Smallmouth Bass

The Smallmouth Bass, Micropterus dolomieu, is a member of the Sunfish family, along with the Bluegill, Perch, and Largemouth Bass.

The smallmouth bass is generally green with dark vertical bands rather than a horizontal band along the side. Three dark bars run from the snout, past the gill flap. Their color can change according to their environment. Over rocky bottoms the fish can be bronze or gold color. There are 13-15 soft rays in the dorsal fin. The upper jawbone does not extend behind the eye. Thus, this fish has a small mouth when compared to the look-alike largemouth bass whose upper jawbone extends beyond the eye.

Smallmouth caught at Lucky Peak Reservoir barely over the 12" mark.

Smallies are found in larger lakes, generally bigger than 100 acres and deeper than 25 to 30 feet, with cool clear water. In Idaho they can tolerate some of the warmer lakes and rivers like the Snake River and Brownlee Reservoir. In lakes, it prefers rocky shorelines, reefs, out- croppings, gravel bars, etc.

Smallmouth Bass tolerate water temperatures in a wide range of about 50 to 75 degrees. But probably prefer 50 to 60 degree water. Adult fish feed on insects, crayfish, and small fishes, such as minnows, suckers, shad, and even bullheads.

Smallmouth Bass Fishing Tips

Wiggle Wart - Crayfish Crankbait

Throughout the early part of the season lake populations of smallmouth are found in shallow to medium-deep water over rocky and sandy areas. The best holding areas have broken rock and rubble with lots of nooks and crannies, harboring an abundance of minnows and crayfish. If there is access to nearby deep water, the area will have even more potential for large numbers of smallies. When the water warms up in mid-summer, most smallmouth move into water up to 40 feet in depth. These areas are often close to their early summer haunts because smallmouth are known to be 'homebodies' that rarely move throughout the year. In the fall, there is a general migration back to the shallow waters as the temperature drops.

Drop anchor over a smallmouth structure and lower crayfish and/or minnows straight down to the bass. The more legal lines you have in the water the better. Even when smallmouths lie directly beneath the boat, it may take several minutes before they respond. When one bass does take a bait, the ensuing battle rouses bass nearby into action. Get fresh bait back into the water as soon as possible after landing a bass to keep the feeding frenzy going.

Cast lures and baits toward shore from your boat and retrieve at different speeds. Stirring up the bottom will often entice a fish to strike.

One of the most popular techniques for these reluctant fish is 'twitching.' Stick baits, like the floating Rapala or Bomber Long A, are perfect for this tactic. Simply cast out one of these lures, let it sit for a moment, twitch it so it swims erratically for a couple of feet, then let it sit. Repeat this maneuver as you reel your lure back to the boat. Notice that it looks like a helpless, injured minnow struggling near the surface.

Vertical jigging works for suspended fish in deeper water. Bucktail jigs work as well as metal spoons. Lower the bait to the approximate depth and raise it up a few inches and let it flutter down. Using scents on the lure will help or tip with a worm.

Lures choices for Smallies are endless. Jigs, bucktail types and plastic ones are good. Crankbaits that imitate minnows and crayfish are best.

Live baits include crayfish, worms, and minnows.

Most anglers choose 6 or 8 pound line for good lure action and to fool the wary fish. A medium weight rod will help tame the hard fighting bass.

If you have a local Smallie technique please let us know.