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Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass are Tennessee's official state fish, with the state holding the world record at 11 pounds, 15 ounces caught from Dale Hollow Lake in 1955. They are pound-for-pound one of the hardest fighting freshwater fish.

Scientific Name: Micropterus dolomieu

Also known as bronzebacks, smallies

Physical Characteristics:
  • In Tennessee streams, smallmouth average 14 inches by six years of age, while reservoir fish reach 14 inches in four years.
  • They can live up to 15 years in Tennessee waters and grow to 21+ inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Tennessee represents the southern boundary of their native range, extending from the Great Lakes system south into the Tennessee River watershed.
  • They are well-suited to Tennessee's freestone streams, tailwaters, and clear reservoirs.

Key Locations

  • Dale Hollow Lake, the South Holston River, Clinch River below Norris Dam, Hiwassee River, Caney Fork River, Center Hill Lake, Norris Lake, Cherokee Lake, Douglas Lake, and the Little Pigeon River system.

Specific Spots

  • They prefer rocky shorelines, points, drop-offs, and structure around 15+ feet deep in lakes, while in rivers they inhabit boulder fields, pools, and current breaks.

Smallmouth Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Crankbaits, jerkbaits, jigs, tubes, soft plastics, spinnerbaits, and topwater lures. Live crayfish and minnows work excellently.

What flies work for Smallmouth Bass in Tennessee?

Woolly Buggers (olive, black, brown), Clouser Minnows, hellgrammite patterns, RK Craw patterns, brown/white belly sculpin streamers (size 6/4), Black and Olive Matuka sculpin patterns (size 4/6), poppers for topwater action, and crayfish imitations in olive and orange.

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

Spring (March-May) offers aggressive pre-spawn fishing around rocky points and flats. Summer fishing is best early morning and evening, with night fishing productive June-August. Fall (September-November) provides excellent topwater action as fish feed heavily before winter.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass in Tennessee?

Strip patterns with pauses - fish typically strike on the pause. Vary retrieval speeds and focus on structure and current breaks for consistent success. The 'float'n fly' method works well in winter for suspended fish.

What do Smallmouth Bass eat?

Smallmouth are carnivorous predators with crayfish comprising 60-90% of their diet, supplemented by insects, hellgrammites, minnows, sculpins, and terrestrial insects that fall into the water.

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Tennessee licenses and regulations

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