Best Time to Fish for Smallmouth Bass: Season and Time of Day

Best time to fish for smallmouth bass? Spring (pre-spawn) and fall are the best times of year, when smallmouth move shallow and feed hard. In summer, fish early morning, late evening or at night, when the water is cooler. On any day, overcast or breezy weather often makes smallmouth more active than bright, calm sun.

Below is a season-by-season guide, the best time of day, weather tips and answers to common questions. Fishing shirts for smallmouth anglers are in our smallmouth bass shirts collection.

Best time of year to fish for smallmouth bass

Spring

Getmyboat calls spring "one of the best times to fish for Smallmouth Bass," because fish move shallow to spawn and "the pre-spawn period, when the fish are feeding aggressively to prepare for spawning, can be particularly productive." It also reminds anglers that "many states have regulations in place to protect Smallmouth Bass during the spawn," so check your state's rules first. (Getmyboat)

Summer

In the heat, smallmouth "often retreat to deeper, cooler waters" so focus on cooler hours. Getmyboat suggests fishing "in the early morning or late evening" and notes summer nights can be productive too.

Fall

Many anglers rank fall first. A Bassmaster pro writes: "Fall is one of my favorite times to catch smallmouth, because the fish move shallow, and they're super aggressive." He looks for them "in 2-8 feet of water" on "rocky areas — both clean rock and rock with grass lines." (Bassmaster)

Fishing late in the season? Our cold weather fishing tips cover layers and slow presentations.

Best time of day for smallmouth

• Early morning: cool water and low light, especially in summer.
• Late evening: another cool window as the sun drops.
• Night (summer): smallmouth can stay active after dark; bring a headlamp.
• Midday (fall and winter): the warmest part of a cold day can be the best bite.

How weather affects smallmouth fishing

Getmyboat says smallmouth "are more likely to be active on overcast days compared to bright, sunny days." Wind helps too: the Bassmaster article notes that on "windy and overcast days" smallmouth will eat a slow-rolled spinnerbait or a jerkbait. Sunny, calm days are not wasted, though. In fall clear water, they are good for spotting fish cruising the shallows, as long as you move slowly and keep your presence low.

Where to look once you pick the time

Smallmouth prefer clear, cool, oxygen-rich water and are "typically found in rocky areas of both lakes and rivers," where they feed on crayfish, insects and small fish. Start on rocky points, gravel flats and current breaks. Not sure what you are catching? Read largemouth vs smallmouth bass to tell them apart.

Smallmouth bass fishing shirts

Our smallmouth bass shirts are long sleeve fishing shirts printed with a smallmouth design and your name. Styles listed on the product pages include Long Sleeve UPF, Hooded Long Sleeve UPF and Kids Long Sleeve UPF, and some designs add a T-Shirt UPF or a Face Shield. Check each product page for current styles and price.

FAQ

Which month is best for smallmouth fishing?

It depends on your water, but spring pre-spawn and fall are the most productive seasons in most of the US. Check local spawn regulations in spring.

What is the best bait for smallmouth bass?

Crayfish-style baits are a strong start. The Bassmaster pro uses tubes and small football jigs on calm days and spinnerbaits or jerkbaits on windy days.

What is the hardest month to catch bass?

Midwinter is usually the slowest, when fish sit deep and feed less. Fish slowly in the warmest part of the day.

Are smallmouth more active on cloudy days?

Often, yes. Overcast and windy conditions tend to make smallmouth bolder than bright, calm sun.