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Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass are native to Alabama's Tennessee River drainage, making this their natural stronghold in the state.

Scientific Name: Micropterus dolomieu

Physical Characteristics:
  • They average 15-20 inches in length.
  • These bronze-backed bass are distinguished by their brownish-green to gold coloration with darker vertical bands, lacking the lateral stripe of largemouth bass.
  • Their eyes may have a reddish tint, and their upper jaw extends only to the middle of the eye.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Smallmouth bass inhabit clear, small to medium-sized streams, rivers, and reservoirs.
  • In Alabama, they thrive in the Tennessee River system.

Key Locations

  • Tennessee River system including Pickwick, Wheeler, and Wilson lakes, with Wilson Lake being particularly renowned for trophy specimens.
  • Dale Hollow Lake (Alabama state record location).
  • Wheeler Lock and Dam tailrace is considered one of North America's premier smallmouth fishing areas.
  • Fish the upper Wheeler tailrace area between the dam face and the small island, or the lower section downstream.

Specific Spots

  • Favor underwater structures like rock outcrops, logs, treetops, and riprap walls.
  • Prefer rocky areas with current breaks.
  • Target current breaks where two flows collide.
  • Rocky areas, bluff walls, and ancient Indian mounds on Pickwick's bottom provide structure.
  • Secondary ridges and humps around 10 feet deep.

Smallmouth Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

What are the best lures and bait for Smallmouth Bass in Alabama?

Live shad minnows, football head jigs with craw trailers (especially the Strike King Bitsy Bug), smoke-colored grubs with blue glitter or chartreuse with silver glitter on 3X grubs, spinnerbaits with single gold blades and chartreuse skirts, Carolina-rigged Zero worms, jerkbaits like Wild Shiner.

When is the best time to fish for Smallmouth Bass in Alabama?

Prime fishing season for Alabama smallmouth runs from June through October, after spawning concludes. The best action occurs when water temperatures are between 65-80°F. Spawning occurs in April and May when water temperatures reach 59-63°F, during which time fishing should be avoided to protect nesting males.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass in Alabama?

Dr.ift live shad minnows. Use a slow retrieve - cast out, let hit bottom, make 8-10 quick reel turns, then stop. Watch for subtle line movement as strikes can be light. For jerkbaits, work slowly - crank down hard for 10 turns, stop, then pull slowly with rod tip.

Where do Smallmouth Bass live in Alabama?

Smallmouth bass inhabit clear, small to medium-sized streams, rivers, and reservoirs. In Alabama, they thrive in the Tennessee River system.

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