Smallmouth Bass
LOCATIONS
BODIES OF WATER
Where to find Smallmouth?. Found in a variety freshwater locations. Not found in tidal regions as often. Smallmouth prefer fresher water then largemouth.
Streams, Rivers, Ponds, Lakes, Reservoirs.
Connecticut: Connecticut River, Housatonic River, Farmington River, and Naugatuck River. Other popular spots include Candlewood Lake, Lake Lillinonah, Bantam Lake, and Squantz Pond.
Massachusetts: Deerfield River, Farmington River, and Housatonic River, Quabbin Reservoir, the Wachusett Reservoir, the Quinebaug River, the Sudbury River and the Concord River.
Maine: Penobscot River, Kennebec River, and Androscoggin River, Moosehead Lake, Sebago Lake, and Rangeley Lake. The St. John River, the Allagash River, the Machias River and the Aroostook River.
New Hampshire: Merrimack River, Connecticut River, and Androscoggin River, Lake Winnipesaukee, Squam Lake, Newfound Lake, Lake Sunapee, The Pemigewasset River, the Saco River, the Baker River and the Swift River.
New Jersey: Delaware River, Musconetcong River, Raritan River, Paulinskill River, Lake Hopatcong, Spruce Run Reservoir, Round Valley Reservoir, and Swartswood Lake, Pequest River, Wanaque River, Rockaway River and the Manasquan River
New York: Hudson River, the Delaware River, Susquehanna River, St. Lawrence River, Lake Champlain, Lake George, Saratoga Lake, Keuka Lake, Niagara River, Oswego River, Black River and the Genesee River.
Pennsylvania: Delaware River, Susquehanna River, Allegheny River, Juniata River, Raystown Lake, Pymatuning Lake, Conneaut Lake, Beltzville Lake, Schuylkill River, Lehigh River, Youghiogheny River and the Clarion River
Rhode Island: Pawtuxet River, Wood River, Blackstone River, Woonasquatucket River, Worden Pond, Johnson Pond, and Watchaug Pond.
Vermont: Connecticut River, Otter Creek, Battenkill River, White River, Lake Champlain, Lake Memphremagog, Lake Dunmore, Winooski River, Lamoille River, Missisquoi River, and the Nulhegan River
STRUCTURE/HABITAT
How are the fish behaving? What time of year are you fishing?
Find bait
They typically inhabit clear, cool waters with rocky or gravel bottoms, as well as areas with plenty of structure such as boulders, logs, and undercut banks.
They also prefer areas with moderate to fast currents.
PATTERNS
SPRING
In the spring, as the water begins to warm, smallmouth bass will move into shallower water to spawn. This is typically the best time to catch them, as they are actively feeding and can be found in large numbers in spawning areas.
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SUMMER
During the summer months, smallmouth bass will typically move into deeper, cooler water to avoid the warmer surface temperatures. They can be found around drop-offs, underwater structure, and in cooler tributaries.
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FALL
 In the fall, as the water cools, smallmouth bass will move back into shallower water to feed. This is another good time to catch them, as they are actively feeding in preparation for the winter.
WINTER
Smallmouth bass will typically be found in deeper, slower-moving water where there is less current and oxygen. They will be less active during this time, but can still be caught using slow-moving, deep-diving baits.
Bait
Live worms, minnows, crayfish