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Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass in Nevada are a non-native species that have established significant populations in several major water bodies. These fish thrive in rocky lakes and reservoirs but have adapted to warmer, slower streams and rivers.

Unlike largemouth bass, smallmouth prefer cooler, clearer, and more open waters with rocky structure.

Scientific Name: Micropterus dolomieu

Physical Characteristics:
  • They're characterized by their bronze coloration, vertical dark bands on the sides, reddish eyes, and a mouth that doesn't extend beyond the rear edge of the eye when closed.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Nevada's smallmouth populations are primarily found in Lakes Mead and Mohave, the Humboldt River, Dr.y Creek Reservoir, Wildhorse Reservoir, Rye Patch, Carson River, Lahontan Reservoir, and Wall Canyon Reservoir.
  • These fish thrive in rocky lakes and reservoirs but have adapted to warmer, slower streams and rivers.

Key Locations

  • Lakes Mead and Mohave (where they're among the most popular and abundant game species), the Humboldt River, Dr.y Creek Reservoir, Wildhorse Reservoir, Rye Patch, Carson River, Lahontan Reservoir, and Wall Canyon Reservoir.

Specific Spots

  • Focus on rocky shorelines, drop-offs, points with gravel or hard clay bottoms, and areas with scattered structure like rocks or submerged timber.
  • In Lakes Mead and Mohave, work the boulder-strewn shorelines and rocky points.

Smallmouth Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Dr.op shots with 6-inch straight tail worms, 2-4 inch paddletail swimbaits on 1/16 to 1/4 ounce jig heads, treble hook topwaters including poppers and walking baits, Ned rigs, and tubes. Black colored lures can be surprisingly effective in clear water situations.

What flies work for Smallmouth Bass in Nevada?

Woolly buggers in white, black, and olive (fished weightless off sink tip lines), Clouser minnows in chartreuse and white combinations, brown-and-green crawfish imitations like Barr's meat whistle, black rabbit conehead bunny muddlers for imitating leeches, and various topwater poppers.

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

The prime smallmouth bass fishing season in Nevada runs from spring through fall, with the period after spawning (when water temperatures reach 68-80°F) being exceptional for feeding activity.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass in Nevada?

Dr.op shots (the most versatile presentation working from shallow to deep water), work the boulder-strewn shorelines and rocky points.

What do Smallmouth Bass eat?

Smallmouth bass are aggressive predators that feed opportunistically on crayfish (which can comprise 60-90% of their diet when available), baitfish including minnows, small shad and perch, aquatic insects, and worms.

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