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Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass are not native to New Hampshire, having been introduced in the mid-1800s from their native range in the Great Lakes and Mississippi drainages. They've since become widespread and naturalized throughout most New Hampshire waters.

These bronze-colored fighters are voracious predators and visual predators using ram-suction feeding, capable of feeding throughout the water column from bottom to surface.

Scientific Name: Micropterus dolomieu

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished from largemouth bass by their mouth not extending past the eye, vertical body markings that become blotchy with age, and small scales at the base of their dorsal and anal fins.
  • Juveniles display distinctive tri-colored tails with orange, black, and white coloring.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Prefer clear, rocky areas of lake and pond shores, plus medium to larger rivers with good current and oxygen levels.

Key Locations

  • Lake Winnipesaukee, Squam Lakes, Winnisquam, Newfound, Sunapee, and numerous other lakes in the Lakes/Central Region.
  • Rivers like the Pemigewasset, Merrimack, and Connecticut also hold good populations.

Specific Spots

  • Fish rocky shorelines, drop-offs, points, and structure transitions.
  • Focus on areas with boulders, fallen trees, and rocky cover where they ambush prey.

Smallmouth Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Dr.op shot rigs with 6-inch straight-tail worms (particularly effective), tubes (Strike King Coffee Tubes are excellent), jerkbaits for covering water, swimbaits (2-4 inch paddle tails), Ned rigs, hair jigs for shallow sunny conditions, and topwater lures including walking baits and ploppers.

What flies work for Smallmouth Bass in New Hampshire?

Hellgrammite imitations, crayfish patterns, streamers mimicking sculpins and small baitfish, mayfly patterns during hatches, and terrestrial patterns like cicadas and beetles. Poppers and surface flies work exceptionally well during summer months when water temperatures reach 50°F and above.

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

The prime smallmouth bass season in New Hampshire runs from late spring through early fall, with peak action from May through September. During summer, they move to deeper, cooler waters as they're less tolerant of warm temperatures than largemouth bass.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass in New Hampshire?

Dr.op shot rigs, work the area thoroughly when you find one fish since they often school.

What do Smallmouth Bass eat?

Primarily feed on crayfish (which can comprise 60-90% of their diet), small fish, and insect larvae. They also consume mayflies, cicadas, grasshoppers, frogs, salamanders, sculpins, and various other aquatic organisms.

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