Smallmouth Bass

QUICK GUIDE

Target Species: smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieue)

Other Common Names: bronze back, brown bass, black bass, Oswego bass brownie

Identification: Body golden green on back and sides with creamy white belly. Sides have 8-16 brown vertical bars. Dorsal fin has 9-11 spines. Eye is red. Upper jaw begins below middle of eye.

Biological Info: Live up to 14 years. Found in rivers and lakes rocky and sandy areas. Less likely to be in areas of heavy vegetation than largemouth bass. Like clear water near structure in lakes and swift water in streams and rivers. Member of the sunfish family. Spawn in late spring (May-June).

Geographical Range: Native distribution includes the St. Lawrence Seaway, the Great Lakes, also from Southern Quebec as far south as New Hampshire west to North Dakota and the Mississippi River as far south as Alabama. Introduced to other areas of U. S. and Canada as well as Belgium, South Africa, Scandinavia, France, Germany, British Isles, Mexico, Belize, Austria, Czech Republic, Vietnam, Hawaii, Fiji and Guam.

Favored Water Temp.: 60ºF-70ºF

Size: Average around 2 lbs and 15"-20". Fish over 4 lbs are trophies.

IGFA Record: 10 lbs, 14 oz, Dale Hollow, Tennessee, April 24, 1969.

Sporting characteristics: Very feisty and acrobatic fighters.

Food & Feeding Habits: Feed on crayfish, other small fish such as shiners, large insects, worms and amphibians. Feed on surface as well as throughout the water column. Like to ambush prey near rocks and submerged logs.

Fishing methods: Live baits and artificial baits are effective, especially artificial baits imitating crayfish (crank baits and soft plastics). Fly fishing also effective and a great challenge.

Top Spots: Minnesota Boundary Waters; Rainy Lake, Ontario, Canada; Bass Islands, Ohio, Lake Eerie.

Conservation: Follow local regulations. Keep only what you want for personal consumption. Release large females.

Kinds of Bass include:
black bass
striped bass
white bass