At-a-Glance
- Family: Centrachidae (Sunfish)
- Other names: brown bass, brownie, smallie, bronzeback
- Length: normally 12-15 inches
- Weight: 1-2 pounds
- Typical foods: aquatic insects, crayfish, and small fish.
Description
Smallmouth bass look very similar to largemouth bass and spotted bass. The distinguishing characteristic is the mouth. When closed, the mouth does not extend beyond the rear border of the eye. Color varies from yellow-green to olive-green with a bronze reflection. The sides are faintly barred.
Habitat and Habits
This species thrives in streams with gravel or rock bottoms with a visible current. Smallmouth also do well in the reef areas and rocky shorelines of Lake Erie, especially in the islands area near Sandusky Bay. They are also abundant in the Ohio River.
Reproduction and Care of the Young
Smallmouth bass spawn in May and early June when water temperatures range from 55 to 65°F. Nests are built in gravel or hard bottom substrates in 2 to 20 feet of water. The female lays between 2,000 to 15,000 eggs. The male guards the nest and the fry for a short time. Young smallmouth feed on zooplankton and midge larvae.
Author & Image Source: Ohio Department of Natural Resources