Smallmouth Bass Smallies have been stocked in many of Colorado's warm-water lakes. Smallmouth compared to largemouths have generally done better in Colorado because of their ability to withstand warm water temperatu...
Smallies have been stocked in many of Colorado's warm-water lakes. Smallmouth compared to largemouths have generally done better in Colorado because of their ability to withstand warm water temperatures and fluctuating water levels. Smallmouths will spawn in deeper water than largemouths enabling them to withstand the changing water. As summer heats up so do the smallies. Fly-fishing for smallies along lake shorelines can be a great day as they hit small streamers hard and are a tough-fighting fish.
Colorado Master Angler Award qualifying length for Smallmouth Bass is 17"
Colorado Released Fish Record for Smallmouth Bass is 23.75"
From the Colorado DOW: Introduced to Colorado in 1951, small-mouth have been stocked in warm- and cool-water reservoirs and lakes in many parts of the state. The best way to distinguish the smallmouth from its cousin, the largemouth bass, is by the “smallies” jaws that does not extend beyond the eye. They maintain broken vertical lines on their sides and many have a reddish eye. Smallies are frequently caught along rip-rap shorelines with small jigs or crayfish imitations, and can be a great fish for impatient kids who may need a lot of action.
