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Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass in Vermont are voracious predators that have been widely introduced throughout Vermont's waters over the past century, though they are native only to the Champlain Valley.

Scientific Name: Micropterus dolomieu

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished by their bronze to dark brown coloration with 8-15 vertical black bars, upper jaw extending only to below the eye, and continuous dorsal fin.
  • They commonly reach 10-14 inches but can grow to 20 inches (3-4 pounds), with Vermont's state record being 6 lbs 13 oz caught in Lake Eden in 2003.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • Native only to the Champlain Valley but widely introduced throughout Vermont's waters.
  • Inhabit rocky or sandy lake areas and gravelly stream pools.

Key Locations

  • Lake Champlain (world-class fishery), Connecticut River, lakes Memphramagog, St.
  • Catherine, Eden, Salem, and Seymore, plus Woodward, Waterbury, and Harriman reservoirs.
  • Access points include Chimney Point, Larabee's Point, Lapham's Bay Point, Chipman's Point, and Benson Landing.

Specific Spots

  • Target rocky shorelines, points near spawning flats, ledges, drop-offs, current breaks, and boulder fields.
  • Prefer rocky bottoms, ledges, drop-offs, current breaks, and structures like boulders and logs.
  • Clean rocky/gravelly bottoms, offshore islands and reefs, and rock piles.
  • In rivers like the Connecticut, focus on current breaks and eddies.

Smallmouth Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Slow-wobbling crankbaits (crayfish/bluegill patterns with chartreuse), slow-rolled spinnerbaits, jerkbaits, jigs, plastic worms, and swimbaits.

What flies work for Smallmouth Bass in Vermont?

Clouser Minnows, poppers, streamers (white and olive work well), hellgrammite patterns, crayfish imitations, and terrestrials like hoppers in clear water.

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

Season runs from second Saturday in June through March 15. Spring catch-and-release season (April-May), post-spawn feeding when water reaches 68-80°F.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass in Vermont?

Work lures along bottom structure, varying retrieves until finding triggers. Low, clear water conditions require longer leaders, smaller flies, and finicky presentations similar to trout fishing. Fish prime structure areas.

What do Smallmouth Bass eat?

Feed on crayfish, yellow perch, smelt, alewife, frogs, tadpoles, newts, dragonflies, and various fish species.

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