UTERSmallmouth bass fishing in Missouri freshwater
In Missouri freshwater, smallmouth bass peak April–May and July–October and are around year-round, spawning in May, according to Fish Scouter's month-by-month season calendar. May: Ozark rivers on the beds — Current, Jacks Fork, Big Piney.
No note for October — see the months around it.
Smallmouth bass in Missouri freshwater, month by month
- JanuaryAround
- FebruaryAround
- MarchArriving
- AprilPeak
- MaySpawningOzark rivers on the beds — Current, Jacks Fork, Big Piney.
- JuneAround
- JulyPeakFloat the Meramec and the Gasconade.
- AugustPeak
- SeptemberPeak
- OctoberPeak
- NovemberAround
- DecemberAround
Where to fish smallmouth bass near Table Rock Lake, Lake of the Ozarks, Truman Lake
Ozark highland reservoirs, spring-fed trout parks, clear smallmouth rivers, Truman's flooded timber, and the paddlefish runs and big-river catfish.
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 Missouri freshwater?
Peak season is April–May and July–October, with fish spawning in May (often a closed or catch-and-release window — check the rule). Smallmouth bass are here year-round. May: Ozark rivers on the beds — Current, Jacks Fork, Big Piney.
Where do smallmouth bass hold in Missouri freshwater?
Look on river, creek / stream, lake, reservoir, bridge, dock / pilings — around Table Rock Lake, Lake of the Ozarks, Truman Lake, Bull Shoals, Current River, Bennett Spring.
What is the best bait for smallmouth bass in Missouri 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 Missouri freshwater?
Size and bag limits and closed seasons are set by the Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) and change — read the current rule at https://mdc.mo.gov/fishing/regulations before you keep a fish. A licence is sold at https://mdc.mo.gov/permits.
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