Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieui)

Smallmouth bass are part of the sunfish family. Their range extends through central and eastern North America. In Canada they occur in southern Manitoba, Ontario, southern Quebec, New Brunswick and Nova Scotia. They have also been introduced to British Columbia. They are typically found in mesotrophic systems, meaning intermediate nutrient level (similar systems to those inhabited by walleye). They prefer rocky structure such as points and shoals although they can be found in weedy or woody habitat as well. Spawning occurs in the late spring when the water temperature warms to 55-68 Degree Fahrenheit. Smallmouth spawn over rocky bottom where nests are built and individual bass will return to the same area year after year to spawn. Males take a very active role in the spawning. They build the nest, actively court females, guard the fertilized eggs and protect the young once they hatch. The aggressive nature of male smallmouth during spawning is a major reason why angling seasons are closed during the spring in many areas.

Smallmouth bass grow at different rates depending on the level of productivity in the lake or river, the level of competition with other bass or other species as well as the latitude at which the population occurs at. Young bass grow rapidly and at the end of their first year, individuals are usually between 2 and 4 inches (this information comes from the northern extent of the species range). Maturity is reached in males between ages 3 and 5 while females mature between ages 4 and 6. Individuals can live to 15 years of age. The maximum weight for smallmouth bass is typically between 5 and 7 pounds although larger individuals have been caught. The current angling record is 11 pounds 15 ounces and was caught in the United States. Fish approaching 10 pounds have been reported in Ontario.

Diet for smallmouth bass varies depending on size of the individual as well as food availability. Young bass will consume primarily plankton and larval insects while adults are somewhat opportunists. Larger bass eat primarily crayfish (60-90%) and fishes (10-30%) although terrestrial insects (0-10%), frogs, tadpoles, leeches, fish eggs, and even plant material is also consumed. The percentages listed above are averages and the specific prey of a given bass population depends on what is available. The preferred fishes are usually minnows or yellow perch but northern pike, darters, sculpins, sticklebacks, walleyes and smallmouth bass have been reported in stomach contents.

Often touted as the hardest fighting freshwater fish, smallmouth bass are a prized sportfish species. They bulldog on the bottom one moment and then come flying out of water the next. Huge recreational fisheries have flourished in both the United States and Canada. Major tournaments and derbies are held throughout the smallmouth's range and these have undoubtedly aided local economies. The firm white meat of smallmouth bass makes them an excellent eating fish. However, it should be noted that bass flesh can be infested with parasites known as black-spot and yellow grub which can hinder their table quality.