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Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass in Oklahoma are represented by three distinct strains: the non-native Tennessee strain and two native subspecies - the Neosho Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu velox) found in Arkansas River drainage systems, and the Ouachita Smallmouth Bass inhabiting Red River drainage waters.

These bronze-backed fighters are visual predators that feed most actively during dawn and dusk hours, seeking underwater cover during the day and prowling shorelines of home pools in low-light conditions.

Scientific Name: Micropterus dolomieu velox

Physical Characteristics:
  • Bronze-backed fighters easily distinguished from other bass by their mouth hinge alignment - it lines up vertically with the middle or front edge of the eye, unlike largemouth bass where it extends behind the eye.
  • The Tennessee strain has larger potential size, while the native strains rarely exceed 14 inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Oklahoma's smallmouth naturally occur in eastern Oklahoma's Ozark and Ouachita streams and tributaries, with fishable lake populations established in various lakes.
  • The Tennessee strain has been stocked in many Oklahoma lakes due to its adaptability to slower-flow environments, while the native strains prefer faster-flowing streams.

Key Locations

  • Illinois River, Buffalo Creek, Elk River, Sycamore Creek, Lower Mountain Fork River, and Black Fork River for stream fishing.
  • Grand Lake, Tenkiller, Murray, Eufaula, Texoma, and Broken Bow for lake fishing.

Specific Spots

  • In streams: clear, gravel-bottom streams, seeking runs, pools, and shallows above riffles in flowing water.
  • Target woody structure like root wads, log jams, and tree lay-downs; large boulders and rocky outcroppings that create ambush spots; riffles with seams and eddies created by structure; pools especially where riffles dump in; runs between pools and riffles with consistent depth and current; and tail-outs where runs transition to riffles.
  • In impoundments: clear water with rocky substrates, weedy shoreline areas, flats off channels, and shelves.

Smallmouth Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

1.5-3 inch soft plastic grubs, tubes, swimbaits, worms, and creatures in green, brown, black, white, or orange colors paired with 1/32-1/16 ounce jig heads, with green pumpkin being an excellent starting point. Larger 3-5 inch baits with 1/8-1/4 ounce jig heads work well for bigger fish in deeper holes.

What flies work for Smallmouth Bass in Oklahoma?

Size 2 Clouser Minnows in sculpin, silver shiner, or olive and white, size 2 bead-head Woolly Buggers in olive, brown, or white, and Chocklett's Polar Changer in tan. Nymph patterns like size 8-12 stonefly nymphs, size 14 rubber-legged Yellow Sallies, and size 16-20 Pheasant Tail Nymphs.

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

Late spring, summer, and early fall when water temperatures exceed 60°F. Spawning occurs in late spring when water temperatures reach 60-75°F, typically April through May in Oklahoma.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass in Oklahoma?

Cast upstream or cross-current without allowing lures to swing more than 45 degrees downstream during retrieve. Always approach from downstream to avoid spooking fish.

What do Smallmouth Bass eat?

Diet consists primarily of crayfish (often 60-90% of consumption), small fish, aquatic and terrestrial insects, worms, frogs, and tadpoles.

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