Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth Bass in Western North Carolina Streams, Rivers, and Reservoirs
Known for its fighting ability, aggressiveness, and stamina, the Smallmouth Bass Micropterus dolomieu is a popular game fish sought by anglers throughout the United States.
Riverine Smallmouth Bass are widely distributed throughout western North Carolina, where native populations are found in interior basin drainages and introduced populations are found on the Atlantic slope drainages. These riverine populations are ecologically important and provide popular fisheries.
Reservoir Smallmouth Bass populations are also found in the western part of the state, and fish in these systems generally grow faster and attain larger sizes when compared to their stream-dwelling counterparts. Recognizing the importance of riverine and reservoir smallmouth bass fisheries, the NCWRC has produced and compiled several resources to provide life history, angling, management, and conservation information for this unique North Carolina fish.
Conservation Status
Smallmouth Bass are currently considered at low risk of extirpation due to their extensive occurrence range in North Carolina. However, invasive Alabama Bass pose considerable threats to North Carolina Smallmouth Bass populations.
Smallmouth Distribution in NC
Black Bass Identification
Below is a comparison of the Alabama Bass, Bartram's Bass, Largemouth Bass, Smallmouth Bass, and Spotted Bass. Images courtesy of Black Bass iNaturalist.
Reports, Summaries & Publications
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Riverine Management Reports/Publications
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2020 - Initiating a Standardized Monitoring Protocol to Evaluate Riverine Smallmouth Bass Populations in Western North Carolina (2020–2026)
2019 - Initial Evaluation of Smallmouth Bass Stocking in Green River (2013–2016)
2017 - Evaluation of Angling as a Stock Assessment Tool for Riverine Smallmouth Bass Populations (2013)
2017 - New River Smallmouth Bass Survey (2013)
2015 - Yadkin River Game Fish and Catfish Survey (2012)
2013 - What Can Brown Do for You? River Smallmouth Bass Fishing and Management in North Carolina (Wildlife in North Carolina Magazine, Vol 77, Number 5, September–October)
2012 - Riverine Smallmouth Bass Surveys, Final Report (2007–2009)
2011 - Smallmouth Bass Fishing in Western North Carolina (2007–2009)
2009 - Riverine Smallmouth Bass Surveys, Interim Report (2007–2008)
2006 - New River Smallmouth Bass Survey (2005)
2004 - New River Smallmouth Bass Summary (2003)
Reservoir Management Reports
2019 - Lake Fontana Black Bass Electrofishing Survey (2007-2009)
2019 - Nantahala Reservoir Gill-Net Surveys (2010 and 2017)
2006 - Lake James Black Bass Survey (2004-2006)
2005 - Comparison of Day and Night Electrofishing for Largemouth and Smallmouth Bass in Three NC Reservoirs (2003–2004)
2005 - Glenville Reservoir Black Bass Electrofishing Survey (2000–2002)
2005 - Lake James Black Bass Investigation Survey Summary (2004)
2005 - Lake James Black Bass Investigation Survey Summary (2005)
2003 - Hiwassee Reservoir Black Bass Electrofishing Survey (2000–2002)
Summaries
2019 - Cheoah River Smallmouth Bass Survey (2012–2019)
2017 - Green River Black Bass Survey (2017)
2007 - Evaluation of the Black Bass Population in Lake James, North Carolina (2004-2006)
Regulations
Related Links
Aquatic Nuisance Species - Learn more about aquatic nuisance species in North Carolina, how they got here, and what the NCWRC is doing to protect your waters.
N.C. Stream Conditions - a list of websites that provide information on current stream flow conditions and projected release schedules from hydro power stations.
North Carolina Fishing Records and Angler Recognition Program - North Carolina has four programs that officially recognize anglers who have caught large fish.
Where to Fish - Interactive map of publicly accessible fishing opportunities in western North Carolina streams, rivers, and reservoirs.
NC Fishes - more information and photos of fishes in North Carolina. (External website)
Protect Your Waters From Aquatic Hitchhikers - Learn how to prevent the spread of aquatic nuisance species through basic gear care procedures. (External website)
Bass Anglers Sportsman Society Conservation News – links to Keeping Bass Alive Guides, Bassmaster Conservation Directors, and aquatic conservation news (External website)
Major League Fishing Fish Management Division – links to the Fish Management Division of the Major League Fishing tournament circuit and more (External website)
Photos
