Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass in Illinois are bronze-backed fighters averaging 12 inches, with the state record standing at 7 pounds 3 ounces (2019). These native fish are most abundant in the northern third of Illinois.
They're intolerant of silt and turbidity, making them excellent indicators of healthy aquatic environments.
Scientific Name: Micropterus dolomieu
- Bronze-backed fighters averaging 12 inches, with the state record standing at 7 pounds 3 ounces (2019).
Fishing in Illinois
Sangamon River
Lake Clinton
Illinois River
Salt Creek
Vermilion River
Evergreen Lake
Dawson Lake
Lake Bloomington
Upper Peoria Lake
Lake Decatur
What to know
Habitat Distribution
- Most abundant in the northern third of Illinois, particularly in clear, gravel or rock-bottomed rivers with moderate to fast current that remain relatively cool through summer.
- In Lake Michigan, they're found around rocky structure and have shown increasing abundance.
Key Locations
- Kishwaukee River system, Lake Michigan harbors, Fox River, Kankakee River, Rock River, Calumet Harbor, Waukegan South Harbor, below the Belvidere Dam, Kishwaukee Forest Preserve area.
Specific Spots
- Target rocky areas, drop-offs, current breaks, holes behind rock pilings, and wing dams.
- In Lake Michigan harbors, focus on structure during spring and fall.
- Rock pools and riffle areas provide prime habitat.
Smallmouth Bass FAQ
Answers from onWater's species guide.
What are the best lures and bait for Smallmouth Bass in Illinois?
White and silvery tubes, twister tail jigs, spinners that imitate baitfish, crayfish-imitating crankbaits and plastics, chartreuse jigs with spinners. Live bait options include crayfish, frogs, minnows, and hellgrammites.
What flies work for Smallmouth Bass in Illinois?
Dr.y and wet flies, streamers, bucktails, poppers, and hair bugs. Top smallmouth fly patterns include Clousers, Double Deceivers, Meat Whistles, poppers, and crayfish imitations.
When is the best time to fish for Smallmouth Bass in Illinois?
Prime smallmouth fishing occurs during spring (pre-spawn when fish are highly active in warming waters), fall (when they feed aggressively before winter), and summer around deeper, cooler structures. Fish deeper water during hot summer months when they seek cooler temperatures.
How do you catch Smallmouth Bass in Illinois?
Retrieve crayfish-imitating crankbaits and plastics with bottom-bouncing action to simulate swimming crayfish. In rivers, fish behind rocks, in eddies where water swirls, and around current breaks.
What do Smallmouth Bass eat?
They feed opportunistically on crayfish (their preferred food), insects, small fish, crustaceans, hellgrammites, and terrestrial insects that fall into the water.
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