Smallmouth Bass Fishing

Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) are often considered pound-for-pound the hardest fighting freshwater fish in North America. Distinguished by their bronze coloration and vertical bars, smallmouth thrive in clear, cool waters of northern lakes and rivers. They're known for acrobatic jumps, powerful runs, and relentless fighting ability.

Unlike their largemouth cousins, smallmouth prefer rocky structure over vegetation and are often found in current. A 4-pound smallmouth fights like a 6-pound largemouth, making them a favorite among serious bass anglers.

Smallmouth bass have specific habitat requirements that differ from largemouth:

• Water clarity: Prefer clear to moderately clear water
• Temperature: Optimal range of 60-72°F, cooler than largemouth prefer
• Rocky substrate: Gravel, boulders, and chunk rock attract smallmouth
• Current: Often found in rivers and around lake areas with water movement
• Deep structure: Relate to offshore humps, points, and drop-offs in lakes

In rivers, look for smallmouth around current breaks, ledges, and eddies. In lakes, they prefer main lake points, rocky humps, and areas with crayfish populations.

Tube Jigs: The quintessential smallmouth bait. Use 3-4" tubes in natural colors (green pumpkin, brown, watermelon) on 1/8-3/8 oz jig heads. Drag along rocky bottoms or fish vertically over structure.

Drop Shot: Deadly in clear water and for suspended fish. Keep bait 12-24" above a 1/4 oz weight. Shake in place for finicky fish. Small worms, minnow baits, and creature baits all work.

Ned Rig: A finesse presentation that's extremely effective. Thread a small stick bait or TRD-style bait on a mushroom head jig. Fish slowly with subtle hops and drags.

Jerkbaits: Outstanding in cool water and during fall. Use suspending models and vary your cadence - sharp jerks followed by long pauses often trigger strikes.

Topwater: Early morning smallmouth crushing a walking bait is a thrilling experience. Poppers and prop baits also produce, especially around current.

River Smallmouth:

• Focus on current breaks - behind boulders, along ledges, in eddies
• Smallmouth face upstream waiting to ambush prey
• Cast upstream or across and let baits swing through holding areas
• Pool tailouts and riffles concentrate fish
• Lighter weights to maintain natural drift

Lake Smallmouth:

• Rocky main lake points are consistent producers
• Offshore humps and reefs hold schools of fish
• Smallmouth often suspend 10-20 feet down over deep water
• Follow baitfish schools - smallmouth won't be far behind
• Use electronics to locate fish before targeting them

Spring: As water reaches 55-60°F, smallmouth move to gravel flats and shorelines to spawn. Males build nests in 2-8 feet of water. Fish suspending jerkbaits and tubes on adjacent deeper structure.

Summer: Post-spawn fish move to deeper structure. Target offshore humps, points, and ledges in 15-30 feet. Topwater early and late; finesse presentations midday.

Fall: Excellent smallmouth fishing as fish feed heavily before winter. Follow baitfish to rocky flats and points. Jerkbaits and crankbaits excel as water cools.

Winter: Smallmouth become lethargic but still feed. Fish slow presentations on deep structure. Blade baits and hair jigs work when nothing else will.

Spinning Gear: Most smallmouth techniques work best on spinning tackle. A 6'6" to 7' medium power, fast action rod paired with a 2500-size reel spooled with 6-10 lb fluorocarbon is ideal.

Baitcasting: Useful for heavier applications like jerkbaits and larger tubes. Medium power rod with 10-14 lb line.

Terminal Tackle:

• Tube jig heads: 1/8 to 3/8 oz depending on depth and current
• Drop shot hooks: Size 1 to 1/0 finesse hooks
• Ned rig heads: 1/8 to 1/4 oz mushroom style