Habits

• Smallmouth bass are highly adaptable and thrive in many lakes, reservoirs, creeks, rivers and ponds in Massachusetts. These fish generally gravitate to rocky areas and places with access to both deep and shallow water. In rivers, they are often found in areas with a succession of riffles, runs and pools. Spawning occurs in mid-May to early June in most Massachusetts waterways, when smallies build nests and lay eggs in one to three feet of water, usually on firm bottom with slow current. Smallmouths are often schooling fish, and catching one may indicate that there are more nearby.
  
  

Timing

• Massachusetts smallmouths can be caught any time of the year, but the periods just before and after the spawn are often the most productive times to fish, particularly in shallower water. The summer peak period from July to early August is productive as well, but fish tend to be found on deeper structure like rockpiles, dropoffs and deep points. Fall usually finds smallmouths in moderate depths. By winter, bass tend to be in a state of near-hibernation in deep water, rarely feeding unless food is presented directly in front of them. Thus, winter smallies are difficult to catch, but a few are caught on jigs through the ice on Massachusetts lakes and ponds.
  
  

Tactics

• Smallmouths feed mainly on crayfish and minnows and worms, so any of these make for effective live bait when fished on bottom or under a bobber. Any lures that imitate these can be highly useful tools to catch these fish as well. Tubes and jigs can be fished on bottom in rocky areas and in currents, while a variety of soft plastics (worms, lizards, stickbaits, grubs) are effective in a variety of situations. Topwaters often fare best in the morning and evening, while crankbaits and spinnerbaits are better during the day. These are only general guidelines, however, and experimentation and a willingness to try new things are the best ways to discover the best fishing tactics on any given day.
  
  

Destinations

• Topwaters for smallmouth bass in Massachusetts include the Connecticut River, Flax Pond, Long Pond, Peter's Pond, Quabbin Reservoir, Schoolhouse Pond, Sheep Pond, Spectacle Pond and Wachusett Reservoir, though this is by no means an exhaustive list.
  
  

Regulations

• Smallmouth and largemouth bass are grouped together as "black bass," according to Massachusetts regulations. A daily limit of five and minimum size of 12 inches is in place for black bass on most waters in the state, and bass fishing is open year-round. Licenses are required to fish for all freshwater species in Massachusetts, and they are available at most bait shops and sporting goods stores statewide.