Early summer
Where: Gravel flats and rocky shorelines post-spawn.
Try: Tube jigs and topwater walkers.
Back to store overviewSmallmouth
04 / 06 · Species guide
Smallmouth
The rocky-shore fighter.
Pound for pound the hardest fighter in fresh water. Rock, clear water and finesse baits are the recipe.
Open seasonFourth Saturday in June to November 30Most central zones open late June. Some waters allow catch-and-release only earlier — always check.
Peak biteBright, calm days in summer; windy points in fall
Typical depth3–35 ft
Where to find them
Seasonal playbook.
Summer
Where: Offshore humps, boulders and points 15–30 ft.
Try: Drop-shot and Ned rigs.
Fall
Where: Big schools on deep rock near baitfish.
Try: Jerkbaits and hair jigs.
Tips & tricks
From the counter.
- Downsize line in clear water — 6–8 lb fluoro leader.
- Watch your electronics; offshore fish suspend over rock.
- Natural goby and crayfish colours rule.
- A slow drag beats a fast hop.
Popular gear
What's in the box.
- Drop-shot hooks & weights
- Ned heads + plastics
- 3.5" tubes
- Suspending jerkbaits
- Walking topwater
Rod, reel & line
Recommended setups.
Finesse
- Rod
- 7'0" Medium-Light, extra-fast
- Reel
- 2500 spinning
- Line
- 10 lb braid + 7 lb fluoro
- Best for
- Drop-shot, Ned rig, tubes
Power
- Rod
- 7'0" Medium, fast
- Reel
- 6.4:1 baitcaster
- Line
- 12 lb fluoro
- Best for
- Jerkbaits and cranks
Shop for smallmouth
Gear for this fish.
Other species
Season dates are general guidance for this demo — always check current Ontario fishing regulations for your zone.