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Trophy Smallmouth Bass

Trophy smallmouth are considered fish over five pounds and usually more than 21 inches in length. The world record fish weighed nearly twelve pounds and many of the top ten bronzeback states boast record fish over seven pounds. Many anglers rightfully feel a fish over four pounds, exceeding 18 inches, is an excellent catch. Lakes and reservoirs will almost always beat rivers and streams for oversized smallmouth for several reasons. Lakes are especially good in the spring and early summer when bass are shallow and active, either feeding or spawning.

Top trophy waters production will fluctuate over time as reservoirs develop or smallmouth introductions and protection contribute to average size. Certain waters in North America always produce large fish. Such fisheries contain the optimal balance of habitat, forage, competition and other characteristics. Most of the traditional trophy locations are large bodies of water able to withstand fishing pressure and periodic spawning anomalies.

Again, as with lakes and reservoirs, the top smallmouth rivers tend to be large and relatively clear. While there are exceptions, some of the best are rivers too warm to support trout but cooler and clearer than many of the middle American “mud” rivers like the middle and lower Mississippi, the Missouri, and the Ohio, to name just a few. Sections of the aforementioned, usually in the upper reaches, can be outstanding. More and more sections of prime river are being protected to harbor trophy smallmouth. This has occurred due to diligent efforts of smallmouth organizations and governmental recognition of the smallmouth as a premier sport fish. 

To flyrodders, river fishing provides the best opportunity to consistently score in water seldom exceeding five feet for most of the open water season. . Many of these waters are under fished, even amid incessant onslaught of modern day technology. Rivers, especially small rivers and streams, support super populations of small-jaws almost totally ignored by most anglers. It simply requires a bit more effort to plan and execute a float trip. Walking a river in search of fish is something less folks are willing to do in this sedentary age in which we live. Hundreds of rivers and streams across the US and Canada offer not only some of the best fly fishing, but a clear shot at a trophy smallmouth, as well.

We provide links to certain resorts and other sources of information. This is by no means an endorsement, only places to start your search that maintain a credible presence on the internet. We intend to provide feedback over time with personal experiences at particular destinations.

We divide our trophy fisheries into United States and Canada. Some waters have and continue to produce numbers of smallmouth that frequently exceed 18 inches in length and weigh over well four pounds. If you indeed seek a trophy smallmouth, particularly a fish over five pounds and 20 inches, these are destinations to consider.

Check out “Hunting Big Bronze” article by Tim Holschlag and settle the score with the big bronze.

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