UncommonNativeSecure
8
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu · Centrarchidae
Pound-for-pound, the hardest pull in the Ozarks.
Common
10–18 in
Max
22 in
Weight
Up to 7 lbs
Best Bite Windows
When smallmouth bass feeds · time-of-day read
Right now · 12:00 PM · MIDD window
GOOD60%feeding activity
First & last light · ned rig
24-hour bite curvetaller = more feeding · scrub the clock
12a6a12p6p12a
DAWN
74
MORN
79
MIDD
62
AFTE
75
DUSK
41
NIGH
26
All-day opportunist · current seams
Solar + LunarMEDIUM lunar pull
Major feeds7:57p – 9:57p5:09a – 7:09a
Minor feeds5:29a – 6:29a8:06p – 9:06p
Solunar window 8:12p – 9:42p
Full Moon
Day · Current seams in rivers; rocky ledges and boulders in reservoirs. Moderate lunar sensitivity.
Night · Some night feeding near Full Moon along rocky structure. Tube baits and crayfish imitators.
Habitat
RiversLakesStreams
Range
Clear rocky rivers, bluff banks, gravel bars.
Diet
Crawfish, hellgrammites, minnows, sculpins.
Best baits & lures
Ned rig
Tubes
Jerkbaits
Ready-to-fish boxes for Smallmouth Bass
Gear up locallyPartner
Tale Waters & Tides
The home water for Arkansas anglers
Pocket Fishing Guide is powered by Tale Waters & Tides — gear, guides, and the stories behind the water. Plan your next trip with us.
How to fish it · techniques
Cast upstream, drift down
Brown & orange mimic crawfish
Target current seams
Book a guidePartner
Rileys White & Buffalo Outfitter
Your White & Buffalo River outfitter
Guided float trips, canoe & kayak rentals, and riverside cabins on the White and Buffalo rivers.
Fun fact
Smallmouth are the reason anglers buy wading boots. They live in moving water and will leave a bed to chase a bait they didn't even see the first time.
Status
Secure
Native · Centrarchidae