Identification

• Smallmouth bass have a streamlined shape, allowing them to move quickly in pursuit of prey. The upper jaw never extends past the eye, which differentiates the smallmouth from the largemouth bass. The overall body color is generally bronze, although it may take on an olive tint in some waters. There is a series of dark vertical bars or stripes along the sides. Markings are more apparent on some specimens than others. Smallmouth bass typically weigh 2 or 3 pounds, with an average length of about 15 inches. Fish up to seven pounds are not uncommon in many Canadian waters.
  
  

Location

• Smallmouth bass have a limited range in Canada. Native to southern Ontario, the bass are found in certain waters in Quebec and Manitoba, and there are small populations in waters along the U.S. border in British Columbia. Most Canadian trophy smallmouth lakes are in Ontario, however, with Lake St. Clair, Lake of the Woods and Rainy Lake receiving much of the attention. There are hundreds of smaller lakes and streams in the province that offer smallmouth bass fishing, many of which feature campgrounds, guide services and other accommodations for fishermen. Smallmouth bass are also widespread throughout the Great Lakes, with Lake Erie being widely regarded as the best smallmouth lake in the world.
  
  

Habits & Habitat

• Smallmouth have a slightly lower ideal temperature range than largemouth bass, preferring water from 58 to 72 degrees Fahrenheit. This makes them better suited to the waters of southern Canada, though it has largely prevented them from spreading farther north. Smallmouths prefer lakes and streams with rock and gravel bottoms, and adapt easily to current. Crayfish and small fish make up the majority of the smallmouths' diet, with various invertebrates also playing a role. The bass spawn on shallow flats when waters reach the low 60s. Smallmouths may travel alone or in pairs, but frequently group in schools of similar-sized fish around rocky points, drop-offs and reefs.
  
  

Tactics

• Live crayfish, minnows and nightcrawlers are perennial bait favorites, and can be fished near bottom around rocks, or suspended under a float when fish are shallow or feeding at the surface. In streams, cast to boulders and eddies, fallen timber, undercut banks and places where a riffle empties into a deep pool. Tube jigs, in-line spinners, topwaters, diving crankbaits, jig n' pigs and Senko-style soft stick baits are top smallmouth producers. Fish shallow in springtime, then look to points, reefs, ledges and any other rocky areas after the spawn. A good tactic in summer is to start shallow and work your way deeper until you find fish. Smallmouths usually follow baitfish in fall, then become highly inactive in winter.
  
  

Regulations

• Provincial fishing licenses are required to fish in Canadian waters, and certain provinces require additional tags and cards. Complete information and up-to-date fees are available on provincial government websites. Open seasons, bag limits and size restrictions are highly available, but each province has a complete guide to fishing rules and regulations on its website. Rulebooks are also available in print form at most bait shops and tackle stores.