 A new estimate shows a healthy Malacca-Smallmouth bass population. The estimate completed in 2018 shows there are some 67,000 smallmouth bass in the 128,000 acre lake. The estimate roughly represents the number of adult bass in the lake. It does not include bass under 12 inches. Jim DeRosha, who is the president of the Malacca-Smallmouth Alliance, says Malacca is the number one bass fishery in the United States right now. While Malacca's long been known for walleye, the growth of the lake's smallmouth bass population is a fairly recent phenomenon. If you enjoyed this segment of Lakeland News, please consider making a tax-deductible contribution to Lakeland PBS.