Bass, Smallmouth

Smallmouth bass occurs naturally in many eastern Oklahoma Ozark and Ouachita streams and tributaries. Fishable lake populations exist in Grand, Tenkiller, Murray, Eufaula, Texoma, and Broken Bow.

The black bass is a general term referring to largemouth, spotted, and smallmouth bass and their hybrids. The three species are similar but can be easily identified. Since water clarity can affect the color of a fish, color is not a reliable way to tell the basses apart. The most objective way to tell these species apart is by the relationship of the eye and the mouth hinge. On a spotted bass, the mouth hinge lines up vertically with the back edge of the eye; on smallmouth bass, the mouth hinge vertically lines up in front of the back edge of the eye; and on largemouth bass, the mouth hinges vertically lines up behind the back edge of the eye.

Facts: During the day, smallmouth seek the refuge of underwater cover. In the morning and evening they are often found prowling the shoreline of a "home" pool. Many people consider smallmouth one of Oklahoma's feistiest freshwater sport fish. Once you catch one on light tackle, you will be anxious for your next encounter.