostly occupied by pelagic baitfish and other juvenile species. Traditional smallmouth lakes during the summer season offer deep and cool water. However, the best lakes contain depths of everything from shallow to deep, and somewhere