Good lake or reservoir conditions are characterized by clear water, gravel shores, large area, and an average depth over 29 feet. Spawning locations can vary from creeks and tributaries to rocky lake shores, river shallows, and backwater areas. Clean rock or gravel substrates are important characteristics in smallmouth bass spawning locations. They prefer to spawn in water 1-2 feet deep but may build nests in waters as deep as 20 feet. Nests are commonly built in gravel or rocky substrate, near cover and in very low water velocity areas.
Smallmouth bass prefer to live in cover where they can find protection from the light.
The diet of smallmouth bass gets progressively larger as the fish grows. Juveniles feed primarily on microcrustaceans and gradually feed on larger insects, crayfish, and other fish as they mature. Prey items will vary geographically and by abundance. The great fighting ability of smallmouth bass has attracted recreational fishermen for years. There are numerous bass TV shows, magazines, and clubs nationwide.