Best Smalmouth Bass rivers in the West.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Grand Ronde River = Northeast Oregon

http://highplainsdrifters.info/High_plains_drifters/Welcome.html


Lower Umpqua River = Oregon

http://www.bigkoutfitters.com/umpqua-river-fishing/smallmouth-bass/



John Day River = Northeast Oregon

http://www.littlecreekoutfitters.com/john-day-river-smallmouth-bass-oregon.html

[Ben J]

Never fished for smallmouth much in California, but what are some of the best rivers in our state? I have had some good luck at Belden Forebay (more of a lake) in Plumas County below Lake Almanor. I have also heard that the lower reaches of some Lower Sac tributaries can be very good. What are some good moving waters for bronzebacks?

[Hatch]

At the right times with the correct flows and clarity. The Feather can put out some quality Smallies. This is Miquel Cory with a nice one from this past season.
HATCH

[Scott V]

I fished the lower Umpqua a couple years ago and all though there are tons of smallies the majority were very small. the smallie population has made it so very few bass get big. In my one float probably caught well over 50 or 60 with the average size being about 6 inches. It was fun but sad at the same time.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

People talk about the Russian River some.

The Lower Feather River is my top pick.

Heard there are some in the lower stretches of most Nor Cal valley rivers.

Lower flows in the summer are best for fly fishing for them.

Early and late in the day then can be better too.

The Lower Stan has Smallmouth.

Jim Christensen and Andy Guibord have been fishing for them below Sacramento down through the Delta in the moving river flows.

They are in lots of smaller hard to get to streams in CA in lower elevations.

The Bear River, little tribs up near Red Bluff off the Sacramento River.

Cash Creek....

Upper and lower Putah Creek

NF American above Auburn....

.

[coolrivertx]

is one of the most remote & pristine rivers in the country. Surrounded by millions of acres of PRIVATE property, access and support is minimal. KT (of "KT Diaries") compares the beauty to the Green in Utah. Any who, big small mouth bass, black bass, rio grande cichlids, are all fair game on the Devils! Kevin Stubbs (www.expedition-outfitters.net) guides there. Brett

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

Great Brett....we will get there some day.

[Hogan Brown]

The sac outside of Chico is very good as well as many of the small creek Tribs to the river. Nf feather ain't bad either if you know where to look.

[Bill Kiene semi-retired]

The sac outside of Chico is very good as well as many of the small creek Tribs to the river. Nf feather ain't bad either if you know where to look.

Thanks Hogan

I hear they migrate up out of Shasta Lake into the lower reaches of the Upper Sac in late summer.

Have to look above some of these good Smallmouth reservoirs.....

[coolrivertx]

http://i59.photobucket.com/albums/g282/BHumphries/DSC_0059.jpg
The gentleman in this pic is a pretty big guy, about 6'3". He caught this nice smallie on the Devil's River, with Kevin at www.expedition-outfitters.net