Habitat

Smallies are found primarily in rivers and streams in the Midwest, exceptions being the BWCAW lakes and the huge expanse of Lake Michigan. Lake-dwelling bronzebacks tend to be found over deep structure (mid-lake humps, rock bars, etc.), and the electronics and gear associated with this type of fishing doesn't typify our definition of Roughfishing. Therefore, I will discuss the smallie in the environs in which he is best pursued, in the ever-moving, ever-changing waters of streams and rivers. The typical smallmouth stream is slightly different than a trout stream, although populations do coexist in some fisheries. Smallies need clean, oxygenated water but tolerate warmer sections in order to take advantage of larger and more abundant forage such as chubs and crayfish. "Marginal" brown trout water is often suited nicely for a population of smallmouths. Whatever waters they occupy, they seek out areas of rock and rubble. An area with fist to head-sized rock interspersed with stretches of gravel is going to be a prime area for both numbers of bass and also large fish. Like trout, smallies tend to be just out of the main current, like in the eyes or current seams on either side of a hole's tongue. Any large boulder or stump that breaks the current will hold fish, behind the obstruction where a pocket of dead water exists, and also in front of the boulder where the current has scoured a depression which acts as the perfect ambush spot for a bass to utilize. They will be found in these faster-water stretches throughout the warmer months, where they key in on hatching caddis or mayflies. However, large deep pools are always worth a good working over as large bass may be cruising the depths terrorizing baitfish. A lot of anglers target only pools, though, so learning to take fish from faster water will put you on less-pressured, more opportunistic feeders. Larger rivers are more difficult to read, but where a small stream may hold only a few fish over 15" in several miles, a big river may hold a dozen or more trophy bass on a single structure. Look for the same type of current breaks and obstructions as on a small stream, on a grander scale, but put emphasis on the shoreline. Most of my success in big rivers comes less than 5 feet from shore, or rock points a bit farther out. Riprap is a goldmine, especially below a dam. Smallies will charge into schools of minnows here, sending them flying through the air. I've often waited for a few anglers to fish a stretch of riprap, then followed them and taken a dozen or more nice smallies. They cast far out into the river, oblivious to the hungry smallies right under thier feet. Some of these spots see a lot of pressure, but if you sneak up the bank and present a subtle fly or lure at specific spots, fish are always to be had.