Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus Dolomieu
Related Species
Other species of the genus Micropterus (i.e. largemouth bass, rock bass, spotted bass, redeye bass)
AKA
Bronzeback, Brown Bass, Bronze Bass
Coloration
Brassy Brown hue.
Field Marks
Green with dark vertical bands rather than horizontal band along the side.
Habitat
Smallmouth bass prefer large clear-water lakes (greater than 100 acres, more than 30 feet deep) and cool streams with clear water and gravel substrate
Feeding Habits
Smallmouth bass will forage on a variety of creatures, depending on availability and season. Crayfish tend to be the favored prey, but they will go after minnows in the spring, insects during hatches (especially Mayflies), hellgramites and other fish species
Comments
Smallmouth bass look similar to their close cousin, the largemouth. Often they are found in the same waters. To tell the two apart, look at the closed mouth. If it extends only to the middle of the eye, it’s a smallmouth. If it goes way beyond the back of the eye, the fish is a largemouth.
WI Record
9 lbs. 1 oz. 6/21/1950, Indian Lake, Oneida County
Scientific Name
Micropterus means “small fin”; dolomieu was named after M. Dolomieu, a French mineralogist.
Distribution
The smallmouth bass occurs in all three drainage basins in Wisconsin (Lake Michigan, Mississippi River, and Lake Superior). It is quite probable that the fish was distributed over the state approximately as it is at present before any introductions were made. The smallmouth bass is common in medium to large streams and in large, clearwater lakes throughout Wisconsin.
Spawning
In Wisconsin, smallmouth bass spawning usually occurs at water temperatures between 62 – 64º F, but they have been found spawning at 53º F. In southern Wisconsin, the smallmouth spawns from the middle of May through June (water temperatures between 55 – 75º F). The male smallmouth may build several “practice nests” until he finally settles on one as suitable. The nest is usually a large, perfectly circular, clean gravel structure. The male bass protects the nest against intruders of his own and other species.
Smallmouth Bass Angling
Pound for pound the smallmouth bass is the scrappiest fish of all Wisconsin. It is usually associated with a rocky stream or lake environment where its favorite food, the crayfish, is abundant. Some of the best lake fishing takes place in June during, and just after, the spawning season, and in early fall. Natural baits like hellgrammites, dragonfly larvae and crayfish are especially effective during early morning or late evening. (Note: In Wisconsin it is illegal to possess live crayfish while fishing or while possessing angling equipment on any inland water, except the Mississippi River.) Probably the best artificial baits are those used on the surface. Light tackle is ideal. Fish quietly, casting toward rocks or logs, keeping the rod tip up and the line taut.
