ND Smallmouth Bass Fishing Guide

Sunfish Family: Sunfish family members are deep and stockily built, attractive in coloration and popular as panfish. Most sunfish spawn in early summer, when water temperatures warm to the mid-60 and low 70-degree range. Male sunfish build nests by excavating soft substrate with their fins to expose sand, gravel, roots or other firm objects for females to lay their eggs over.

Identification: Dorsal fin has a spiny front portion and a soft-rayed rear portion Dorsal fin is almost separated into two parts Similar in color to the largemouth, except for barred markings on its sides Mouth is smaller and the rear of the upper jaw does not extend beyond the center of the eye

Notes: Smallmouth bass prefer rocky habitat and are common in many of North Dakota’s larger reservoirs. They are an underutilized resource in North Dakota and provide an excellent fight on hook and line. Smallmouth bass eat a variety of fish, insects and invertebrates. They are particularly fond of crayfish.

Habitat & Range

Smallmouth bass prefer rocky habitat and are common in many of North Dakota’s larger reservoirs. They are an underutilized resource in North Dakota and provide an excellent fight on hook and line. Smallmouth bass eat a variety of fish, insects and invertebrates. They are particularly fond of crayfish.

Fishing Season

Open year-round (April 1 – March 31)

License & Regulations

A valid North Dakota fishing license is required for anglers 16 and older. Resident and non-resident licenses are available. Two free fishing days per year (typically in June and December) allow fishing without a license. Purchase licenses online through the North Dakota Game and Fish Department website.

References

• North Dakota — Smallmouth Bass