BUTTERNUT LAKE
Uttech also recommended Butternut Lake in northwest Forest County.

"The water is deep and clear," Uttech said. "I use 6- to 8-pound-test Sensation line and either a Mepps Black Fury spinner in a No. 2 or No. 4 size, or a crawfish-imitating crankbait with some orange color on it. There are numerous rockpiles on this 1,260-acre lake, and trophy smallmouths live there. Six- to 7-pound fish are not uncommon."

Uttech is a firm believer in catch-and-release.

"On all of these waters, careful catch-and-release must be practiced in order to preserve a quality fishery for our children," he said. "Pinch the barbs shut on your hooks. It makes for an easier hookset and release. A 20-inch smallmouth on any water is a very old fish. The odds of producing another one like it are stacked against the fish, and it may take another 10 or more years to attain such a size."

For more fishing information, you can contact Uttech by e-mail at brian@eagleriveroutfitters.com.

FLAMBEAU RIVER
Tim Holschlag is a smallmouth bass guide and author, and he has been chasing these fish throughout the Upper Midwest for decades.

"The Flambeau River is one good northern destination for smallmouths," Holschlag said. "It has over 75 miles of good water from the Turtle-Flambeau Flowage dam down to its junction with the Chippewa River, and there are seven boat landings that provide access."

There are other toothy critters swimming here, so be prepared.

"The Flambeau is rightfully known as a top muskie stream, so it is essential to always use light wire leaders when fishing smallies," Holschlag said. "Fourteen-pound-test Tyger Wire is light enough not to turn off the bass, but will still prevent bite-offs from the toothy muskies."

Holschlag said to plan on fishing on top most of the time.

"Aquatic vegetation develops in much of the Flambeau, so 1/8- and 1/4-ounce spinnerbaits are good, and fly-rodders do well with poppers," he noted.

The Flambeau isn't the place for a big boat, either.

"The Flambeau is best fished by canoe and other smaller craft, so those committed to their full-sized bass boats will need to go elsewhere," Holschlag continued. "Conversely, those looking for quieter, less crowded bass waters will love this northern river."

For more information, go to SmallmouthAngler.com.

GILE FLOWAGE
Another one of Holschlag's favorites is the Gile Flowage in Iron County.

"This is just south of Hurley and a good smallmouth lake," Holschlag said. "Quite undeveloped and rocky, so it has a beautiful and rugged north-country look. Plus, it has good numbers of smallmouths of various sizes. It is somewhat stained, so the bright colors are good, as is black."

LAKE OWEN
While smallmouths steal much of the bassin' attention in northern Wisconsin, there are several good largemouth lakes that are often overlooked. Bayfield County's Lake Owen gives you the best of both worlds -- great fishing for both bass species. LaPenter guides clients on this lake throughout the summer.