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Smallmouth Bass Fishing Guides

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Recently Booked Smallmouth Bass Fishing Guides

Fishing in New Braunfels

River Fishing Trip in New Braunfels

Hill Country Bass & Trout On The Fly

100% (3)
14 ft 1 - 2 People $
Fishing in Austin

Lake, River Fishing Trip in Austin

Hill Country Backcountry Bassin'

100% (3)
18 ft 1 - 3 People $
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Austin

Lake Fishing Trip in Austin

Chasing Bassquatch Texas Bass Trip

NEW
19 ft 1 - 2 People $
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Sevierville

River Fishing Trip in Sevierville

French Broad River Fishing

100% (1)
18 ft 1 - 2 People $
Fishing in Fort Worth

River Fishing Trip in Fort Worth

Walk-and-Wade Adventure

NEW
1 - 4 People $
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Lewiston

Lake, River Fishing Trip in Lewiston

Niagara River Fishing Charters

100% (1)
22 ft 1 - 4 People $

Most Popular Types of Smallmouth Bass Trips

“Our Damn Good Guides go above and beyond to provide you an incredible trip, and we’ve handpicked every single one. We’re passionate about the outdoors and about empowering people to find the perfect-match guide for the trip of a lifetime, every time.”

Jonathan and Attison   |   Co-founders   |   Austin, Texas

More Smallmouth Bass Fishing Guides

Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Traverse City
Fishing in Traverse City
Fishing in Traverse City
trip description for Traverse City Smallie Special in Traverse City

Although Traverse City is known for its Salmon and Steelhead fishing, this area is also prime territory for Smallmouth Bass! Captain Butch has decades of experiences hooking wallhangers in the Bay and on the nearby inland lakes, and he excels in putting his clients on big fish. Smallmouth Bass offer a great experience to all levels of anglers. These fish hit both baits and lures, and you can expect massive topwater takes in addition to big bites when you're jigging off the bottom. Captain Butch is happy to give you some expert advice so that you can improve your cast, perfect your retrieve, and hit a personal best! On your fishing adventure, you will be fishing aboard a 21' Ranger skiff. She's ideal for fishing the shallow waters where big Smallies like to hang out, and she's powered by a 250-HP Yamaha outboard so you'll get out there in a hurry. Captain Butch will bring everything you need for an awesome trip, including all the rods, reels, and tackle. Just bring weather-appropriate clothing, your MI fishing licenses, and some sun protection, and you'll be ready to whack some big ones! Read More

Lake Fishing Trip in Traverse City

Traverse City Smallie Special

100% (1)
21 ft 1 - 2 People $
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Blaine
Fishing in Blaine
Fishing in Blaine
trip description for Holston River Fly Fishing in Blaine

Join Captain Jason on the Holston River for some of the best fly fishing you’ve ever seen! The river is loaded with Trout and smallmouth bass . There’s a reason fly fishing is the angler’s pastime! There’s no better feeling than whipping a line across the river to hook a fish, and the serenity of it all can’t be beat. Whether you are an experienced angler or just learning the ropes, this trip will be fun for everyone! Up to 2 anglers can fit aboard the 16’ Clackacraft drift boat, plus Captain Jason. The vessel drifts calmly down the river, putting you right in the middle of some of the most beautiful scenery in East Tennessee. As you make your casts, look out for the interesting geology, amazing wildlife, and of course, diverse fish! Captain Jason will provide all the rods, reels, flies, and tackle needed for a great adventure. You should bring sunblock and appropriate clothing, and of course a snack for the midday stop. Read More

River Fishing Trip in Blaine

Holston River Fly Fishing

NEW
16 ft 1 - 2 People $
Damn Good
A Certified Damn Good Guide is someone who goes above and beyond to show you an incredible experience on your trip. Guides earn this badge through quality reviews, quick and responsive communication, and low cancellation rates.
Fishing in Broken Bow
Fishing in Broken Bow
Fishing in Broken Bow
trip description for Half day Drift Boat in Broken Bow

The only fly fishing service to offer drift boat fly fishing. We have two boats available that can fit two anglers each. Read More

River Fishing Trip in Broken Bow

Half Day Drift Boat

100% (1)
16 ft 1 - 2 People $
Fishing in Lakeside Marblehead
Fishing in Lakeside Marblehead
Fishing in Lakeside Marblehead
trip description for Lake Erie Smallies, Walleye, Perch in Lakeside Marblehead

Although Lake Erie isn't the biggest or the deepest of the Great Lakes, it certainly has some of the best fishing, with strong native stocks of Walleye, Smallmouth Bass, Perch, and more! On this trip with Captain Bob, you'll have full access to this rich fishery, and you'll have a blast on either the half-day or the full-day trip options. When you're targeting multiple species, you'll naturally use different techniques to maximize your chances of success. Here, that means slow-trolling for Walleye, which like to hit lures moving quickly near the bottom, as well as light tackle cast-and-retrieve techniques for Smallmouth Bass and Perch. Bass are typically a catch-and-release species, but Walleye and Perch are both excellent eating fish, and Captain Bob can have your fish picked up and cleaned for you at the dock. Just bring a cooler so you can take your keepers home. You'll be fishing aboard his 30' SportCraft sportfisher. She's a beauty, and is perfect for the kinds of fishing you'll be doing. She sports a 380-HP inboard engine, so you'll be out there trolling in the blink of an eye, and has a comfortable cabin area with seating to keep you having fun all day. Captain Bob will come prepared with everything you need for an awesome trip! Just make sure to bring proper clothing, your Ohio fishing licenses, and a smile. Read More

Lake Fishing Trip in Lakeside Marblehead

Lake Erie Smallies, Walleye, Perch

NEW
29 ft 1 - 6 People $
Fishing in Granbury
Fishing in Granbury
Fishing in Granbury
trip description for Brazos River Drift Trip in Granbury

Enjoy this trip on one of North Texas' most beautiful rivers—the Brazos. You'll be in a perfect place to catch over ten species of freshwater sportfish, all while surrounding yourself with some of the best scenery this part of the state has to offer. From November to February, Texas Parks and Wildlife stocks this section of the Brazos with Rainbow Trout, so you can get a Rocky Mountain fly fishing experience without having to leave the state. This trip is a great "mixed bag" adventure, and because Bass, Trout, Gar, Cats, and Crappie all eat some of the same bugs, you never know what species is going to blow up your fly! Wade trips are also a great way for you to work on technique by receiving specific, one-on-one instruction from a professional fly fishing guide. Your guide, Ben, will provide everything you need for an epic trip, including rods, reels, tippet, and flies. The fish are biting—what are you waiting for?! Read More

River Fishing Trip in Granbury

Brazos River Drift Trip

NEW
14 ft 1 - 3 People $
Fishing in Granbury
Fishing in Granbury
Fishing in Granbury
trip description for Brazos River Luxury Overnight in Granbury

Get out there on one of Texas' most scenic rivers for a two-day, one-night overnight fly-fishing adventure! Your guide, Ben, is a terrific angler and a master instructor who knows this water better than almost anyone. Whether you're a season fly fisherman or looking to up your game, this trip is perfect for you. Unlike most fly-fishing trips that target Trout, Ben specializes in catching Bass on the fly. In addition, you'll be able to chase bites from tons of freshwater species, including Catfish, Crappie, Gar, Drum, and more! These fish are a blast to fight on a flyrod, and can really help improve your casting technique, hookset, and more. On this overnight trip, you'll be treated like a king, with three meals a day, excellent camping accommodations, and a tailored experience that you can make all your own. Breakfasts and lunches will be light to keep you moving, but dinners are extremely hearty, with pork osso buco, venison barbacoa, and tons of other game-forward meals on offer. In addition, wine and liquor of your choice are available! Give us a call and let us help you book the Texas fly-fishing trip of a lifetime! Read More

River Fishing Trip in Granbury

Brazos River Luxury Overnight

NEW
16 ft 1 - 6 People $$$
See All Smallmouth Bass Trips

Everything to Know About Booking a fishing trip

What are the best smallmouth bass fishing trips?

Our Damn Good Guides currently offer 34 smallmouth bass trips, and the most popular trips are Hill Country Bass & Trout on the Fly guided by Chris, Hill Country Backcountry Bassin' guided by Carson, and Chasing Bassquatch Texas Bass Trip guided by Ander.

Our guides are rated a 5 out of 5 based on 2574 verified reviews on Captain Experiences.

All guides on Captain Experiences are licensed, insured, and vetted by our team. You can access their reviews, click through trip photos, read bios to get to know them, and preview trip details like species, techniques, group sizes, boat specs and more.

Looking for kid friendly smallmouth bass guides / fishing lessons? Check out our beginner and family friendly smallmouth bass guides.

What types of smallmouth bass fishing trips are common?

River fishing is the most popular for smallmouth bass as well as lake fishing and nearshore fishing.

The most common fishing techniques are light tackle fishing, fly fishing, and artificial lure fishing but drift fishing and topwater fishing are popular as well.

How much does a smallmouth bass fishing trip cost?

for smallmouth bass prices can range anywhere from about $350 to $3,500, but the average price for a half day trip for smallmouth bass is $463. The average price for a full day trip for smallmouth bass is $1,773.

What month is best for smallmouth bass fishing?

The most popular season for smallmouth bass fishing is spring, and most anglers book their trips 23 days in advance.

Do I need a fishing license for smallmouth bass and what are the bag limits for smallmouth bass?

See here for more information on smallmouth bass fishing licenses, smallmouth bass bag limits, and fishing season regulations for smallmouth bass. When in doubt, your fishing guide will always know the right smallmouth bass rules and regulations.

What is a Smallmouth Bass?

Smallmouth Bass (Micropterus dolomieu), sometimes referred to as bronzeback, brown bass, brownie, smallie, bronze bass, or bareback bass, are a very popular freshwater gamefish known for their incredible fighting abilities. This member of the sunfish family have a slender but muscular body that make them powerful swimmers.

They range in color from a golden olive to dark brown, that shades into a yellowish white with dark brown vertical stripes or splotches along their body, with dark brown horizontal stripes on their head. With this camouflaging and their powerful swimming, they make excellent ambush predators.

There are two subspecies of smallmouth bass. These include the Northern smallmouth bass (M. dolomieui dolomieui) and the Neosho smallmouth bass (M. dolomieui velox). The Northern smallmouth bass are widespread through North America, where as the Neosho are found in the Central Interior Highlands which are found in southwestern Missouri, northern Arkansas and northeastern Oklahoma.

How big do Smallmouth Bass get?

Male smallmouth bass usually max out at about two pounds, where as females will on average be three to six pounds. For either gender, smallmouth bass that live in lakes tend to be larger than those that live in streams and ponds.

What's the biggest Smallmouth Bass ever caught?

The IGFA lists the all-tackle world record smallie at 11 pounds, 15 ounces and 27 inches in length. It was caught by David Hayes out of Dale Hollow Lake, Tennessee on July 9th, 1955. He brought it back to the Cedar Hill Resort, now known as the Dale Hollow Marina, to be weighed.

Where is the best place to catch Smallmouth Bass?

Smallmouth bass are native to the Great Lakes and southeastern Canada, as well as areas of the mid-south in Tennessee, Alabama, and Oklahoma. However, they have now been introduced across the United States, other than Florida, Alaska, and Louisiana.

They prefer cooler and clearer waters than largemouth bass, and can be found in both still and running water. When in lakes, they will be around rocky or sandy areas and stumps.

When should I catch Smallmouth Bass?

Smallies can be caught year round, however the best time to fish for them is in the summer. Summertime is when they are the most active, since with rising water temperatures their metabolism rises as well. They will be feeding more often, making them more interested in hooking onto your bait.

However, they will also be in deeper and cooler waters in the summer, making them more difficult to find. The spring and fall are other great times to go, although they will be less active, they will be easier to locate as they swim in more open waters.

No matter what time of year you go, early morning or late evening are the best time to fish for them. The calmer the water, the better.

How do you catch Smallmouth Bass?

Smallies can be caught by using spinning, bait casting, or fly fishing gear. Although they are smaller than their largemouth relatives, they are still strong fighters. If using a spinning rod, a six to ten pound test line should be used. If using a fly rod a six to eight rod is recommended.

For bait, insects, jigs, minnows, plugs, plastic worms, night crawlers, spinning baits, and flies can be used.

Are Smallmouth Bass good to eat? What are the best Smallmouth Bass recipes?

Smallmouth are known to be some of the best panfish you can eat. They have a soft, white flesh, and are caught by fishermen both for sport, but also specifically to eat.

The best way to eat smallmouth is pan fried. To prepare, combine flour, salt, and pepper in a plastic bag. In a separate bowl, mix bread crumbs and cornmeal. In a second bowl, whisk together egg whites and water. Then take each fillet, first shake them in the flour mixture, then dip them in the egg mixture, then finally roll them in the bread crumb mixture.

They are then read to fry in oil and butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Once golden brown on both sides, serve with lemon wedges.

Recent Reviews of Captain Experiences

  • ★★★★★
    Captain Joe was the best! And he knows how to get on them BIGS!!!

    Jaxon H. with Joseph S. of Lewiston, New York

  • ★★★★★
    Great guide. Knew how to do the job and did it.

    Mayo . with Chris S. of Broken Bow, Oklahoma

  • ★★★★★
    Had an amazing time with Shane on our Brazos river kayak trip. He was a phenomenal guide and would definitely recommend him to anyone looking for a great fishing trip. Would absolutely do again!

    Tony A. with Shane D. of Brazos River, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Great trip

    Jeffrey S. with Jason J. of Sevierville, Tennessee

  • ★★★★★
    My daughter and I had a great time fishing with Butch. She had never caught a smallmouth before. Not only did she catch more than me she caught the biggest (4.40 lbs). Weather wasn't ideal with slick water and overcast most of the time but he still managed to put on some good fish. Our best 5 went a little over 16.5lbs. Was a good trip and I would recommend Butch as he has a lot of guide/tournament experience in the area. We went in the West Bay out of Traverse City.

    Terry K. with Butch D. of Traverse City, Michigan

  • ★★★★★
    Another great day out with Chris. We found lots of rainbows up to 18" and even a Guad bass and my first perch on fly anywhere!

    Simon S. with Chris J. of New Braunfels, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Zach was very personable and a very good guide. I fought several large salmon. We only got one in the boat but we had dozens of opportunities. I am going again.

    Tay B. with Zach G. of Custer, Michigan

  • ★★★★★
    Had a great day with Chris. Ended up with 5 rainbows, all between 12" and 18" which is a good day wherever you are. When you have that on beautiful day in the stunning Texas Hill country is it hard to beat as a fishing experience. Well worth the trip from Houston and I be back to fish the Guadalupe again before the spring.

    Simon S. with Chris J. of New Braunfels, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Carson is the man 10/10!

    Joey B. with Carson C. of Austin, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Great friendly guide. Worked hard to find fish

    Logan H. with Carson C. of Austin, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    Had the best time with Captain Carson. It was our first time bass fishing outside the Midwest and he was an excellent guide and great at teaching us some new techniques. He was very knowledgable about the area, and has experience with all sorts of fishing from river and lake to offshore. Shared some great stories, had an awesome experience, and plan to be going out again! Thanks again Carson!

    Shawna S. with Carson C. of Austin, Texas

  • ★★★★★
    As a beginner, I was nervous to go out on my first fly fishing trip, but Chris made the experience incredible! I was able to reel in 4 fish (my boyfriend reeled in another 5), including some rainbow and brown trout. However, the best part wasn't actually catching anything but learning the technique and patience that goes into fly fishing. Chris was a great instructor! Would absolutely book again or recommend to a friend!

    Ansley W. with Chris J. of New Braunfels, Texas

What's biting?

View Smallmouth Bass Fishing Reports from our damn good guides.

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