​BLACK BASS
(SMALLMOUTH, LARGEMOUTH AND SPOTTED BASS)

FISH FOR BASS

• Best Fishing Waters - Largemouth & Smallmouth Bass
  
• Bass Seasons, Sizes and Limits - Commonwealth Inland Waters
• Big Bass Program - Special Regulations
  
• Species overview, identification, habitat and life history from the Pennsylvania Fishes Reference Book

SMALLMOUTH BASS FISHING TIPS

WHERE
Habitat -- Warm streams and rivers with gravel bottoms; Rocky areas along weed beds; A few clear lakes, ponds and reservoirs

HOW
Bait -- Crayfish, minnows, hellgrammite fished on a jig-head or a light wire hook drifted on the bottom or under a bobber
Lures -- Bucktail jigs, crankbaits, spinners, twisters, top-water poppers & stickbaits
Lure Color -- Brown, black, motor-oil green, shad colored
Line -- 4-10 lb. test
Hook Size -- 1-4
Lure Size -- 1/16 to 3/4 oz.

WHEN
Spring -- Daytime
Summer -- Early morning, Late evening
Fall -- Daytime

WHERE
Habitat -- Weedy lakes and ponds, sluggish or backwater areas on rivers. Largemouth can tolerate a wide range of conditions
HOW
Bait -- Large minnows, crayfish fished on the bottom or under a bobber
Lures -- Jigs, crankbaits, plastic worms, twisters & poppers
Lure Color -- Black, brown, purple and green
Line -- 6-14 lb. test
Hook Size -- 3/0-4
Lure Size -- 1/16 to 1 oz.
WHEN
Spring -- Daytime
Summer -- Early morning, Early evening

Fall -- Daytime

INTERACTIVE MAPS

Find waters by using our interactive maps:

• Warmwater/Coolwater Fisheries for waters known to have bass in them
• Special Regulation Areas (Big Bass Program)
  
• Biologist Reports for reports on waters surveyed by Commission biologists
• County Guide for access points