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Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass are a non-native but well-established species in Montana waters. They're opportunistic predators found in over 180 lakes, reservoirs, and rivers across the state, primarily in western Montana waters.

Scientific Name: Micropterus dolomieu

Also known as smallies, bronzebacks

Physical Characteristics:
  • They're distinguished from largemouth bass by their vertical stripes (vs horizontal on largemouth), more bronze coloration, continuous dorsal fin, and smaller mouth.
  • Montana smallmouth typically range from 12-16 inches, though trophy fish over 5 pounds are caught regularly in waters like Noxon Reservoir.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found in over 180 lakes, reservoirs, and rivers across the state, primarily in western Montana waters.
  • They prefer clear, deeper moving waters with rocky bottoms and structure like rock piles, downed trees, and rocky shorelines.

Key Locations

  • Flathead Lake, Clark Fork River system, Noxon and Cabinet Gorge Reservoirs, various lakes in the Kootenai drainage, Noxon Reservoir (known for 5+ pound fish), Cabinet Gorge Reservoir, Clark Fork River below Paradise, Thompson Chain of Lakes near Libby, and various Kootenai drainage lakes.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on rocky shorelines, rock piles, current seams, points with deep water access, and areas where tributaries enter lakes.
  • Structure like rock piles, downed trees, and rocky shorelines.

Smallmouth Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

jigs, plastic worms, crankbaits in crawdad patterns, spinnerbaits, topwater lures like buzzbaits and poppers.

What flies work for Smallmouth Bass in Montana?

R K Craw for summer/fall stable water conditions, baitfish streamers for spring and higher water, Woolly Buggers in olive/black/brown, crayfish patterns like Whitlock's Near Nuff Crayfish in orange/brown/olive (size 4), poppers including Double Barrel Poppers and Boogle Bullets in chartreuse, deer hair divers,...

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

The best smallmouth bass fishing in Montana occurs from late spring through early fall, with the early season 'Roaring 40s' period (40-50°F water temps) being prime for numbers and trophy fish. In Montana's climate, this often means prime fishing from late spring through early fall.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass in Montana?

Summer fishing requires deeper presentations around 20+ foot depths during midday, with shallower evening fishing.

What do Smallmouth Bass eat?

They're opportunistic predators feeding on crayfish (especially important for larger fish), sculpins, minnows, aquatic insects including mayflies and hellgrammites, and terrestrial insects during summer months.

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