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Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass in New Mexico are non-native introductions found primarily in cool-water reservoirs and portions of the Gila River. Known as 'bronzebacks,' they are pound-for-pound one of the hardest fighting freshwater gamefish.

Also known as bronzebacks

Physical Characteristics:
  • Bronze-colored fish with dark vertical stripes or blotches, distinguished from largemouth bass by their smaller upper jaw that does not extend beyond the eye.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Found primarily in cool-water reservoirs and portions of the Gila River.
  • They inhabit shallow rocky areas of lakes and clear, gravel-bottom runs of rivers.

Key Locations

  • The best smallmouth fisheries include Ute Lake, Conchas Lake, Navajo Lake, Elephant Butte Lake, and Abiquiu Lake.
  • Focus on Navajo Lake's Sambrito Wetlands area, Elephant Butte's Rock Canyon with its underwater rock formations, Conchas Lake's Bell Point region with deep holes and ledges, Ute Lake's creek arm, and Abiquiu Lake's Cerrito Blanco area with its submerged ridge.

Specific Spots

  • Target rocky structure, underwater ridges, submerged brush, drop-offs, and current seams.
  • They typically seek rocky structure like points, humps, ledges, and transition areas between rock and sand or gravel.
  • Prefer rocky underwater habitat.

Smallmouth Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Spinnerbaits, shallow running crankbaits, jig-n-pig combinations, buzzbaits, propbaits, small plastic worms, grubs.

What flies work for Smallmouth Bass in New Mexico?

Hair jigs, Clouser Minnows, Woolly Buggers with rubber legs in yellow and brown, deceiver flies, poppers for surface action, crayfish imitations like the R.K. Craw pattern, baitfish patterns.

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

March through June are prime smallmouth bass fishing months, with pre-spawn fishing being most productive when water temperatures climb from 50-60°F. During spawning (around 63°F), avoid targeting fish to protect reproduction.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass in New Mexico?

Use spinnerbaits on bottom during pre-spawn (50-60°F), shallow running crankbaits and jig-n-pig combinations post-spawn (55-65°F), and buzzbaits or propbaits for surface feeding. In summer (65°F+), fish deep with small plastic worms or grubs off rocky points.

What do Smallmouth Bass eat?

Their diet consists primarily of crayfish (60-90% of their consumption), along with small fish, aquatic insects, and terrestrial insects that fall into the water.

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