Smallmouth bass in some reaches
Clearwater River
Present in some reaches
Updated
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Fish › Bass & panfish
Micropterus dolomieu
An introduced warmwater brawler that hammers lures around rock, current seams, and river structure.
Size range
3–27 in
Size range
Typical adult length in the waters we cover.
Water temperature
Warmwater
Water temperature
Preferred thermal regime for this species.
Active season
Late spring through fall
Active season
When anglers most often encounter this species.
Origin
Introduced
Origin
Stocking and native history where this species is found.
Habitat
Lowland & Warmwater, Rivers & Large Rivers, Lakes & Reservoirs
Habitat
Primary water types where this species is found.
Smallmouth bass are an introduced species in Idaho and are established in several river and reservoir fisheries. They are prized by anglers for hard strikes, strong runs, and their knack for holding around current breaks and rocky cover.
Also known as: smallies, smallmouth
Smallmouth bass in some reaches
Clearwater River
Present in some reaches
Smallmouth bass in lower/warmer reaches
Salmon River
Lower, warmer reaches
Smallmouth bass in lower/warmer reaches
Salmon River, Bayhorse Recreation Site to Tappan
Lower, warmer reaches
Smallmouth bass in lower/warmer reaches
Salmon River, Cache Bar to Carey Creek
Lower, warmer reaches
Smallmouth bass in lower/warmer reaches
Salmon River, Campbell Flat to Pine Bar
Lower, warmer reaches
Smallmouth bass in lower/warmer reaches
Salmon River, Carey Creek to Riggins
Lower, warmer reaches
Smallmouth bass in lower/warmer reaches
Salmon River, Colston Creek to Shoup Bridge Campground
Lower, warmer reaches
Smallmouth bass in lower/warmer reaches
Salmon River, Corn Creek Campground to Spring Bar
Lower, warmer reaches
Smallmouth bass in lower/warmer reaches
Salmon River, Deadwater Spring to Corn Creek Campground
Lower, warmer reaches
Smallmouth bass in lower/warmer reaches
Salmon River, Hammer Creek to Mouth / terminus
Lower, warmer reaches
Smallmouth bass in lower/warmer reaches
Salmon River, Headwaters to Sawtooth Kids Pond
Lower, warmer reaches
Smallmouth bass in lower/warmer reaches
Salmon River, Lucile Recreation Site to Campbell Flat
Lower, warmer reaches
Smallmouth bass in lower/warmer reaches
Salmon River, Maynard Hole to Hammer Creek
Lower, warmer reaches
Smallmouth bass in lower/warmer reaches
Salmon River, Riggins to Maynard Hole
Lower, warmer reaches
Smallmouth bass in lower/warmer reaches
Salmon River, Sawtooth Kids Pond to Sunbeam
Lower, warmer reaches
Smallmouth bass in lower/warmer reaches
Salmon River, Shoup Bridge Campground to Tower Rock Recreation Site
Lower, warmer reaches
Smallmouth bass in lower/warmer reaches
Salmon River, South Butte to Bayhorse Recreation Site
Lower, warmer reaches
Smallmouth bass in lower/warmer reaches
Salmon River, Spring Bar to Lucile Recreation Site
Lower, warmer reaches
Smallmouth bass in lower/warmer reaches
Salmon River, Sunbeam to South Butte
Lower, warmer reaches
Smallmouth bass in lower/warmer reaches
Salmon River, Tappan to Colston Creek
Lower, warmer reaches
Smallmouth bass in lower/warmer reaches
Salmon River, Tower Rock Recreation Site to Cache Bar
Lower, warmer reaches
Episode 177 · May 9, 2022
Episode 179 · Aug 29, 2022
Adults feed heavily on crayfish, baitfish, and aquatic or terrestrial insects.
Always check the current Idaho fishing seasons and rules for the specific waterbody before fishing, as bass limits and special provisions can vary by location.
Regulations vary by water. Check current Idaho Fish and Game rules before fishing.
Status: Introduced to Idaho
GNR · ESA: Not listed · Idaho: SNABrowse species profiles with habitat, diet, tactics, and linked waters across the state.
Smallmouth bass
Bear River, Cove Plant to Grace Dam
