Photo: Eric Engbretson, U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service / Public domain (via Wikimedia Commons)
Micropterus dolomieu
Smallmouth Bass
Freshwater
About this species
A bronze-flanked bass of cool, clear rivers and rocky lakes in North America. Pound-for-pound it fights harder than its largemouth cousin. Crayfish imitations and tube jigs excel over rocky bottoms.
Season
123456789101112
Depth
0 – 8 m
Habitat Spots
RiverLakeStream
Fishing Methods
LureFlyBait
Bait & Rig
Crayfish imitations, tube jigs, and small swimbaits worked slowly along rocky bottoms draw the most consistent strikes.
Edibility & Taste
Lean, firm white flesh with good flavor; many anglers voluntarily release larger fish to protect the population.
Similar Species
The smaller mouth that does not extend past the eye and faint vertical bars on the flanks separate it from largemouth bass.
Record Weight
5.41 kg