Closer Look at the Smallmouth Bass

The Overview of the Smallmouth…

Smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) are native to a number of states in the eastern part of the U.S. and are found in every county of the state. They are known for their acrobatic abilities and putting up a very strong fight when caught on hook and line.

Like their cousin, the largemouth, smallmouth bass are also referred to by other names including: bronzeback, brown bass, smallie, smalljaws and brownie …

Smallmouth bass mature at age three or four, and occasionally live to be 10 to 12 years old. The usual smallmouth caught by fishermen ranges from 8 to 15 inches long, and weighs less than three pounds.  Any smallmouth over four pounds is usually considered a trophy!

Preferred Habitat

Smallmouth bass thrive in streams with gravel or rock bottoms with a visible current.

Smallmouth bass often out number largemouth bass in many streams and rivers wherever they are located across the U.S. In the more southern states, smallmouth can be out numbered by spotted bass in number of river and stream systems.

Smallmouth bass are common in Great Lakes Region and through the lakes of Canada, especially around the islands and reefs and along rocky shorelines. Beyond natural bodies of water, smallmouths can also be found in numerous reservoirs, especially those with steep drop offs and rocky shorelines.

Though smallmouth bass usually do poorly in smaller lakes and reservoirs that are shallow with soft bottoms and abundant aquatic vegetation, some shallow, weedy lakes contain decent smallmouth populations.

Smallmouth bass spawn in May and early June when water temperatures range from 55 to 65°F. Nests are built in gravel or hard bottom substrates in 2 to 20 feet of water. During the spawn, females lay between 2,000 and 15,000 eggs. After completing the spawning ritual, the male typically guards the nest and the fry for a short time.

Once the fry lose their egg-sack, the young smallmouth feed on zooplankton and midge larvae until large enough to feed on typical smallmouth fare.

Forage

Feed primarily on crayfish and other large aquatic invertebrates. Additionally, smallmouths also feed on small fish as well as both hatching and flying insects on the surface of the water.