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Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass are Wisconsin's scrappiest gamefish, pound for pound, and are found throughout all three drainage basins in the state - Lake Michigan, Mississippi River, and Lake Superior.

These bronze-colored fighters are native to Wisconsin and are common in medium to large streams and large, clearwater lakes throughout the state.

Scientific Name: Micropterus dolomieu

Physical Characteristics:
  • Bronze-colored fighters.

What to know

Habitat Distribution

  • They are typically associated with rocky stream and lake environments where their favorite food, crayfish, is abundant.

Key Locations

  • Prime waters include the St.
  • Croix River (especially the 40 miles between Riverside and Grantsburg), Wisconsin River, Mississippi River, Black River, Red Cedar River, Flambeau River, Menominee River, and numerous Lake Michigan and Lake Superior tributaries including the Milwaukee, Oconto, Peshtigo, and Pensaukee rivers.

Specific Spots

  • Target rocky areas, current edges, steep banks, driftpiles, riffles, logs, and drop-offs.

Smallmouth Bass FAQ

Answers from onWater's species guide.

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

Most effective lures include surface baits like poppers (Double Barrel Poppers, Boogle Bullets), topwater patterns, small crankbaits like Rebel Teeny Craws, No. 4 and No. 5 Mepps Black Fury spinners, copper-colored Vibrax spinners, and crayfish-pattern lures. Natural baits like hellgrammites and dragonfly larvae.

What flies work for Smallmouth Bass in Wisconsin?

Productive patterns include hellgrammite imitations, crayfish patterns (Whitlock's Near Nuff Crayfish in orange, brown, and olive), Swimming Jimmy streamers, Hair Frogs, swimming frogs, tube jigs, and various minnow patterns.

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

The best smallmouth bass fishing in Wisconsin occurs in June during and just after spawning season, and again in early fall. August is prime time on streams when water levels are low and bass are in feeding mode.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass in Wisconsin?

Present flies naturally with drag-free drifts. Natural baits like hellgrammites and dragonfly larvae are especially effective during early morning and late evening.

What do Smallmouth Bass eat?

Their diet consists primarily of crayfish, minnows, hellgrammites, dragonfly larvae, sculpins, aquatic insects, and small fish. Juveniles feed on crustaceans, zooplankton, and small aquatic organisms, while adults become true predators.

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