By Mike Frisch
It’s New Year’s Day as I write this and must say that I am already very excited for the coming 2026 open water fishing season, particularly as it relates to bass fishing! My excitement is founded by the fact that bass fishing on much of the waters I fish regularly continues to be very good, but it’s also exciting that my 2026 plan includes exploring some “new to me” bass fishing waters. Here is a look at some 2026 bass fishing plans.
Early June of last summer found the Fishing the Midwest TV crew in the Perham area of Minnesota. Our target species was walleyes and local guide Levi Roberts put us on a great bite for shallow fish roaming the weeds. We pitched jigs and minnows and slip bobbers baited with leeches and caught a bunch of fish, many being quality walleyes from 18- to about 22-inches in length.
While the walleye fishing in the Perham area is outstanding, my “basshead” buddies who have spent time in the area say it is loaded with good bass fishing opportunities as well. Lots of lakes with good shoreline cover and deeper weed growth means healthy populations of largemouth bass. I love pitching ½ ounce Hack Attack Fluoro Jigs tipped with Rage Craws to timber, reeds, and deeper weeds and that method should shine in the Perham area lakes. Plus, the region has lakes with good populations of smallmouth bass that will get at least a day of my fishing attention too. To learn more about the Perham area visit www.perham.com.
Another walleye destination that we traveled to last summer is legendary Lake Oahe, world famous for its healthy fish populations and known for producing lots of trophy caliber walleyes as well. We headquartered out of Pierre, SD, fished Oahe and Lake Sharpe and had two very productive days.
During our time in Pierre, several of the locals we interacted with raved about the strong numbers of smallmouth bass that swim in Oahe as well. Also, a fishing friend spent time with a partner on the big reservoir late last summer targeting smallmouth and indicated they found big schools of fish roaming deep water. They reported great fishing for numbers of 3- to 4-pound fish, with some 5-pound plus specimens mixed in!
I hope to hit Oahe, maybe later in the season in 2026, to target those big smallmouths. Plus, a day of walleye fishing should be in line and maybe a “cast and blast” experience too as the Pierre area is home to some of the finest pheasant hunting anywhere. Anglers considering a trip to Pierre can learn more at: https://www.pierre.org
The last of my bass plans for 2026 detailed here will be a return trip to Pelican Lake near Orr, MN. We were on Pelican Lake last July and found healthy populations of big largemouth bass, with quality smallmouth mixed in. What was enjoyable was how we caught those fish. A Denny Brauer Structure Jig tipped with a Rage Craw and crawled along bottom to mimic a crayfish in areas where rocks transitioned to weeds was a very effective pattern. The definite “thunk” of a hungry bass eating the jig and the big fight after made for a couple days of awesome bass action. We plan to be back in the area again mid-summer, and I can’t wait.
Anglers considering a trip to Pelican Lake can learn more at: www.birchforestlodge.com.
Mike Frisch co-hosts the popular Fishing the Midwest TV series. Visit www.fishingthemidwest.com or follow Fishing the Midwest on Facebook for more “fishy” stuff.
PHOTO – Mike Frisch gets set to weigh a chunky Pelican Lake bass.
