Bass can be found around submerged trees, vegetation and drop-offs. The meat is mild tasting, white, flaky, firm and low in oil content. The snout is long and bluntly pointed, with the lower jaw slightly longer than the upper. Smallmouth bass vary in color with habitat, but are normally bronze to brown on the back with sides lighter and the belly yellowish. There are 8 to 15 dark vertical bands on the sides.
Eyes are reddish.
Anterior dorsal fin has 10 spines, and is strongly joined to the soft dorsal. The anal fin has three spines. They measure 12 to 22 inches in length and weigh from 8 ounces to 7 pounds. They prefer rocky habitats in streams and lakes with clear waters. They feed on shad and crayfish in lakes and crayfish and minnows in streams.