Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieui

smallmouth bass © ODNR

Description: With mouth closed, the end of the upper jaw does not extend past the eye. Its color varies from yellow-green to olive-green with bronze iridescence. They are normally 10-15 inches long and weigh less than two pounds. (See enlarged picture below.)

Food: Crayfish, minnows, and aquatic insects.

Habitat: One of the top predators in Ohio streams and lakes, the smallmouth prefers the deeper pools having moderate to swift currents flowing over gravel, boulder, or bedrock substrates.

Threats: Populations have shown marked declines statewide over the last 100 years as a result of channelization, dam construction, increased water turbidities, and siltation of stream habitats.