UTERSmallmouth bass fishing in Washington freshwater
In Washington freshwater, smallmouth bass peak May–October and are around year-round, spawning in June, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. June: Columbia and Snake rivers — smallmouth everywhere on the rock.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Smallmouth bass in Washington freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchAround
- AprilArriving
- MayPeak
- JuneSpawningColumbia and Snake rivers — smallmouth everywhere on the rock.
- JulyPeak
- AugustPeak
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish smallmouth bass near Columbia River, Hanford Reach, Lake Chelan
The Columbia's walleye, smallmouth, shad, salmon and sturgeon, Puget Sound steelhead rivers, Lake Chelan's lakers and kokanee, and eastern Washington's lowland lakes.
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 Washington freshwater?
Peak season is May–October, with fish spawning in June (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Smallmouth bass are here year-round. June: Columbia and Snake rivers — smallmouth everywhere on the rock.
Where do smallmouth bass hold in Washington freshwater?
Look on river, creek / stream, lake, reservoir, bridge, dock / pilings — around Columbia River, Hanford Reach, Lake Chelan, Skagit River, Banks Lake, Lake Roosevelt.
What is the best bait for smallmouth bass in Washington 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 Washington freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Washington Department of Fish and Wildlife (WDFW) and change — read the current rule at https://wdfw.wa.gov/fishing/regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://wdfw.wa.gov/licenses/fishing.
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