Pond Boss Forums INTRO Questions & Observations Smallmouth bass

I live in NE Arkansas and was wondering if smallmouth would survive this far south in a pond. I have about a 11 acre pond that I stocked with lmb and bluegills last spring. The pond is about 20-22 feet deep. If possible, I would also need a name of a supplier. Thanks.....

There's an article coming out in the March/April issue of Pond Boss about that very topic. Smallmouth bass need particular habitat, they prefer rocky cliffs, or thick rip-rap. They like moderately cool temperatures, but can withstand short periods of really warm water. But, they can't keep up with competition with largemouth bass. Largemouth out-eat, out-spawn, out-everything. So, if you want to try smallmouth, be prepared to add their type of forage fish, crawfish, that sort of thing, from time to time. And, to keep a population, you must re-stock every year or every other year.
Regarding suppliers, I don't know of any near you, but I bet we hear from someone in Missouri or Tennessee.

Lots of threads on the subject if you do a search.

Here's one: http://www.pondboss.com/ubb/ultimatebb.php?ubb=get_topic;f=5;t=000005

Bob Lusk, for people in the south that want SMB, would spotted bass be an acceptable substitute?

Interesting! But, I`m sure it`s almost impoosible to find spotted bass fingerlings . Or am I wrong, -----very curious.

Here's a link to the MDC website...Lists the fish dealers in MO. MDC Fish Dealer Directory

Spotted bass are considerably different than smallmouth. Plus, I haven't found a private hatchery which raises spotted bass for sale. Spotted bass like rocky outcroppings, but feed similarly to largemouth bass. Since spotted bass live in a slightly different niche (if they have the choice) they don't always directly compete with largemouth. Spotted bass don't grow as large as smallmouth, and I haven't personally seen one any larger than two pounds. Smallmouth, on the other hand, need rocky areas to thrive, and make their living on crawfish, large insects and small forage fish. Smallmouth don't care for warmest waters in the south, they like moderate to cool temperatures of the midwest and north part of the country. Spotted bass tolerate warmest waters quite well. How's that for a non-answer to the original question?

Bob, I'm sure that you are aware that Lake Texoma is a fabulous SMB lake and I believe the Oklahoma record holder.

Doesn't Lake Meridith, hold the Texas record for 7lbs 13 oz?

I personally have caught many 5 and 6 lbs class SMB in Texoma.

Lake Texoma is one the best kept secret SMB lakes around - not bad for a warm water lake.

George Glazener

George,

Right on with the SMB in Texoma! I was extremely happy with my last trip down to this wonderful border lake. Went for the stripers but left with the memories of a big bronze-back attack. Some of those creek arms are loaded.

Mach316
There is a hatchery I ran across in Arkansas called Farley Fish Farm. Not sure if they have smallmouth bass but call and ask. Number is 1-800-247-2615 and ask for Larry (Farley). Hope it is OK to post phone numbers on this site and I did not offend anyone.

Not at all watergirl, that's what this site is all about .. helping each other out. Post away & welcome!

George, Texoma does have a nice population of smallmouth bass...in the rocky areas, deeper water. Texas Parks and Wildlife Department electrofishing studies have found smallmouth bass in Texoma in areas perfect for smallmouth bass. The lower end of the lake has stable water temps, rarely warmer than the mid-80's, rocky cliffs, rock piles, great food chain.
Ponds, on the other hand, tend to fluctuate temperatures as much as 10 degrees daily, can get into the mid-90's in the south. That factor, with limited habitat, is what limits us in the south from having smallmouth bass in ponds.
I stocked a one acre pond next to my house last year with 20 smallmouths and 15 walleye. They are in there with bluegill, which I plan to harvest when excessive. Put them in November 2003, seined November 2004, both species made it. Numbers looked okay, too. We'll see. Pond is 12 feet deep, fair amount of rocks. Will report later.