Smallmouth Bass Fishing in Wisconsin
Pound for pound the best fighters in Wisconsin waters. Lake Michigan and Green Bay produce giant smallmouth, and the St. Croix, Wisconsin, and Menominee rivers offer exceptional wading and float-trip fishing.
Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu
Pound for pound the best fighters in Wisconsin waters. Lake Michigan and Green Bay produce giant smallmouth, and the St. Croix, Wisconsin, and Menominee rivers offer exceptional wading and float-trip fishing.
Size Limit
14 inches minimum (northern zone), no minimum (southern zone)
Daily Bag
5
Season
First Saturday in May through March 1
State Record
9 lb 1 oz
Indian Lake (1950)
Best Months to Fish
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
What to Use
Live Bait & Natural
CrayfishLeechesHellgrammites
Lures & Artificials
Tube jigsNed rigsCrankbaitsTopwater poppersDrop shot rigs
Regulation Notes
Same zones and seasons as largemouth bass.
More Wisconsin Fish Species
Plan Your Smallmouth Bass Trip
Find lakes, guides, and bait shops for your next smallmouth bass fishing trip in Wisconsin.
Explore Lakes Find a Guide Bait & TackleRegulations shown are statewide defaults. Some waters have special regulations — always check the current Wisconsin DNR regulations before fishing. A Wisconsin fishing license is required for ages 16+.