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Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass in Colorado are non-native but well-established predatory fish known for their fighting ability. The species is considered an indicator species, being intolerant of pollution.

Physical Characteristics:
  • Known for their bronze coloration with dark vertical banding.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • The species prefers clearer, cooler waters than largemouth bass and inhabits numerous Colorado waters including major reservoirs and sections of the Colorado River.

Key Locations

  • They inhabit numerous Colorado waters including major reservoirs like Pueblo, Horsetooth, Boyd Lake, John Martin, Two Buttes, DeWesse, Ridgeway, Vallecito, and Echo Canyon, plus sections of the Colorado River from Silt to De Beque Canyon.
  • Key Colorado locations include southeastern reservoirs like Pueblo and John Martin (especially near dam outlets), Front Range waters like Horsetooth near Fort Collins, and Western Slope sections of the Colorado River.
  • DeWesse Reservoir near Westcliffe offers exceptional fishing during high water periods in late spring and early summer.

Specific Spots

  • Target rocky shorelines, dam outlets, and areas with scattered boulders or submerged structure.

Smallmouth Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Spinnerbaits (1/4 oz) for weaving through cover, crankbaits in crayfish patterns with orange coloring, tube jigs, lipless vibrating baits for checking flats, and hair jigs are particularly effective in clear water conditions.

What flies work for Smallmouth Bass in Colorado?

Effective patterns include Clouser Minnows (developed specifically for smallmouth), Deceivers in white/chartreuse combinations, hair bass bugs, foam poppers, Sneaky Pete patterns, and crayfish imitations.

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

Prime smallmouth bass fishing in Colorado occurs during late spring through early summer (May-June) when fish are most active in pre-spawn mode, and again in fall.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass in Colorado?

For fly fishing, streamers work well in deeper water while surface bugs are productive during evening hours. Use spinnerbaits for weaving through cover and lipless vibrating baits for checking flats.

What do Smallmouth Bass eat?

The fish are opportunistic feeders with crayfish making up 60-90% of their diet, along with small fish, aquatic insects, and benthic crustaceans.

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