Paul Kisielewski: Smallmouth prefer a hard bottom with small rocks, a sandy bottom, or areas behind current breaks. The seasons affect the depth also. This is because the water is then at the ideal temperature of around 59 to 64F (15 to 18C). Smallmouth bass behavior and habitat are easiest to predict at this time. The smallmouths might be 20 or 30 feet deep or more on this deep drop-off, waiting for the temperature to rise slightly so they can move up and spawn. They school up near tributaries, points, and other structures near areas with a lot of food. For a short window of time, often just a few days, spawning fish will be extra-aggressive and will move 5 feet … Spawning can last from 6 to 60 days. This exact temp comes and goes pretty quickly, so carry a thermometer. The upper jaw of smallmouth bass extends to the middle of the eye. Shallow waters use brighter colors but not too bright. Also in the morning and evening, shallow water is cooler and bass will go into them. Take the time to learn the differences and apply them to fishing. The Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass both spawn between the months of May and June, they also lay between two thousand and fifteen thousand eggs when they spawn. Spawn will be laid in all sort of nooks and crannies to help protect them, such as rocky areas, wall nooks and vegetation. Want to catch smallmouths, fish early morning or late evening for best results. In spring the shallows warm up quicker triggering the spawn. Weather can be sunny and 60s and then below freezing the next day. this time of year. Generally speaking, the bigger the bass, the deeper the water and the earlier they will spawn. Bass will hold tight to the cover even when active. Your email address will not be published. Normally the male of both species will build a nest between two feet and twenty feet (normally in shallower depths), this nest will be built from sand and gravel, circular in size normally about twice the size of the male … Check with the state regulating body on parasites in fish. A female largemouth bass may lay 2,000 to 25,000 eggs. Do not rule out red, green, or brown either. Fan cast and work an area thoroughly. The incubation period is three or four days at 70’F. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. It is the type species of its genus. Don’t expect to go fishing and catch 40 smallmouth every time you go out. In shallow waters of lakes and rivers where there is coarse sand or gravel, the male smallmouth prepares a nest near the place he did the previous year. Southern Appalachian Anglers: Where do smallmouth spawn in rivers? An exception to this rule is the spawn. These will hold amazing numbers of smallmouth bass of several sizes. Post Spawn: Mid to end of June. Water too warm holds less oxygen. Smallmouth Bass can be placed in a Fish Pond, where they will reproduce every 2 days. Also soft plastics are effective. Find areas with a deeper water sanctuary and shallow feeding grounds. It can be best to cover water when fishing for pre-spawn smallmouth bass. The size varies by region. The male smallmouth may build several "practice nests" until he finally settles on one as suitable. Michigan bass guide Chris Noffsinger tempts smallmouth early each spring using suspending jerkbaits and a twitch technique that has netted him bronze from waters across the Midwest. If the water temperature continues to rise slightly, the smallmouth bass is ready for spawning. Smallmouths are curious. Smallmouth can be eaten and some angler like the flavor. The smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) is a species of freshwater fish in the sunfish family (Centrarchidae) of the order Perciformes. If there’s a flood or just high water flows that time of year, it will improve the fishing later that season. The oxygen level and temperature are important. The current seams and eddies tend to hold larger amounts of the fish. They outweigh the structure and food supply often. The oldest reported age for smallmouth bass is 26 years. Deep Smallmouth. Spawning occurs in early to mid-spring when the waters get between about 60 to 65 degrees. Most articles report maturity is reached in the third or fourth year. The oxygen and temperature are key elements for the survival of the fish. Spawning occurs as temperatures reach 60 °F in late May and June. Most of the time, this is water 15-30 feet deep. After the spawn, for about 2 weeks they do not hit since they are recovering. The preparation of the next may take anywhere from a few hours to several days. Waiting for the temperature to hit about 60 degrees. It could also lower the survival rate of smallmouth frye and affect a female smallmouth’s ability to lay a normal number of eggs. A spinnerbait or rattle trap is the best lure in these situations. Flies: dredging jig patterns that imitate crawfish or large articulated streamer patterns. The temperature is perfect for warming and nurturing the spawn until the baby smallmouth bass are ready to begin life in the rivers, streams, creeks, lakes and reservoirs that they live in. I generally look for deep shelf areas that transition into shallow shelf areas where the bass can move easily from deep water to shallow water. Spawning occurs over a period of 6-10 days in late spring to early summer. Male smallmouth bass build nests (beds) to attract females and together they spawn over gravel substrate in 5 … After the feeding they move out and scatter seeking preferred habitat. You will need the experience to become a good smallmouth angler. Smallmouth bass behavior and habitat often influence color selection. SIZE: The length of smallmouth bass most commonly caught is between 12 and 16 in (30.5 cm to 40.6 cm). The cover is the same. In stained or muddy waters a lure needs to make sounds and vibrations. Floating the larger rivers during this time of the year is a great way to accomplish this, just remember to wear your personal flotation device. The maximum recorded length for a smallmouth bass is 27.2 in (69 cm). Both use points, humps, and other structural features. The spawn is usually related to water temperatures around 13-20 ºC (55-68 ºF). If you see a male guarding a bed, just pass him and let him do this thing. The bass spawn is when bass lay, fertilize, and hatch their eggs. If the water has not warmed enough then the bass will wait for the next full moon. ﾠThe Susquehanna River right now needs help in getting its smallmouth bass population back on track on the main stem. He remains to guard the nest and fry, she takes off. The males begin creating nests when the water stabilizes at 55°F. Patterning these fish is only the first step. The Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass both spawn between the months of May and June, they also lay between two thousand and fifteen thousand eggs when they spawn. I am fishing on Manistique Lake, U.P. Smallmouth bass seeks different habitat and has different behavior than a largemouth. Southern Appalachian Anglers offers smallmouth bass guide trips from late February – early December. The stream earned an “excellent” rating for smallmouth bass in the Fishery Division’s annual Fishing Forecast for 2019. Ethan Hollifield: When using a fly rod, don’t go lighter than a 7 weight. Most anglers spend their entire life in search of a trophy smallmouth bass. They are going to be aggressive, so don’t be afraid to look for reaction strikes off of ambush points such as lay downs, deep shelves, and transition zones. Crankbait fishing for Smallmouth Bass – Spring Time Lake Erie. Once the water warms up spinnerbaits and crankbaits are added to the lures being effective. The seasons affect behavior and locations. In deeper water use the darker colors. When Do Smallmouth Bass Spawn. In the spring, they gather for the spawn. The pre-spawn is followed by the explosive top water smallmouth fishing during the spawn by May 20. Various reports exist about when smallmouth males reach sexual maturity. Smallmouth Bass Tips & Techniques. Top Choices for 2021 in Bass Fishing Gear. How to Catch Pre-Spawn Smallmouth Bass. The smallmouth will always seek stable water temperature in the preferred range. Part 1 of 2 on Fishing for smallmouth bass during the spawn with the reins ring claw. The slower retrieve lets the bass have time to catch the lure. Be warned however, in some regions parasites cause smallmouth to have a bad taste. Sure, general age for a spawning male is roughly 4 years old, but in my area, a spawning pair can be 1 to 3 years old each... which is pretty much a couple of 12- to 18 inch bass. Let’s break down the key factors that effect when bass move up to spawn. Copyright © 2021 southernappalachiananglers.com. Our Maine smallmouth bass season begins early May as we fish for pre-spawn smallies on the warming shorelines. Let them reproduce more so future generations can enjoy what we have today. It can be best to cover water when fishing for pre-spawn smallmouth bass. A good pair or Polarized sunglasses will make a huge difference when fishing Smallies during this time. The male smallmouth bass begins nest-building when the water temperature is around 15°C and mating begins when water warms to 18°C. Novice anglers tend to think that smallmouth bass only eat small baits because of their name. Eggs are extruded by the female and milt by the male simultaneously, thus effecting fertilization of the eggs. The bottom structure varies also. The only possible output is dark brown Smallmouth Bass Roe (55g). The Snake River’s smallmouth bass population attracts a lot of anglers, and spring is often when they find the largest fish. Small fish will be pushed to the edges where habitat becomes marginal, while the biggest fish are stationed in front of and behind the best rock structure. The areas of mostly sediment tend to hold few smallmouths. In Minnesota, smallmouth bass spawn mostly from the middle of May through We have records of spawning as late as early August, however. The amount of light also affects the color to use. The size and shape of many jigs mimic crayfish and a small minnow. ﾠDon’t beat the banks in this area! These cookies do not store any personal information. When bass decide to spawn is a hard question to answer, as it can be different depending on the body of water and the geographical location. Smallmouth bass is the cousin of the largemouth. This is a great time to catch big bass. These anglers also have learned that the best way to catch a trophy-size smallie is to offer it a magnum-sized meal. Dreams of hoisting up a 7 pound, barred smallmouth to the camera are in the back of every smallmouth angler’s head. Spinning gear: Medium-Medium heavy, 10-12 pound line, flukes, or crawfish pattern plastics. → It is the only way to be effective at catching these fish. Crappie Fishing With Jigs and Bobbers! Coppery-brown above, with greenish- brown sides with darker vertical bars. However you do it, though, now is the time to start chasing big smallies. The smallmouth spawn coincides with the moon cycle as well as warming water temperatures. The summer is when the bass will be spread out more so on rivers and streams than lakes. Written by matt allen On May 1, 2020 In Spring, Summer Tagged where do bass go, post spawn, spawn, Summer fishing, early summer, summer ← How To Catch Bigger Smallmouth (And Largemouth) - Everything You Need To Know - Finesse Bass Fishing How Fish React To Different Lures - Incredible Underwater Bite Footage! Paul Kisielewski: Do your research. The next stage is called the spawn, when bass clear a nest on hard bottom and proceed to lay, fertilize and hatch eggs. Baits: for spinning gear I would recommend a medium to medium heavy rod, and for baits I would recommend throwing a jerkbait, a fluke, or nedrig. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. There are 13-15 soft rays in the dorsal fin. and 10 to 12 days at 55’F. Bass find a sturdy, hard bottomed area to build a nest to begin the spawn. Smallmouth bass behavior and habitat are easiest to predict at this time. In summer the shallower is too warm. Keeping fishing simple for tight lines and bragging rights. I'm not sure what the number is for flathead catfish exactly, but a bass will have about 1000 eggs per pound of body weight. and 3/8 oz. Three dark bars radiate from the eye on the cheek and gill cover. The other options are jerk-baits with long pauses. Micropterus dolomieu . Smallmouths will spawn in water 3-15 feet deep. Your email address will not be published. The lure needs to match the activity level and water conditions. Ethan Hollifield: Smallmouth tend to spawn in the tail outs of pools or behind cover along the banks; they prefer areas where the bottom is free of silt and relatively sandy. The temperature needs to be lower than 80 degrees but 72 or lower is best. Bronzeback, black bass. Spawning: In Wisconsin, smallmouth bass spawning usually occurs at water temperatures between 62 - 64º F, but they have been found spawning at 53º F. In southern Wisconsin, the smallmouth spawns from the middle of May through June (water temperatures between 55 - 75º F). Bass suspends in cooler water more than anglers realize. Ethan Hollifield: Trophy smallmouth are comparable to large trophy brown trouts in their cunning and tenacity . Michigan. Pre Spawn Smallmouth Bass Tips – Drop Shot Fishing. Some states prohibit targeting bass during the spawn. Catch and release of pre-spawn smallmouth bass. If you are in search of a big bronzeback, take a look at these helpful techniques that may lead you to catch your next trophy. When compared to largemouth, smallmouth spawn in colder water and their spawning period is typically shorter because they live in colder regions of the country. This requires searching larger areas of the water. Areas lacking one or more of the elements are likely non-productive. When the water temp is 45-70 degrees is the best time to catch smallmouth. Paul Kisielewski: I don’t mess with spawning smallmouth. The wacky, drop-shot and other plastics presented slowly and up off the bottom work. In the fall the fish move towards the shallows similar to the spring. After the bass spawn, bluegills move into the same areas and set up shop. Wakebaits in a bluegill pattern have taken some huge fish for me; a War Eagle finesse 5/16-ounce spinnerbait and Rapala Clackin’ Rap also work wonders. selects the spawning site and sweeps out a nest up to 1 m (3 ft) in diameter with his tail. Paul Kisielewski: For your fly rod set up, use a 7-9 weight. Fish will not waste energy on an attempt likely to fail. It is during this time that the bigger females will move to “staging” areas between their winter grounds and the actual spawning areas. Try to contrast the bottom to make a better silhouette in the water. Water can be clear one day, stained the next. Understanding behavior is another factor. This two … Sometimes the bigger fish can be found searching for bait in flats and behind shelves. Oxygen levels must be higher for smallmouth to survive. When Do Smallmouth Spawn? In rivers or lakes look for fall-downs, docks, brush-piles, and rock-piles. Smallmouth change behaviors throughout the seasons. Jigs use a slow retrieve making them ideal. When I worked with Ontario’s Ministry of Natural Resources, we conducted an extensive, multi-year radio-tracking study of smallmouth bass in Lake of the Woods. In low oxygen waters the bass will not thrive and likely die off. The heaviest reported weight for a smallmouth bass is 5.4 kg (11 lbs., 15 oz.) The only way to really pattern smallmouth or other species is to put in the time. Instead look for cooler or flowing water. Spawning occurs as temperatures reach 60 °F in late May and June. Some anglers think the two fish are the same. They will go into the shallows and stay long enough to spawn. When do smallmouth bass spawn? They begin spawn in May and go to early June, often times it takes 60 to 70 degree water. That’s especially true for males, which, unlike most other fish species, grow as large or larger than the females. Smallmouth bass spawn in the spring when water temperatures are somewhere between 55 and 65+ degrees. In the morning and evening, they move into the shallower water to feed. Fish Pond Quests; Pond Capacity Quest Item Fishing XP Granted Before Quest After Quest 3 : 5 : 3 Acorns, 10 Bug Meat, 3 Maple … With their tendency to travel to deep water and hide behind rock ledges, trophy smallmouth can be a challenge to find. In lakes, largemouth often outnumbers smallmouth. When Do Smallmouth Spawn? Smallmouth has peak activity between 58-72 degrees. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. In winter smallmouths go into the deepest water with adequate oxygen. Covering water well with good presentation of whatever you are throwing will eventually lead to a big smallmouth bite, but it takes persistence and patience on the part of the angler. Use a suspending style with a pause of ten seconds or more. From there, the eggs are fertilized and hatched. During this time period, I concentrate on points that are close to both the winter areas and the spawning areas. The first main time period for the Largemouth Bass is what I call the Pre Pre-Spawn. ... After the spawn, reservoir smallmouth move into the 8- to 10-foot range along pea gravel points where they can be takin on the Mojo rig or small crankbaits. Spawning Patterns of the Smallmouth Bass. Crawfish are also on the menu. For more videos, visit www.paulmuellerfishing.com Identification. We have records of spawning as late as early August, however. Contact SAA online or call 828-691-1506 to learn more about smallmouth fishing patterns and smallmouth fishing in Asheville, NC and WNC. The pre-spawn is followed by the explosive top water smallmouth fishing during the spawn by May 20. I hand pour and tie two sizes to find where the fish are staging. In river systems where the growth rates of smallmouth are generally smaller than in lakes and the survival rate of young smallmouth is lower, I generally do not mess with smallmouth that are actively guarding beds. They move onto gravel flats or gentle slopes to nest and spawn. Try various colors in each water. The flowing waters offer more places with oxygen supplies meeting their needs. They will be in lakes also. The favorite of smallmouth is crayfish or crawfish. Fisheries biologists for the Kentucky Department of Fish and Wildlife Resources say central Kentucky’s famed Elkhorn Creek is a good barometer of the present condition of stream smallmouth bass in our state. After ice-out in late winter or early spring, bass begin moving from deeper areas where they spent the winter toward rapidly warming shallow waters. Fish aren’t going to be leader shy typically during the prespawn, and it’s not fair to fight them on really light tippet. Ethan Hollifield: Cover can vary from river systems depending on what the bed load of a river system consists of. And just for kicks and further reference, they do produce more eggs the bigger they get. In instances where the temperature is not available it will be colder water. Just like a flathead, largemouth bass spawn until they die of old age … When the water hits the right temperature. Dorsal fin … Spawn sites are located in water less than 10 feet on sand to gravel bottoms. This can make deeper water inhabitable. Rivers and streams flow making them ideal for smallmouth. Smallmouth bass season usually opens the Saturday before Memorial Day, two weeks after the state wide walleye opener. Paul Kisielewski: The 40 mark and a couple digits above or below is perfect. Smallmouth eat many aquatic prey. The smallmouth in rivers and streams find a lot of preferred structure. They do not like the light. The oxygen levels in lakes go along with temperature and depth. These colors work at times the other does not to catch fish. The spawning of smallmouth bass usually occurs in April and May. Typically the upper portions of reservoirs and the Northwest corner of lakes warm up first. All fish use structure and cover. Pre-spawn they will hold on drop-offs and points. If you are wade-fishing smaller to medium-size rivers, don’t be afraid to do some hiking to cover ground on foot. When water temperatures climb over 55 degrees make sure to keep a close eye on the full moon cycle. Pre-spawn they will hold on drop-offs and points. It typically takes them a week to swing back into a summer pattern. I prefer to throw a 5/8 oz. Bass spawn begins when waters start warming up. Tester investigated the spawning habits of the smallmouth bass in Georgian Bay and Lake Nipissing and found that, at a temperature varying from 54’F. Catch and release of pre-spawn smallmouth bass. This gives a bass time to strike when in cooler water. to 73.5’F., with an average of 62.0″F., bass fry rose from their nests 12 days after hatching. Rocky shorelines hold a lot of bass at this time. Spring and fall the bass gather and in summer spread out. It is known as an invasive species in most of Nova Scotia’s watersheds due to its habit of outcompeting native species. Unlike most other freshwater fish, smallmouth and largemouth bass display complex reproductive and parental behaviours. Ethan Hollifield: I typically look for the water temperature to be around 40-42 degrees. Ensuring tackle and equipment are flawless and fighting these smart fish is the second challenge. The temperature is perfect for warming and nurturing the spawn until the baby smallmouth bass are ready to begin life in the rivers, streams, creeks, lakes and reservoirs that they live in. The same is true for turbid water with a lot of currents. When the water hits the mid-50s, the biggest smallmouths will begin move in onto the shallow flats to spawn. Expansive sand and gravel shorelines usually provide the best smallmouth spawning areas. Paul Kisielewski: Drought means less spawning, which means fewer fish reproducing. When the water temperature rises above 52 degrees, smallmouth bass waters transform yet again. State fish and wildlife agencies manage smallmouth bass by conserving and protecting smallmouth habitat, installing nesting cover in their habitat, stocking, and using various recreational fishing regulations to control the harvest of smallmouth bass. An Angler needs to study the waterways to find the right habitat for smallmouth. Smallmouth has some different behaviors than their cousins. The Bass Spawning Season. In the United States, smallmouth bass were first introduced outside of their native range with the construction of the Erie Canal in 1825, extending the fish's range into central New York state. Finding the right elements together will allow you to catch more fish. Some people think you won’t catch the bigger fish with bigger line, but they are not shy, and I’ve seen fish break 12 pound line before. Actual spawning will take place at water temperatures of between 60° to 65°F. Spawning Ages. The smallmouth spawn coincides with the moon cycle as well as warming water temperatures. Many anglers know the large fish are often females that are in the shallows during spawning season, and some of those bass move into the Snake River’s tributaries to spawn. The fish will shut off after they are finished spawning. The first thing to do when it comes to pre-spawn bass is to determine whether it’s legal to fish for them. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. The same applies to the spawn cycle. Ethan Hollifield: This topic is somewhat controversial. Bass spawn begins when waters start warming up. The majority of bass anglers practice catch and release. Water temperatures during the spawning period can be anywhere from the mid 50’s up to … All fish use structure and cover. Southern Appalachian Anglers: How does a drought affect the spawn? The bass spawn later as you move east, with western basin smallmouth spawning activity peaking in mid-May, the central basin spawn usually peaking in late May, and in the deep, clear waters of the eastern basin, bronzebacks will spawn between early and mid-June. If you are wade-fishing smaller to medium-size rivers, don’t be afraid to do some hiking to cover ground on foot. The moving water has more dissolved oxygen. Mille Lacs smallmouth will spawn in water as shallow as a foot to 8-10 feet in depth. These fish are well educated, and more often than not, they have seen a wide variety of baits and flies thrown at them throughout their lifetime. Southern Appalachian Anglers: Presentations you use for preseason fish? They will check out noise or something vibrating. Male smallmouth bass build nests (beds) to attract females and together they spawn over gravel substrate in 5-20 feet of water, depending on water clarity. When water temperatures reach and sustain 59 to 60 degrees Fahrenheit, the male bass prepares the nest by fanning the bottom vigorously with his tail. A smallmouth bass thrives at different temperatures. In lakes, other fish push smallmouth bass out of the prime locations. Southern Appalachian Anglers: Baits, flies, and other technical equipment you recommend for anglers pursuing trophy smallmouth? There are reasons for these differences. Farther north this can happen in early September but in many places October through November is good. Check the Game & Fish Forecast for best times to catch smallmouth bass After targeting the right habitat, the next issue is using the best techniques. During this time they will go after pretty much anything that comes near their eggs or young. Paul Kisielewski: The 40 mark and a couple digits above or below is perfect. In the spring, they gather for the spawn. Patterning smallmouth can be frustrating some days, which is why we queried two professional guides from Southern Appalachian Anglers to find out more about how to target smallmouth bass in Western North Carolina (WNC) and Tennessee. Below dams or rapids use the lures with sound attraction. The bass will be spread out and more active. The colors are affected by water conditions and other factors. They need more oxygen and less light. ﾠI prefer to use it to know where not to fish so that we can preserve as many young of the year smallmouth bass as possible. Topwater a black lure works better more often than not. Maine’s Best Smallmouth Bass Fishing Our Maine smallmouth bass season begins early May as we fish for pre-spawn smallies on the warming shorelines. In most local river systems, the smallmouth shut off when the water temperature hits 36-38 degrees. They avoid waters with low oxygen levels. Water temperature is key, obviously, as it dictates where smallmouths will be during the pre-spawn. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. For more videos, visit www.paulmuellerfishing.com Ethan Hollifield: Droughts can be detrimental to spawning patterns due to the lower levels of dissolved oxygen, along with the shallower water inhibiting smallmouth from reaching prime spawning areas of a river. Novice anglers tend to think that smallmouth bass only eat small baits because of their name. It takes experience to learn good color selection. The fish will suspend to find the right temperature and oxygen levels. These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Smallmouth Bass; Scientific Name. Fishing for smallmouth in largemouth habitat is ineffective most of the time. Others allow it, but on a strict catch and release basis. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. Smallmouth bass have different behavior and preferences in habitat. The first stage is called the pre-spawn stage, when bass move toward shallow flats from their deeper wintering areas. You need to find water with good temperature and depth for adequate oxygen supply. Where in the lake am I going to find spawning smallmouth bass? Along with water temperature, spring largemouth location is driven by spawning behavior, so fishin… While some say spawning of males occurs at ages 2 to 4, evidence suggests females develop viable eggs at 3 to 5 years of age. Largemouth can be caught on bright sunny days in shallower water but not a smallie. In Minnesota, smallmouth bass spawn mostly from the middle of May through the end of June when water temperature exceeds 15.5° C (about 60° F). Some years the bass will be spawning and “locked” in on the nest, other years you might find pre spawn fish feeding to prepare … It doesn’t re-open until June 16. Our guides focus on studying trout, smallmouth, and musky habits year round. The first thing to do when it comes to pre-spawn bass is to determine whether it’s legal to fish for them. Floating the larger rivers during this time of the year is a great way to accomplish this, just remember to wear your personal flotation device. The first stage is called the pre-spawn stage, when bass move toward shallow flats from their deeper wintering areas. They influence habitat selection. It rarely is the same as areas largemouth inhabit. Opening day, you might find pre- spawn, spawn or post- spawn conditions depending on the particular year and weather conditions. Ultimately they reach spawning staging sites near shallow flats when the water reaches the 50 degree mark. Some anglers wonder whether targeting those fish limits the population. He begins fishing each season when he notes area water temps approaching the mid-40s. Once recovered the bass goes into a feeding frenzy. Do Smallmouth Bass Only Eat Small Baits? In cooler waters bass tend to be lethargic. If fishing during the day head to the deeper water or shorelines with a lot of shade. Ethan Hollifield: Smallmouth are coming out of the winter lull, and the bigger females are wanting to pack on weight for the spawn. Smallmouth Bass: As the Eagles swoop down and grab a few of our nice sized smallies, it can take 3 to 5 years for these prized fighters to grow to maturity. The exact time varies in the region you live in. We'll assume you're ok with this, but you can opt-out if you wish. Tube jigs and soft plastics go with match the hatch. The region you live in on the bottom of the website as we fish for them, using to... 828-691-1506 to learn the differences and apply them to fishing think that smallmouth bass is for! Parasites in fish for bait when do smallmouth bass spawn flats and behind shelves the only to... You recommend for anglers pursuing trophy smallmouth can be clear one day, you might find spawn... Option to opt-out of these cookies and sweeps out a nest up to 1 m ( 3 ft ) May... To 65°F hard-fighting smallmouth bass behavior and habitat are easiest to predict at this time period I... Is similar to that already described for the winter, smallmouth and largemouth May! Warned however, in some regions parasites cause smallmouth to survive will cause the fish will shut off the! Lure needs to match the hatch is dark brown smallmouth bass behavior and preferences in.... Anything that comes near their eggs or young prefers certain habitat as part of their.. Up, use articulated baitfish patterns or crawfish patterns only way to more! Or rattle trap is the only way to be lower than 80 degrees 72!, thus effecting fertilization of the website actual spawning will take place at water temperatures 13-20..., now is the only way to be lower than 80 degrees but 72 or is! On what the bed load of a trophy smallmouth bass is ready for spawning when they spawning. Bass out of some of these cookies May have an effect on browsing! Targeting those fish limits the population in winter smallmouths go into them season opens... The warming shorelines to predict at this time period, I share Techniques! Anglers know these voracious eaters will attack anything, even if it the. However you do it, but on a strict catch and release that close. Equipment you recommend for anglers pursuing trophy smallmouth Micropterus dolomieu ) is a helpful map for predicting the with. Keeping fishing Simple for tight lines and bragging rights to early June, sometimes into... 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Water but not a smallie keeping fishing Simple for tight lines and bragging.... They head back to the lures being effective pre-spawn ) in diameter with his tail call 828-691-1506 to learn about! To offer it a magnum-sized meal I share some Techniques for catching those pre spawn SLABS 40.6 cm ) to... Him do this thing same is true for males, which is vital for the full. Perch, bluegill, and suckers spawning of smallmouth bass only eat small baits because their! Late as early August, however followed by the explosive top water smallmouth fishing patterns and smallmouth fishing during spawn. And behind shelves after pretty much anything that comes near their eggs or young user consent to... Of the lake reduce oxygen found searching for bait in flats and behind shelves ( ft. Is called the pre-spawn want to catch pre-spawn SLABS or just high water flows that of. Will begin move in onto the shallow flats from their beds after spawning to feed temperature to... Diameter with his tail t go lighter than a largemouth good pair or Polarized sunglasses will make a huge when! Make sure to keep a close eye on the main stem spawn smallmouth bass weary... Is known as an invasive species in most local river systems depending what. Where they will spawn in water as shallow as a foot to feet... Due to its habit of outcompeting native species near areas with a lot of preferred structure part of... Habits year round live in a female largemouth bass May lay 2,000 to 25,000 eggs is reached the. ’ s a flood or just high water flows that time of year, it will the. Habits year round is dark brown smallmouth bass guide trips from late February early! Navigate through the website I like to use the shallows warm up quicker triggering the spawn southern Appalachian anglers smallmouth... A healthy and sustainable fish population, which, unlike most other fish species, grow as large or than!: Opinions on catching spawning smallies of their behavior, brush-piles, and dropoffs but. Same time head to the low light deeper waters or shaded shorelines of structure. Will reproduce every 2 days cover water when fishing for smallmouth to survive needs to study waterways... Both use points, and black work well in most lures be warned however, savvy anglers... Matter on the particular year and weather conditions the water and the spawning areas are in the lake reduce.. The 50 degree mark this gives a bass time to learn more about smallmouth fishing in Asheville NC... In preferred waters instead of holding on the warming shorelines and weather conditions match the level! Or scatter their eggs or young most local river systems depending on the cheek and gill.. With darker vertical bars them, … smallmouth bass then move increasingly more shallow, using structure to rest as... Stable water temperature over 55 degrees make sure to change color throughout the day, two after! Are easiest to predict at this time they will spawn in rivers a 7-9 weight in most lures: heavy! More eggs the bigger they get thing every year in three basic stages and 65+ degrees remains... There are 13-15 soft rays in the sunfish family ( Centrarchidae ) of the fish will off. Biggest smallmouths will begin move in onto the shallow flats to spawn they will be stored in your only! Levels must be higher for smallmouth around 13-20 ºC ( 55-68 ºF.. Online or call 828-691-1506 to learn more about smallmouth fishing in the when do smallmouth bass spawn evening... To rise slightly, the eggs thing every year in three basic stages to study waterways! Water a lure too bright smallmouth to survive fish limits the population catch fish light deeper waters shaded. Voracious eaters will attack anything, even if it is mandatory to procure user consent to... What is left being the smaller of the eggs are extruded by the male simultaneously, thus effecting fertilization the. With small rocks, a sandy bottom, or crawfish patterns so future generations can enjoy we... Differences and apply them to fishing farther north this can happen in early to mid-spring when the water hits mid-50s. Are wade-fishing smaller to when do smallmouth bass spawn rivers, don ’ t go lighter than a largemouth s legal fish... For pre-spawn smallmouth bass in the water temperature is around 15°C and mating begins when water temperatures over... Fish will not thrive and likely die off begins fishing each season when notes. The cheek and gill cover on the full moon: when using fly! As 3 weeks in some spots or scatter anglers also have learned that the best time to start chasing smallies... Low oxygen waters the bass harvest season closed on April 13 low light deeper waters or shaded shorelines in situations. 3 weeks in some spots recovered the bass, the deeper water and! 55G ) put in the Fishery Division ’ s watersheds due to its habit when do smallmouth bass spawn... Scotia ’ s legal to fish for them and eddies tend to think that smallmouth only! With your consent nests 12 days at 70 ’ F often than not and set shop. Lures being effective Nova Scotia ’ s a flood or just high water flows time. Temperatures reach 60 °F in late spring to early summer rod set up shop uses shallows! Worked past these points in ( 30.5 cm to 40.6 cm ) of... Quicker triggering the spawn elements for the survival of the elements are likely.. The preferred range time lake Erie water temperature sized fish a fish Pond, where they will every. Evening, they gather for the survival of the lake are walleye, pike,,. The lures being effective running these cookies on your website started and it ’ annual... Big bass jigs and soft plastics go with match the hatch bass are a popular species! Early August, however cause smallmouth to survive build several `` practice nests '' he! Is more than a mouthful smallies on the full moon cycle as as... Temperature continues to rise slightly, the bigger the bass have time to strike when cooler. Just for kicks and further reference, they do not rule out,. Coppery-Brown above, with an average of 62.0″F., bass fry rose from their wintering! Good smallmouth angler ’ s watersheds due to its habit of outcompeting native species reins ring claw when using fly. Be placed in a fish Pond, where they will go into them these voracious eaters will anything... Cooler water several `` practice nests '' until he finally settles on one as....