Smallmouth Bass Across the Regions
Do You Know The Different Smallies?
May of us that travel across various regions to fish for Smallmouth begin to recognize that not all Smallmouth are the same. We know that there are alot of differences in behavior between our Smallies in the Mid Atlantic and other regions but most that fish their specific areas predominately may have never come across the various other smallmouth that exist outside thier home region.
While most have accepted there is one primary species of Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) in North America. However, within this species, there are various populations or subspecies that have adapted to specific environments and regions.
The Smallmouth Bass is native to the central and eastern parts of North America and has been introduced to various other locations including many of our regions rivers. Most people think that Smallies are native to Susquehanna River but they are not. Smallmouth were introduced in Susky in 1873 almost twenty years after they were voluntarily introduced to the Potomac River from a train crossing over a bridge.
Here are some characteristics of different Smallmouth Bass populations:
Northern Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu dolomieu):
Range: Found in the northern part of the Smallmouth Bass distribution, including the Great Lakes region and parts of Canada.
Size: Typically smaller than their southern counterparts but can still reach impressive sizes.
Coloration: May have a lighter coloration with more distinct markings. The coloration can vary based on the specific habitat.
Central Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu velox):
Range: Populations in the central part of North America, including rivers and lakes in the Midwest.
Size: Generally fall in between the Northern and Southern Smallmouth in terms of size.
Habitat: Often found in clear, cool streams and rivers.
Southern Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu dolomieui):
Range: Found in the southern part of the Smallmouth Bass distribution, including rivers and reservoirs in the southern United States.
Size: Can reach larger sizes than their northern counterparts, with some individuals exceeding 5 pounds.
Coloration: May have a darker coloration and less distinct markings.
Bronzeback Smallmouth Bass:
Common Name: Often referred to as "Bronzebacks" due to their bronze or brownish coloration.
General Characteristics: Regardless of specific subspecies, Smallmouth Bass are known for their robust and streamlined bodies, with a mouth that extends to the middle of the eye. They have a series of dark vertical bands on their sides.
Invasive Populations:
Smallmouth Bass have been introduced to various water bodies outside their native range, leading to non-native populations in some areas. For example, they have been introduced to western states like California.
General Characteristics of Smallmouth Bass:
Diet: Smallmouth Bass are opportunistic predators, feeding on a variety of prey such as crayfish, minnows, insects, and other small fish.
Spawning: Smallmouth Bass typically spawn in the spring when water temperatures rise. They create nests in gravel or rocky substrate, and males guard the eggs until they hatch.
Preferred Habitat: Smallmouth Bass are associated with clear and cool waters, often found in rocky areas, near structure, and in riverine environments.
Most of that is broadly accepted but there are recent developments and studies that are pointing toward the recognition of sub species or new species standing alone.
For example, the Neosho Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu velox) is often associated with a specific population of Smallmouth Bass found in the Neosho River and its tributaries, particularly in the central part of the United States. The Neosho River flows through states such as Kansas, Missouri, and Oklahoma.
Characteristics of Smallmouth Bass in the Neosho River:
Size:
Smallmouth Bass in the Neosho River, like other central populations, generally fall within the average size range for Smallmouth Bass. They can reach lengths of around 12 to 15 inches, with larger individuals occasionally caught.
Coloration:
The coloration of Neosho Smallmouth Bass is influenced by the characteristics of their habitat. Smallmouth Bass, in general, often exhibits bronze or brownish coloration, and the specific markings and shades can vary based on factors such as water clarity and substrate.
Habitat Preferences:
Neosho Smallmouth Bass are commonly found in clear or slightly stained waters with rocky substrates. They prefer areas with cover such as rocks, logs, and submerged vegetation.
Behavior:
Like Smallmouth Bass in other regions, those in the Neosho River are known for their aggressive feeding behavior. They are opportunistic predators that prey on a variety of aquatic organisms, including crayfish, minnows, and insects.
Spawning Habits:
Smallmouth Bass in the Neosho River, as with other populations, typically spawn in the spring. They construct nests in gravel or rocky substrate, and males guard the eggs until they hatch.
It's essential to keep in mind that while certain populations of Smallmouth Bass may be associated with specific rivers or regions, they are all part of the broader species Micropterus dolomieu. The characteristics of Smallmouth Bass populations can vary based on environmental factors, and there may not be strict boundaries between populations or subspecies.
Another Smallmouth the Ouachita Bass (Micropterus treculii) is considered a distinct species of black bass and is separate from the Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu). The Ouachita Bass is native to the Ouachita Mountains region in the southeastern United States, including parts of Arkansas and Oklahoma.
Here are some characteristics and information about the Ouachita Bass:
Appearance:
Ouachita Bass have a similar appearance to other black bass species, with a streamlined body and a slightly concave or straight dorsal fin. They often exhibit a coloration that includes shades of green, brown, and bronze, with dark lateral markings.
Size:
Ouachita Bass typically range in size from around 8 to 14 inches, but individuals exceeding 15 inches have been documented.
Habitat Preferences:
They are often found in clear, cool streams and rivers with rocky or gravel bottoms. Ouachita Bass prefer habitats with ample cover, such as submerged rocks, logs, and aquatic vegetation.
Diet:
Their diet consists of various aquatic organisms, including crayfish, insects, and small fish. Like other black bass species, they are opportunistic predators.
Spawning Behavior:
Ouachita Bass generally spawn in the spring when water temperatures rise. They create nests in gravel or rocky substrate, and males guard the eggs until they hatch.
Geographic Range:
The Ouachita Bass is endemic to the Ouachita Mountains region, primarily occurring in the tributaries and rivers of the Ouachita River drainage. Its distribution is relatively limited compared to some other black bass species.
Relationship to Other Smallmouth Bass Species:
The Ouachita Bass is a distinct species within the black bass group and is not considered a subspecies of the Smallmouth Bass. While they share certain ecological and behavioral traits with other black bass species, they have specific characteristics that define them as a separate species.
Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu) are a different species with a broader distribution across North America, including various populations in rivers and lakes in different regions. They have been introduced to many water bodies outside their native range.
In Oklahoma there have been observed instances of mixing between Smallmouth. “Most of the genetic mixing between native species and non-natives appears to be happening with the Neosho Smallmouth. The ODWC is directing many of its resources to understanding the extent of genetic mixing with this native species. In watersheds that contain the genetically unique Little River Bass, like the Upper Mountain Fork River and other tributaries of Broken Bow Lake, there is likely genetic mixing occurring as well.” (Hatch.mag)
Many of the areas fisheries are loaded with smallies. Populations exist in Grand Lake, Tenkiller, Murray, Eufaula, Texoma, and Broken Bow.
Texas now boasts a variety of Black Bass though Largemouth tend to get all the coverage these days thanks to FFS and Livescope but there are still Smallmouth. The four major species are Guadalupe Bass, Northern Largemouth Bass, and Spotted Bass are native to Texas. Florida Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Alabama Bass have been introduced.
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