TRENTON, Mich. – The Michigan Division of the Phoenix Bass Fishing League Presented by T-H Marine will kick off its 2025 season with the first of five events on the Detroit River on June 28. The first event of the season is always one to look forward to, and this year, it coincides with the opening day of the Canadian bass season, which will open up the eastern portion of legendary Lake St. Clair.
This year, BFL anglers benefit from an expanded slate of Regionals, which minimizes travel costs and provides more opportunities to qualify for the $120,000 BFL All-American while fishing familiar, closer-to-home waters. Click here to find out more.
What to expect?
Clarkston, Michigan’s Scott Dobson is a highly accomplished angler in the region, with seven of his eight Major League Fishing wins coming on the Detroit River or Lake St. Clair. He also guides on the waters and says things are shaping up nicely for the new season.
“The lake’s fishing is the best I’ve seen in a long time. The water is super clear, and we have good vegetation growth all over the lake,” he said. “Right now, there are still plenty of fish spawning and beds everywhere. They should be about done when the tournament comes around, but there will still be plenty of fish up shallow and guarding fry.”
Dobson says this spring has been a little behind schedule due to colder water temperatures, but that should open the door to many ways to catch them in the BFL opener.
“There will still be a lot of fish shallow, and you won’t have to fish offshore if you don’t want to,” he said. “The fishing has been great this spring with a lot of quality bass.
While the tournament headquarters are the Detroit River, anglers will have their pick of the river as well as Lakes Erie and St. Clair, but Dobson predicts St. Clair to be the winning lake.
“The whole northern shore of Lake Erie will also open in Canadian waters, which will be a popular area,” he said. “It could be won there, but I’m leaning towards it being won in St. Clair, especially since the Canadian side will just be opening up. The river is good in the fall, but I don’t see it being a major player in this one.”
Baits to bring
Dobson says standard smallmouth lures will shine, with moving baits like jerkbaits, spybaits, and swimbaits likely to catch plenty of postspawn bass. A drop-shot and tube will also work for those looking to drag along the bottom.
What will it take?
Last year, Nolan Mandel won the season opener with 24 pounds, 11 ounces – and that was one of two bags that weighed over 24 pounds. That’s the mark Dobson picks this year to win, and he says roughly 18 pounds will be needed to cash a check.
Sign up to Fish 4 Free!
Every Phoenix Bass Fishing League angler fishing the fourth event in each division will receive an Abu Garcia gift pack valued at $230 for boaters and $180 for co-anglers – a value that exceeds the entry fee. It’s like Fishing 4 FREE! Plus, participants will receive a code for 25% off an order at AbuGarcia.com. Sign up today at MajorLeagueFishing.com or call (270) 252-1000 to take advantage of this incredible offer. Anglers will receive their gift box at the event.