UTERSmallmouth bass fishing in Minnesota freshwater
In Minnesota freshwater, smallmouth bass peak June–October and are around May–November, spawning in July, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. June: Rainy Lake, Vermilion and Mille Lacs on the beds.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Smallmouth bass in Minnesota freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryNot here
- FebruaryNot here
- MarchNot here
- AprilNot here
- MayArriving
- JunePeakRainy Lake, Vermilion and Mille Lacs on the beds.
- JulySpawning
- AugustPeak
- SeptemberPeakMille Lacs September smallmouth on the rock reefs.
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberAround
- DecemberNot here
Where to fish smallmouth bass near Mille Lacs, Lake of the Woods, Leech Lake
The land of lakes: walleye, pike, muskie, perch and crappie on ten thousand lakes, half the year through the ice — Mille Lacs, Lake of the Woods, Leech, Red — plus the Rainy River's walleye and sturgeon.
What to use for smallmouth bass
- CrayfishHooked through the tail on a #2 to 2/0 hook and dragged slowly along rock and gravel — the smallmouth bait, and good for catfish and walleye.
- Minnows (fatheads, shiners)Hooked lightly through the lips or behind the dorsal on a #6 to #2 hook under a slip bobber for crappie, perch and walleye; a big golden shiner on a 2/0 to 4/0 for largemouth, pike and stripers.
- LeechesHooked once through the sucker end on a #8 to #4 hook under a slip bobber or on a live-bait rig — walleye and smallmouth can't leave them alone.
- NightcrawlersWhole on a #6 to #2 hook under a bobber or on a bottom rig; threaded on a spinner harness drifted for walleye. The bait that catches everything in fresh water.
- Leader10–20 lb fluorocarbon
- Hook#2–3/0
- Jig head1/8–1/2 oz
- Braid10–30 lb
Feeds in 45–82°F water, best at 60–74°F.
Questions anglers ask
When is the best time to catch smallmouth bass in Minnesota freshwater?
Peak season is June–October, with fish spawning in July (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Smallmouth bass are in Minnesota freshwater May–November. June: Rainy Lake, Vermilion and Mille Lacs on the beds.
Where do smallmouth bass hold in Minnesota freshwater?
Look on river, creek / stream, lake, reservoir, bridge, dock / pilings — around Mille Lacs, Lake of the Woods, Leech Lake, Upper Red Lake, Lake Vermilion, Rainy River.
What is the best bait for smallmouth bass in Minnesota freshwater?
Live bait: crayfish, minnows (fatheads, shiners), leeches, nightcrawlers. Crayfish: Hooked through the tail on a #2 to 2/0 hook and dragged slowly along rock and gravel — the smallmouth bait, and good for catfish and walleye. Tackle: leader 10–20 lb fluorocarbon, hook #2–3/0, jig head 1/8–1/2 oz, braid 10–30 lb.
What are the rules for smallmouth bass in Minnesota freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (Minnesota DNR) and change — read the current rule at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/regulations/fishing/index.html before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/licenses/fishing/index.html.
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