Smallmouth Bass
LOCATIONS
BODIES OF WATER
Smallmouth bass, known for their tenacity and aggressive strikes, can be found in various bodies of water across the Southwest region of the United States. Anglers flock to these waters to target smallmouth bass for their hard-fighting nature and thrilling angling experiences. Here are some popular locations for smallmouth bass fishing in each state:
Arizona: The Colorado River offers excellent smallmouth bass fishing opportunities in Arizona. Anglers can target smallmouth bass in various sections of the river, including Lake Mead, Lake Havasu, and the stretch between Parker Dam and Imperial Dam. Other notable locations include Roosevelt Lake and Lake Pleasant.
California: The Sacramento-San Joaquin Delta is a renowned smallmouth bass fishery in California. This vast network of waterways provides ample opportunities to catch smallmouth bass in its channels, sloughs, and backwaters. Other popular locations include Clear Lake, Lake Berryessa, and the Feather River.
Nevada: Lake Mead is a premier smallmouth bass fishery in Nevada. Anglers can target smallmouth bass in the lake's rocky shorelines, submerged structures, and points. Other notable locations include Lake Mohave, which offers excellent smallmouth bass fishing opportunities, and the Truckee River.
New Mexico: Elephant Butte Reservoir is a notable smallmouth bass fishery in New Mexico. Anglers can target smallmouth bass along the rocky shorelines, points, and submerged structures of the reservoir. Other potential locations include Ute Lake and Conchas Lake, which also provide excellent smallmouth bass fishing.
STRUCTURE/HABITAT
Smallmouth bass prefer clear, rocky waters and are often found near structures that provide cover and ambush points. Look for them near rocky shorelines, submerged rocks, boulders, fallen trees, and underwater ledges.
They also inhabit areas with moderate current and can be found near points, humps, and drop-offs. Smallmouth bass tend to relate to structure, so focus your fishing efforts around these areas.
PATTERNS
SPRING
During the spring months, smallmouth bass move into shallower waters for spawning. They can be found near rocky shorelines, gravel beds, and areas with clean bottoms. Use crankbaits, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, and soft plastic baits to imitate prey and trigger strikes.
SUMMER
In the summer, smallmouth bass seek cooler water and may move to deeper sections of the lake or river. Look for them near submerged structures, underwater ledges, and drop-offs. Fishing with jigs, Carolina rigs, Texas rigs, and topwater lures can be effective during this time.
FALL
As fall approaches, smallmouth bass become more active and feed voraciously to prepare for winter. They may move to shallower waters near rocky structures and points. Crankbaits, spinnerbaits, swimbaits, and jerkbaits can be productive in enticing fall-feeding smallmouth bass.
WINTER
During the winter months, smallmouth bass become less active and tend to move to deeper, slower areas with less current. Fishing with jigs, drop-shot rigs, and slow-moving presentations can be effective in enticing wintering smallmouth bass.
Bait
Smallmouth bass are known to strike a variety of baits and lures. Effective bait options for smallmouth bass fishing include crankbaits, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, jigs, soft plastic baits (such as tubes, worms, and creature baits), topwater lures, and live bait such as crayfish, minnows, or nightcrawlers. Experiment with different colors, sizes, and retrieve speeds to determine what triggers the best response from the fish.