DESCRIPTION: This species is found to range in size from 14 inches to 17 inches, and exceeds 18 inches to produce world class trophy fishing. Also known as black bass, these fish are typically dark green in colour and have 8-15 pronounced to vague, thin, vertical dark bars down the sides of its body. Its eyes are red and sometimes orange in colour. It dorsal fin has 10 spiny rays, almost needle like, located on its back. The lack of sharp teeth allows the angler to "lip" this species, as you can put your thumb in its mouth and support its lower jaw with your forefinger to land it in the boat.

DISTRIBUTION: A wide range of lakes offer this feisty fish, mostly in the southern region of our area. Big Vermilion, Little Vermilion and connecting waters, Minnitaki, and Southeastern Lac Seul host excellent waters to fish for this species. This fish will spawn in late spring (late May to early July) when the water temperatures are between 55° F and 68° F. As summer progresses, this fish will move to deeper waters off reefs and rocky points usually in 10 feet to 20 feet of water. The fall produces some of the biggest Smallmouth Bass in the area where they are caught in stump fields, weed beds, and off rocky points.

ANGLING METHODS: There are three different stages this species goes through in relation to forage. At specific times of the year, this fish will predominantly seek either leeches, minnows, or crayfish. The key to fishing for this species is to be prepared to use any one of the previously mentioned species as bait, or typically, have artificial tackle which represents any one of these baits. While this fish is spawning, it will not hesitate to strike at anything which passes close to its nest. This is an ideal time of year to use top-water baits, crankbaits, and jigs tipped with a rubber worm or a leech. As the season progresses, jigging becomes more productive as they may be in deeper waters.

TROPHY SMALLMOUTH BASS FISHING: Like the Northern Pike fishing, all the lakes we fish hold good populations of Smallmouth Bass and the opportunity to catch a trophy Smallmouth Bass is tremendous on any one of the lakes. Our office staff and guides will help you make your decision as to which lake you want to fish for trophy Smallmouth Bass depending on what other species you would like to fish for that day and what time of year it is.

TACKLE:

EQUIPMENT:

Angling Experience	Suggested Equipment
Novice	ROD: 6'6" in length, one or two piece, medium action, Spinning rod. REEL: Spinning or Close-Faced reel with capacity for approximately 200 yards of 10 lb. test or 160 yards of 12 lb. test. LINE: Trilene XL (or similar) 8lb. to 14lb. Test
Seasoned	ROD: 5'10" to 7' in length, one or two piece, light to medium action, Spinning rod. REEL: Spinning reel with the capacity for approximately 120 yards of 8 lb. Test LINE: Trilene XL (or similar) 6 lb. to 12 lb. Test
Veteran	ROD: 5' to 7' in length, one or two piece, ultralight to medium-light action. REEL: Spinning reel with the capacity for approximately 200 yards of 4 lb. test or 160 yards of 6 lb. test. LINE: Trilene XL (or similar) 4 lb. to 8 lb. Test