The smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), also known as bronzeback, brown bass, smallie, bronze bass, and bareback bass, is a freshwater species native to North America. It thrives in cool, clear streams, rivers, and lakes with rocky or gravel substrates, often favoring areas ...The smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu), also known as bronzeback, brown bass, smallie, bronze bass, and bareback bass, is a freshwater species native to North America. It thrives in cool, clear streams, rivers, and lakes with rocky or gravel substrates, often favoring areas with moderate currents and abundant cover such as submerged logs and vegetation.
This species is particularly prevalent in the Great Lakes region, the upper and middle Mississippi River basin, and the Saint Lawrence River system. Smallmouth bass are carnivorous, feeding on a diet of crayfish, insects, amphibians, and smaller fish, including the young of their own species. Their preference for clear, oxygen-rich waters makes them indicators of good water quality.
Adult smallmouth bass typically range from 10 to 20 inches in length and weigh between 1 to 5.5 pou