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Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass are an introduced species in Connecticut, first stocked in the 1800s and now widely distributed throughout suitable habitats in most drainages where they are typically common in abundance.

These bronze-backed fighters are aggressive feeders and opportunistic predators.

Scientific Name: Micropterus dolomieu

Physical Characteristics:
  • These bronze-backed fighters are characterized by their elongate body with more than 55 scales in the lateral line, dark blotches on sides that may form vertical bars (not horizontal bands like largemouth bass), and distinctive reddish tails with dark vertical bands in juveniles.
  • Connecticut's state record smallmouth weighs 7.8 pounds at 22.8 inches, with fish commonly ranging 6-16 inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They prefer sparsely vegetated habitats, faster-flowing streams and rivers, and larger, clearer lakes than largemouth bass, thriving in rocky bottoms and current-swept areas.

Key Locations

  • Prime smallmouth waters in Connecticut include Candlewood Lake (the state's premier smallmouth fishery), Lake Lillinonah, Lake Zoar, Bantam Lake, the Connecticut River (especially upper sections), and the Housatonic River system.

Specific Spots

  • Target rocky structures, submerged logs, boulders, pocket water, underwater ledges, points, and current breaks.
  • On rivers like the Connecticut and Housatonic, focus on riffles, pools, and areas where tributaries enter.

Smallmouth Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

For conventional tackle, use 1/32-1/8 ounce hair jigs, Ned rigs with soft plastic worms, tube baits that imitate crayfish, suspending jerkbaits, small crankbaits, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures. Popular soft plastics include Berkley PowerBait Chigger Craw and YUM Crawbug in green pumpkin or black with blue flake.

What flies work for Smallmouth Bass in Connecticut?

Top fly patterns include Woolly Buggers (especially olive and black), TeQueely patterns with flashy bodies and chartreuse legs, hellgrammite imitations, crayfish patterns in earth tones (black, brown, green pumpkin), and large deer-hair streamers.

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

The best time to target smallmouth bass in Connecticut is during spring (April-June) and fall (September-October) when they're most active. Avoid fishing during the spawning period (April through mid-June) when males are guarding nests. During summer's heat, fish deeper water (20-30 feet) and shaded areas.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass in Connecticut?

Present lures naturally with the current, casting upstream and retrieving with or against the flow. On rivers like the Connecticut and Housatonic, focus on riffles, pools, and areas where tributaries enter. In lakes like Candlewood, work rocky shorelines, points, and drop-offs.

What do Smallmouth Bass eat?

Smallmouth bass are aggressive feeders and opportunistic predators, consuming crayfish (a major staple), baitfish including smaller bluegills, perch, shad, and fry, aquatic insects from larvae to adults (mayflies, cicadas, ants, beetles), and occasionally frogs, tadpoles, and small mammals.

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