We’re getting reports of the smallmouth action heating up everywhere. These coldwater bronzebacks seem to be taken in the northeast and the Mid-Atlantic states, with some smallmouths up to six pounds being caught.
Young Jeffrey Crawford holds a 6-pound smallmouth bass caught in NJ's Merrill Creek Reservoir
Remember, when you fish for smallmouths, fish deep. Bronzebacks like cold water and will hit a variety of patterns, from leaches and small baitfish to larger herring, shiners and crankbaits.
Smallmouths are known to fight harder than their larger mouthed cousins; they usually do not grow as large as bucketmouths either, with a 5-pound bronzeback being considered quite a large fish.
In many states, the smallmouth and largemouth season closes to allow for the fish to spawn. Be sure to check your local state’s regulations in the Resource Section.
