Lake Taneycomo
Rainbow and trout are the primary species of fish in the upper part of the lake, closer to the dam. In the warmer part of the lake, mainly below Rockaway Beach, you can find other species of fish too. Largemouth bass are the most common bass, however, smallmouth and spotted bass are present as well. Bluegill, crappie, walleye and white bass can be found in the lake too.
Table Rock Lake
There is also a very good smallmouth bass fishery on Table Rock Lake. Anglers usually fish deep for them because of the clear water. Anglers that know how to target them will usually put up some good numbers with some good fish mixed in too. Learn more on our Table Rock Lake Smallmouth Bass Fishing page.
Bull Shoals Lake
Bull Shoals Lake has good numbers of smallmouth bass available too. If you fish deeper and target these fish, you can expect to catch some and there are some big fish that roam these waters too. With the clear water, fish deeper and use lighter line and you’ll catch more fish. Learn more on our Bull Shoals Lake Smallmouth Bass Fishing page.
Best Baits for Smallmouth Bass
Smallmouth bass will eat a variety of different baits. Minnows, nightcrawlers and leeches are definitely the best live baits for smallmouth bass.
When it comes to artificial lures, you have lots of options. Soft plastic crayfish, twin tail grubs, worms and minnow baits are very effective. Hard baits such as crankbaits, jerkbaits and spinners also work great.
Learn More
Live Baits for Smallmouth Bass
Best Rigs for Smallmouth Bass
With so many different soft plastics to use, you have so many different rigs that work great for smallmouth bass. The drop shot rig, a simple jighead, standup jigheads and scrounger jigheads are some of the best rigs for smallmouth bass. To see our full list, take a look at our best rigs for smallmouth bass page.
Best Techniques for Smallmouth Bass
There are so many different techniques you can use for smallmouth bass since they can be found shallow, deep and anywhere in between. Anglers usually cast for them, but jigging, drop shotting and drifting are also some great techniques for smallmouth bass.
To learn more, take a look at our best techniques for smallmouth bass page.
Learn More About Smallmouth Bass
Our smallmouth bass fishing section has tons of tips on the best lures, live baits, where to catch them and how to catch them.
Visit our smallmouth bass fishing website to learn more.
