Smallmouth Bass

Common Name:

Smallmouth Bass

Other Names:

Smallie, Smallmouth Black Bass, Black Bass, Brown Bass, Green Bass

Scientific Name:

Micropterus dolomieu

Origin:

Introduced

Adult Size:

Smallmouth bass commonly live 5 to 7 years, with a few individuals reaching ages from 10 to 20 years. Most bass waters grow some adults to weights of 2 to 3 pounds. In Maine, only a few exceed 4 pounds, and bass heavier than 5 pounds are rare. The state record smallmouth bass is 8 pounds.

Identification:

Bass are members of the sunfish family. The upper jaw of smallmouth bass does not extend beyond the back of the eye. The notch between the spiny and the soft-rayed section of the dorsal fin is not deep.

Find more information on the Maine Department of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife website.