Smallmouth Bass

Bronze to olive-green flanks with vertical dark bars, red eye, and jaw ending under (not past) the eye. Second dorsal fin flows smoothly into the first without a deep notch.

Rocky lakes and rivers with clear water and 65–75°F temperatures. Look on main-lake points, boulder shoals, and current seams in rivers.

• Skip a wacky-rig senko under docks and overhanging cedars all day in July.
• Ned-rig 8–14 ft rocky points with a 3" TRD in green pumpkin.
• Throw a walking topwater across smooth water at first light — hits are heart-stopping.

Most FMZs allow 6 sport / 2 conservation in season. Catch-and-release-only windows are common in spring; confirm your zone.

Always confirm before your trip: Ontario Fishing Rules & Licences.

Mapped waters in our guide that hold smallmouth bass — tap through for FMZ, regulations, and tactics.

• Algonquin Park – Canoe LakeFMZ 15
• Algonquin Park – Opeongo LakeFMZ 15
• Anstruther Lake – Kawartha HighlandsFMZ 15
• Balsam LakeFMZ 17
• Balsam Lake Provincial ParkFMZ 17
• Belle River – Lake St. ClairFMZ 19
• Big Rideau LakeFMZ 18
• Big Rideau Lake – PortlandFMZ 18
• Bluffer's Park – ScarboroughFMZ 20
• Bon Echo Provincial Park – Mazinaw LakeFMZ 18

Browse all waters on the fishing map →

• Georgian Bay Fishing Guide
• St. Lawrence 1000 Islands Guide
• Walleye vs. Pike vs. Bass — Best First Species