Seven Michigan fisheries make Bassmaster's list of America's best bass lakes

Michigan anglers don't have to travel far to find some of the country's best bass fishing waters.

Michigan placed seven fisheries on Bassmaster Magazine’s annual ranking of America’s 100 Best Bass Lakes, tying Florida for the third most of any state. Leading the way was Lake St. Clair, which ranked No. 5 nationally and was recognized as one of the country's premier smallmouth bass fisheries.

The rankings are based on tournament results, state fisheries data, input from fisheries biologists, B.A.S.S. Nation leaders and local experts, as well as feedback from anglers across the country. 

In addition to Lake St. Clair, six other Michigan fisheries earned spots on the national list:

• No. 16: Burt and Mullett lakes
• No. 18: Grand Traverse Bay
• No. 20: Lake Charlevoix
• No. 21: Bays de Noc
• No. 42: Saginaw Bay
• No. 44: Lake Leelanau

Only Texas, with 10 lakes, and California, with nine, had more fisheries recognized in this year's rankings than Michigan. Bassmaster released the list as part of its annual roundup of the nation’s top bass destinations, highlighting waters selected for their fishing quality, tournament performance and expert recommendations.

Related: Michigan anglers are catching more Great Lakes walleye than ever