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Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass are considered an invasive species in Texas, introduced outside their native range which originally extended from southern Quebec to Minnesota and south to the Tennessee River in Alabama and eastern Oklahoma.

As aggressive predators, they are visual feeders that rely heavily on sight, making them more challenging to catch in clear water.

Scientific Name: Micropterus dolomieu

Physical Characteristics:
  • Smallmouth bass are bronze-colored with dark vertical bands along their sides and horizontal bars on the head.
  • Their upper jaw doesn't extend past the eye when the mouth is closed, distinguishing them from largemouth bass.
  • The Texas state record smallmouth bass weighed 7.93 pounds and was caught at Lake Meredith.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • In Texas, smallmouth bass are primarily found in the eastern and southern parts of the state, especially around the Edwards Plateau region.
  • They prefer clear-water lakes and cool streams with gravel substrate, making them well-suited to certain Texas reservoirs and rivers.

Key Locations

  • Top smallmouth waters in Texas include Lake Whitney, Lake Texoma, Lake Meredith, Possum Kingdom, and the Brazos River.
  • Key locations include Lake Whitney's main lake points and submerged humps, Lake Texoma's rocky areas and deep structures, and Possum Kingdom's steep rocky banks.
  • The Brazos River below Whitney offers excellent smallmouth fishing around rocky structure.

Specific Spots

  • Target rocky structures, points, ledges, and drop-offs in 15-30 feet of water.
  • Hair jigs work exceptionally well in ultra-clear, shallow water.

Smallmouth Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Tubes (Strike King Coffee Tubes, Great Lakes Finesse Juvy Craw), drop shot rigs with finesse worms (Berkley MaxScent Flat Worm, Roboworm Straight Tail), ned rigs (Z-Man Finesse TRD), jerkbaits (Megabass Vision 110, Rapala DT Series), swimbaits (Keitech FAT Swing Impact), and hair jigs (Outkast Feider Fly).

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

Spring (March-May) and fall (September-November) when they're most active and feeding aggressively. Spring fishing focuses on pre-spawn areas near rocky points and creek channels. In summer, fish deeper water (20-40 feet) as they move offshore.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass in Texas?

Focus on crawfish-imitating presentations since they make up the majority of their diet. Use finesse presentations. Dr.op shot rigs, ned rigs.

What do Smallmouth Bass eat?

As aggressive predators, smallmouth bass primarily feed on crawfish (60-90% of their diet), along with minnows, insects, gobies, and other small fish.

Where do Smallmouth Bass live in Texas?

In Texas, smallmouth bass are primarily found in the eastern and southern parts of the state, especially around the Edwards Plateau region. They prefer clear-water lakes and cool streams with gravel substrate, making them well-suited to certain Texas reservoirs and rivers.

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