Smallmouth Bass — US fishing guide

Micropterus dolomieu
Centrarchidae

Smallmouth Bass is one of North America's most sought-after freshwater game fish, found across northern states, great lakes, clear rocky lakes in midwest and tennessee river system. Below is where it lives, when it bites and how to catch it — plus the top US lakes where it has been recorded.

At a glance

Typical habitat
Rocky bottoms, reefs, clear cool water
Active times
Dawn, dusk, active throughout day in cool clear water
Best season
Best in cooler water spring and fall
US range
Northern states, Great Lakes, clear rocky lakes in Midwest and Tennessee River system

How to catch Smallmouth Bass

Tube jigs and dropshot on rocky bottoms; crayfish imitations; more active in cold water than largemouth

Browse by state

Top 6932 lakes nationally

Frequently asked questions

Where do you find Smallmouth Bass?

Smallmouth Bass typically holds around rocky bottoms, reefs, clear cool water. In the US it is common across northern states, great lakes, clear rocky lakes in midwest and tennessee river system.

When is the best time to catch Smallmouth Bass?

Smallmouth Bass is most active dawn, dusk, active throughout day in cool clear water, with the best fishing best in cooler water spring and fall.

What is the best way to fish for Smallmouth Bass?

Tube jigs and dropshot on rocky bottoms; crayfish imitations; more active in cold water than largemouth

All US fish species