Fish ID
Smallmouth Bass
Hard-pulling bass of rocky, clear water. Common in foothill reservoirs and Sierra rivers.
Key ID marks
- Bronze-brown with vertical bars
- Red to orange eye
- Jaw does not reach past the eye
Mouth ID
Upper jaw ends below or before the eye.
Typical size
1–4 lb
Best season
Year-round
Where
Rocky reservoirs, Delta, foothill rivers
Look-alikes
Spotted bass (horizontal blotches, belly dots).
Fish & Game notes
Black bass limit is 5 combined, with some waters having 12 in minimums. Check CDFW.
Current CDFW regulations →Find it here
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