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Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass in Ohio are bronze-colored fighters known locally as 'brownies' or 'smallies'. Ohio's smallmouth population is naturally reproducing and thriving, with the Division of Wildlife confirming they sustain themselves without stocking.

Scientific Name: Micropterus dolomieu

Also known as brownies, smallies

Physical Characteristics:
  • Bronze-colored fish that typically measure 12-15 inches and weigh 1-2 pounds, though they can exceed 4 pounds.
  • When their mouth is closed, the lower jaw doesn't extend beyond the rear of the eye, distinguishing them from largemouth bass.
  • Adults display prominent dark vertical bars along their bronze-tinted sides.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They inhabit streams with gravel or rock bottoms and visible current, and are abundant in Lake Erie's reef areas and rocky shorelines, as well as upground reservoirs in northwest Ohio and quarries.

Key Locations

  • The Olentangy River ranks as one of Ohio's premier smallmouth streams.
  • Major smallmouth waters include the Ohio River (particularly excellent habitat), Maumee River, Hocking River, Scioto River, Kokosing River, Grand River, Muskingum River, and smaller streams like the Stillwater River near Covington.

Specific Spots

  • In rivers, target deep pools, runs, riffles, areas with rocky bottoms, cover like wood and boulders, and seam waters between fast and slow flows.
  • For Lake Erie, focus on rocky shorelines and reef areas.

Smallmouth Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Tubes (greens, browns, black), soft plastic crayfish imitations, spinnerbaits (3/16 to 1/2 oz), crankbaits that hit bottom, soft stickworms, jigs with spinners in chartreuse, and topwater lures like poppers and buzzbaits.

What flies work for Smallmouth Bass in Ohio?

White Woolly Buggers (fished weightless off sink tip lines), Clouser Minnows in chartreuse and white with dumbbell eyes, John Barr's Meat Whistle (rusty brown crayfish pattern on jig hooks), Conehead Bunny Muddlers in black for imitating leeches, and various poppers for topwater action.

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

March through November, with May and June being the most productive months for streams, while late summer can be excellent for Lake Erie smallmouth.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass in Ohio?

Dead-drifting technique is particularly effective when water temperatures climb above 70°F - let lures drift naturally downstream with minimal slack. Work jigs around rocks and eddies. Fish shaded areas during summer heat.

What do Smallmouth Bass eat?

Their diet consists primarily of crayfish (60-90% when available), aquatic insects, and small fish. In Lake Erie, round gobies have become a major food source, with some smallmouth switching to 50-60% goby consumption.

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