Patterns

Unlike the muskie, walleye, or rainbow, the smallmouth will not make a long, striking migration, even to spawn. In fact, we could say the smallie is a real homebody, staying in the same approximate area year round, when the correct combination of factors allow for it to do so. Most of the smallmouths even return to spawn within 150 yards of their prevlous spawning slte.

The movements of its prey, usually crayfish, often control the smallie's patterns. Crayfish activity itself is tied closely to seasonal changes. As water temperatures begin to fall, crayfish activity drops off dramatically and remains low until water temperatures warm again in late spring. So other food sources become very important to the smallmouth during the colder water periods.

In the spring and early summer the same insect hatches studied by the stream trout fly-rodder often attract smallmouths. In both lakes and rivers early season smallmouth bass may be attracted to areas where aquatic insect activity is highest. In the fall, smallies are fattening up before the dormant period. Baitfish are large and plentiful in the autumn and most often provide the high protein meals required at this time of year. Winter fishing for smallmouths is not permitted in most jurisdictions. Over most of the smallmouth's range it doesn't matter anyway. The fish becomes extremely inactive as declining water temperatures reach 45° F. (70° C). So leave your tackle for the spring when rising water temperatures again cross the 47° F. (80° C) mark. Remember to check local regulations first. 

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