Smallmouth Bass

Length:  25 - 50 cm. (10-20 in.)

Distribution/Habitat:
clear, rocky waters with little vegetation from southern Ontario to Timiskaming and northwestern Ontario

Similar fish:

• largemouth bass 

Key identifying characteristics:

• upper jaw does not extend beyond eye
• shallow notch between dorsal fins
• body often dark broken bars

The distribution of the smallmouth bass includes the Great Lakes watershed, the St. Lawrence River and northward to north of Lake Nipissing and south of Lake Nipigon. In the northwest they can be found in the Lake of the Woods region.

Lakes and rivers that are clear enough and rocky enough to be suitable for trout, but in which the water temperature is too high for trout, are generally good smallmouth bass habitat. Bass concentrate around shoreline rocks and points as well as offshore shoals, often in deep water.

Popular baits are:

• crayfish
• minnows
• hellgrammites
• leeches.

Small, deep-diving plugs and lures, and surface lures (in early morning and evening) are effective. But soft plastic lures in the form of crayfish imitations, twister tails and small worms or tubes are among the best smallmouth baits. These are often fished deep, in combination with a jig.