The smallmouth bass is a strong fish that provides plenty of action for anglers. Native to the Mississippi River basin, the smallmouth is an introduced species in much of the United States and Canada. Also called a bronzeback, brown bass or smallie, the smallmouth bass presents a challenge and the potential for a trophy catch.
Fish the Streams
Smallmouth bass live in both lakes and streams, but streams contain the highest number and concentration. In early spring when the water is high, good places to find smallmouth bass include fallen trees, undercut banks and other areas that break the current to provide a quiet area for smallies to rest. Baitfish, crayfish and other smallmouth prey also frequent these areas, making a convenient feeding ground where the bass don't have to fight strong currents. Smallmouth bass start to move toward their spawning grounds in mid- to late April and become more aggressive in their feeding habits as the spawn approaches. Later in the spring and through the summer, look for structures in deeper waters; the bass will move to these deep-water structures as the water level recedes in hotter, drier weather.
Use Stream Lures
The best smallmouth lures mimic the appearance and action of the fish's preferred food at the time of year you're fishing. Small mouth bass prefer much smaller prey than their largemouth cousins; your spinners should be size #0 or #1, and your crankbaits should be 1/8 to 1/4 oz. for best results. Before the spawn and after the spawn, when the bass start actively feeding again, the most effective lures and crankbaits mimic minnows. Single-blade spinners and leadheads also work well to tempt hungry smallies. During the summer, crayfish-colored crankbaits that mimic the crayfish's action will usually hook more hungry smallmouths. Switch back to minnow-shaped lures in late summer to early fall.
Try Lake Fishing
In most states, smallmouth bass are more plentiful in rivers than in lakes. Check with your local department of natural resources to determine in which lakes they stock smallmouths. Early spring and late fall are the best times to catch lake smallies. The bass move from deep winter territories to shallower water in early spring just after the ice melts. Look for rocky points on the shoreline and flat rocky areas; these spots are popular smallmouth spawning grounds. Before the spawn, you'll likely find more small mouths in 4 feet to 12 feet of water. The summer months can be a tricky time to find smallies; if you're patient, you may have some luck fishing near submerged rock structures using live bait, such as minnows or crayfish. Concentrate on areas where the top of the rock reef is 8 feet to 10 feet under water, and fish just above the top of the reef, especially at dawn or dusk. Drop-offs where the depth drops to 20 feet or more are also good places to look for summer small mouth bass. In the fall, shallow rock reefs are your best bet for finding smallies; look for reefs in 10 feet to 15 feet of water.
Use Lake Lures
Small lures, such as leadheads with purple, yellow or white plastic body twisters, work well for lake smallmouth bass. Cast and retrieve these lures along rocky areas, such as a rocky shore or point. Lightweight jigs between 1/8 and 1/4 oz. will work best in shallow areas, and you may increase your lure's effectiveness by adding a live minnow to the hook. In early spring, when the water temperature is still between 48 F and 55 F, smallies will move more slowly. Use a slow retrieve on your lure and pump the tip of your rod up and down to cause the jig to bounce along the bottom. Closer to spawning and through the summer, you may have better luck with crankbaits that mimic crayfish.
Member Comments