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Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth bass are one of two black bass species in Washington. Though not native to Washington, smallmouth bass were first introduced in 1924 on Blakely Island and have since spread throughout the state.

Scientific Name: Micropterus dolomieu

Also known as bronzeback

Physical Characteristics:
  • Distinguished from largemouth bass by their smaller mouths (maxillary bone doesn't extend past the center of the eye), continuous dorsal fin, and distinctive dark vertical bars instead of horizontal stripes.
  • In less productive, clear waters like Lake Chelan, these vertical bars are very pronounced, while in more productive waters like Potholes or Moses Lake, they appear yellowish-brown in color.
  • Average size runs 12-16 inches, though quality populations can produce fish 16-24 inches.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They're found in both lakes and rivers across Washington, in smaller waters in virtually every county.
  • WDFW has expanded their range through selective transplantation.

Key Locations

  • Lake Washington, Lake Sammamish, Lake Whatcom, Columbia and Snake Rivers, Banks Lake (1981), Palmer Lake (1983), Columbia River system, Lake Roosevelt, Moses Lake, Potholes Reservoir (particularly 'the dunes' section), Box Canyon Reservoir in Pend Oreille County.
  • The Snake River offers exceptional summer action.

Specific Spots

  • In rivers, focus on current seams near shallow gravel flats, particularly at the heads and tails of islands.
  • In lakes, target shallow, flat, gravel bottoms near structure like large rocky substrate and docks.
  • Summer: 20-30 feet deep near rocky substrate where signal crayfish are abundant.

Smallmouth Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Spring: crankbaits, suspending jerkbaits, hard baits (crankbaits, jerkbaits, spinnerbaits), soft baits (grubs on football head jigs, finesse worms rigged drop shot). Summer: soft plastics, drop-shot finesse worms, spinnerbaits, soft jerkbaits, poppers.

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

Spring offers the best smallmouth bass fishing. Avoid fishing during spawning (late May-June when temps reach 60°F). Summer fishing requires adapting to thermal stratification. Fall brings another excellent period. Winter fishing becomes challenging as fish seek water deeper than 30 feet and become inactive.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass in Washington?

Spring: use reaction baits to coax lethargic bass. Summer: drag soft plastics and drop-shot finesse worms on the bottom during the day. Fall: use summer tactics - bottom fishing soft plastics during day, reaction baits during low light.

What do Smallmouth Bass eat?

Smallmouth bass are opportunistic predators that feed primarily on signal crayfish (their favorite food), fish, and aquatic insects. Their diet includes sculpins, cyprinids, suckers, and even juvenile salmonids.

Where do Smallmouth Bass live in Washington?

They're found in both lakes and rivers across Washington, in smaller waters in virtually every county. WDFW has expanded their range through selective transplantation.

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