Smallmouth Bass
Micropterus dolomieu · also called Smallie, Bronzeback, Brown Bass
The smallmouth bass (Micropterus dolomieu) is an uncommon but prized catch in Central Texas, holding in a handful of clear, rocky reservoirs — Lake Belton, Stillhouse Hollow, Canyon Lake and O.H. Ivie. Known as the bronzeback, it fights harder than any bass its size and favors rock, gravel and finesse presentations.
Why: The bronzeback — a rare Central Texas fight.
Evidence: Verified knowledge from Bryan Cotter, 26+ years guiding all 16 Central Texas lakes.
Related: Guadalupe Bass · Spotted Bass · All Central Texas bass species
Verified Answered by Bryan Cotter, Texas Hawgs guide · Updated Jul 12, 2026
Smallmouth are not native to Central Texas, but stockings took hold in a few clear, rocky lakes and gave us something special. Belton is the best smallmouth lake around, with Stillhouse, Canyon and O.H. Ivie also in the mix. They rarely get huge here — a three-pounder is a very good one — but no bass fights harder for its size. If you want to add a bronzeback to your day, we target them on rock with finesse baits, tubes and jerkbaits.
Smallmouth Bass at a glance
- Scientific name
- Micropterus dolomieu
- Family
- Centrarchidae
- Type
- Black Bass
- Typical size
- 1.5 lbs average
- Trophy size
- 4 lbs+
- Texas record
- 7.93 lbs — Lake Meredith (1998)
- World record
- 11 lbs 15 oz — Dale Hollow Lake, Tennessee (1955)
How to identify a Smallmouth Bass
Brown to bronze-green with vertical bars and a golden-brown cast — the "bronzeback" look.
- Jaw does not reach past the eye
- Dark vertical bars rather than a horizontal stripe
- Red or reddish eye
- Tooth patch on the tongue
Quick tell: Vertical bars, the red eye and the short jaw separate it from a largemouth; it runs browner and heavier-barred than a Guadalupe.
Similar species: Guadalupe Bass · Spotted Bass · Largemouth Bass
Where to catch Smallmouth Bass in Central Texas
Best on Lake Belton, with Stillhouse Hollow, Canyon Lake and Lake O.H. Ivie also holding them.
Stillhouse Hollow · Canyon Lake · Lake Belton · Lake O.H. Ivie
How we catch them
A rock-oriented predator that eats crawfish and shad and responds hard to finesse presentations.
Spawn: March–May (around 58–65°F). Beds on gravel and rock in clear water; relates tightly to hard bottom year-round.
Go-to techniques: Drop Shot, Ned Rig, Shaky Head, Jerkbait, Football Jig, Finesse Fishing.
Best lures: Tube, Fluke / Soft Jerkbait, Jerkbait, Football Jig, Straight / Finesse Worm, Craw / Craw Trailer.
Best seasons: Spring, Fall, Winter.
The fight: The hardest-pulling bass out here for its size — dogged runs and repeated jumps.
Eating & regulations
Like largemouth, usually released to help the fishery - a scrappy sportfish worth far more swimming than in the pan.
Follows statewide bass regulations on most lakes; check the specific lake page.
Conservation
Introduced and locally established in clear reservoirs; not naturally reproducing everywhere.
Smallmouth Bass FAQs
What is the best lake for smallmouth bass near Austin?
Lake Belton is the best smallmouth lake in Central Texas, with Stillhouse Hollow, Canyon Lake and O.H. Ivie also holding good numbers.
How big do Central Texas smallmouth get?
They rarely get huge here — a three-pounder is a very good one, though the Texas record is 7.93 pounds from Lake Meredith.
From Bryan's logbook
Based on Bryan Cotter's on-the-water observations.
Stillhouse is one of the rare Central Texas lakes with a smallmouth population, so there's a real chance at a big smallie - the biggest from my boat was 6 pounds.
Belton is the best smallmouth lake in Central Texas, and a very good largemouth lake too - I've caught a 10.13 pound bass here myself. The clear Corps water is a big part of why the smallmouth thrive.
Keep exploring
All Central Texas bass species · Guadalupe bass — the Texas state fish · Central Texas bass fishing guide · All 16 lakes we fish
Want to catch a Smallmouth Bass? See trip rates and book, or call or text 512-762-0190.