Bass

Smallmouth bass have characteristics that are typical of carnivorous fish predators: cryptic coloration, a streamlined body, and a large mouth Even fingerling smallmouth exhibit a carnivorous appetite by feeding on small crustaceans, insects, and small fishes. Juveniles graduate to crayfishes and fishes, and this food preference continues in adults. Smallmouth bass attain lengths of up to 430 mm (about 17 inches) total length (Page & Burr 1991). Smallmouth inhabit cool and warm, generally clear, large streams and rivers with gravely and rocky substrates. They are most often found in runs and pools, and a frequent succession of riffles, runs, and pools is an indicator of a good smallmouth site. Often they become the dominant species in reservoirs that impound streams with the above attributes, and are prolific in many natural northern lakes (Jenkins & Burkhead 1994). Both sexes of smallmouth mature in about three to four years and the maximum age is fifteen. Spawning occurs in the spring, usually early May to early June depending on the latitude. Males construct nests near shore in 30-60 cm depth, on firm bottoms in slow currents and often adjacent to cover. Females have been found with 27,000 mature ova, and up to 4,000 eggs have been observed on a single male's nest. Males vigorously defend nests having eggs and remain aggressive for several days after the eggs hatch (Jenkins & Burkhead 1994). The smallmouth bass is indeed one of the most valued and studied fish in North America. Before the turn of the century, J. A. Henshall declared that "inch for inch and pound for pound [smallmouth are] the gamest fish that swims", and this statement is still very accurate today. In fact, a magazine entitled "Smallmouth" was recently started (Jenkins & Burkhead 1994). Recommended readings for smallmouth patrons include Robbins & MacCrimmon (1974) and Stroud & Clepper (1975).

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