• Characteristics - golden green sides and back with faint, wavy olive blotches along the sides, 5 olive-green bars radiate back from the red eye and 1 radiates forward; spiny and soft portions of dorsal fin broadly connected; fish over 3-4 pounds are trophy-sized
• Distribution - northeastern 2/3 state in clear rivers, streams and some lakes; most abundant in northeast Iowa
• Foods - fish, crustaceans, larger insects
• State Record - 7 pounds, 12 ounces - West Okoboji Lake, Dickinson County, September 1990 - Rick Gray, Dickinson, Iowa
• Expert's Tip - light spinning gear using crayfish colored crankbaits can produce hot smallmouth action!

For more smallmouth bass information, see our printable pdf (106K) or Iowa Fish & Fishing.