If you enjoy “lake-hopping” and want to drive a bit, you can try the Pinckney Recreation area or the Brighton recreation area. Both areas are probably just over 50 miles from the Indiana border, contained within western Washtenaw county. There are at least 2 dozen lakes between the two areas with about 6-10 being motor permitted with ramp access. About half the lakes are a portion of the Huron River system. You’ll need a Michigan State Park vehicle or boat pass ($6 daily). Pictures of some of these lakes are posted here: [url=http://www.better-fishing.com/lakegallery.htm]http://www.better-fishing.com/lakegallery.htm[/url]. The bigger, deeper lakes contain nice pike and walleye, but some of the biggest largemouths I found have been in the small, less frequently visited lakes. There are some great “ponds” not even on the maps (use Google satellite images to find them). Kent Lake (a little further in Livingston County) use to host several tournaments and offers great access for shore-based fishing, but the bite is less and less each year. Michigan has some great areas for bass fishing - if you’re adventuresome try Lake St. Clair (a little further away, but big) for nice smallmouths.
Good luck!
PS - You have any suggestions for lakes in Northern Indiana/Ohio? I’m looking to roam a bit too.
