Species profile
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
Identify Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) from a photo — free, unlimited, no sign-up — with the CatchRules iPhone app. Plus current fishing rules across 52 jurisdictions.
At a glance
Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species regulated in 31 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
The strictest bag limit is 1 (Ontario); the most generous is 20 (Wyoming).
Across 15 jurisdictions with stated minimum sizes, the average minimum is 13.5 in (≈ 1 ft 1 in).
Confirmed by 15,433 research-grade iNaturalist observations, with Ontario, Tennessee, and Pennsylvania the top jurisdictions by observation count.
Notable details
- The IGFA world record weighed 11 pounds 15 ounces, caught at Dale Hollow Lake in 1955.
- Prefers clear, cool, rocky streams and lakes — tolerating colder water than largemouth bass.
- Feeds heavily on crayfish, which can give its flesh a slightly richer flavor.
- Can live up to 20 years, though most fish average 6 to 12 years.
- Widely regarded as one of the hardest-fighting freshwater sport fish pound for pound.
Where Smallmouth Bass are seen
Jurisdictions with rules for Smallmouth Bass
Background
The smallmouth bass is a species of freshwater fish in the sunfish family (Centrarchidae) of the order Centrarchiformes. It is the type species of its genus Micropterus, and is a popular game fish sought by anglers throughout the temperate zones of North America, and has been spread by stocking —as well as illegal introductions—to many cool-water tributaries and lakes in Canada and more so…
Background excerpt adapted from Wikipedia's Smallmouth Bass article (CC BY-SA). Visit Wikipedia for the full entry.
Other bony fish on CatchRules
Frequently asked questions
What is Smallmouth Bass?
Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) is an IUCN Least Concern bony-fish species regulated in 31 of 66 jurisdictions tracked by CatchRules across the U.S. and Canada.
What is the scientific name for Smallmouth Bass?
Smallmouth Bass is Micropterus dolomieu.
Is Smallmouth Bass regulated for fishing?
Yes — Smallmouth Bass has fishing regulations in 52 U.S. states and/or Canadian provinces tracked by CatchRules. See the "Jurisdictions with rules" section above for the binding-source links.
How can I identify Smallmouth Bass?
Take a photo with the free CatchRules iPhone app — on-device identification recognizes Smallmouth Bass along with ~1,500 other species. No sign-up, unlimited use.
Photo credit: iNaturalist / Wikipedia. Identification reference only — verify regulations with the issuing wildlife agency before retaining a catch.