We have gathered some information on Smallmouth seasonal patterns in hopes it helps you pick when you would like to plan your trip based up the seasons and they type of fishing you like to do.
Winter Winding Down and The Ice Moves Out
Smallmouth looking to Spawn
April 20th through May 10th
The Pre-Spawn period is a time where a single catch may indicate that more fish are nearby. Using a variety of techniques, anglers can expect to catch healthy and strong smallmouth bass. This time of year, often the temperature may be as low as 30 degrees when starting the day, with a little warmth as the day goes on. This would be a time I recommend warm clothing thick coat, gloves and a hat. Dressing in layers is key as the sun comes up and the day goes on, we often find ourselves taking layers off.
The early part of the season takes place in Canadian only waters on the St. Lawrence River. We take advantage of the early season opportunities for open catch and release that Zone 20 section of the river offers. This is an amazing time of year to fish. The fish are generally grouped up along ledges and drop off near areas that they will eventually spawn. As we get towards the end of the Canadian season the fish have often made their move towards the spawning grounds and start feeding to get ready for the spawn. This time of year, we will be using Bladebaits, finesse football jigs, Strike king Rage swimmers, jerkbaits crankbaits and hair jigs etc.
Continued Pre-spawn May 11th-June 15th
This time of year, with a rising water temperature the smallmouth move to spawn in different sections of the river and Lake Ontario. Not all sections of the Lake and River are created equal, as each bay and section of the river warm differently, leading to spawning being ahead and behind in certain areas.
From May through early weeks of June, smallmouth bass can be seen spawning throughout various bays and parts of the lake. Anglers may employ different techniques depending on the wind direction and water clarity.
This time of year, we offer a more basic fishing trip, it’s what I like to call the “fun Season”, and we will not be targeting any one species. During this time frame we will employ different techniques such as Jerkbaits, spinnerbaits, inline spinners, Strike king Rage swimmers, bottom baits such a Ned rigs and others. During this time, we can catch just about every game fish that Lake Ontario offers, including Pike, Pickerel, Smallmouth bass, Large Mouth bass and various others.
Second option for this time of year is Oneida Lake. Oneida lake is a great smallmouth fishery and is a great option this time of year. Please refer to the Fisheries tab above for more information.
Post-Spawn Summer
This will be your July through August time frame.
As the spawn concludes, smallmouth bass begin to migrate offshore to deeper waters where they will form schools once again. Summer days with schools of smallmouth bass make for excellent fishing. With a variety of lures and techniques, anglers can expect to catch numerous smallmouth bass. It is important to note that schools may change locations depending on the water clarity and wind direction. With its unique bottom structure and composition, Lake Ontario leads itself to having a large population of fish that also stay shallow and can be caught on bottom baits such as compact football jigs, Ned rigs, goby imitation baits, and some moving baits like the rage swimmer and Chatterbaits.
As the days get shorter and the nights get cooler.
September through November.
As summer draws to a close, smallmouth bass migrate towards the banks, searching for easy meals to fatten up before the winter months. Late September until the lake ices over is another great time to catch a trophy smallmouth bass. The later it gets, the bigger the schools get. With the right water clarity, anglers can have an excellent day on the water. This time of year, we will be again throwing Swimbaits, jigs, Alabama Rigs, Bladebaits and Fishing gets better as winter nears—the quiet, crisp air, and great catches.
We hope the following information is helpful in helping you choose your time of year you would like to book your trip.