Fish › Bass & panfish

Bass & panfishCentrarchidaeGNR · ESA: Not listed · Idaho: SNA

Smallmouth Bass

Micropterus dolomieu

An introduced warmwater brawler that hammers lures around rock, current seams, and river structure.

Overview

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.

About Smallmouth Bass

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.

Smallmouth Bass Silhouette

Primary

Behavior

spawning: Spawns in shallow areas; anglers commonly find fish associated with nearshore structure during the spawning period.
feeding style: Young feed on plankton and immature aquatic insects; adults are aggressive predators that key on crayfish, fish, and aquatic and terrestrial insects, sometimes taking prey off the bottom around rock.
seasonal notes: Most active in warmwater conditions, especially when fish slide into shallow rocky areas, gravel-bottom runs, flowing pools, and reservoir structure to feed.

Habitat

water types: rivers, reservoirs, lakes, cool streams
preferred holds: Look for shallow rocky areas, clear gravel-bottom runs, flowing pools, and reservoirs or river sections with rock, current breaks, and other hard cover.

Where Found

Blue Ribbon waters

Recommended waters

Diet

Adults feed heavily on crayfish, baitfish, and aquatic or terrestrial insects.

Angler Tactics

tactics: Target current seams, eddies, rock piles, riprap, and points. Cover water until you find active fish, then slow down with jigs or plastics around the best rocky structure.
effective methods: crankbaits, spinnerbaits, soft plastics, jigs, topwater lures, crayfish imitations

Regulations

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.