Smallmouth Bass

Smallmouth Bass fishing near Shelton, Connecticut, largely revolves around the Housatonic River. While the river is better known for its largemouth, healthy populations of smallmouth reside in the faster-moving sections, particularly upstream from Lake Housatonic. Look for rocky areas, riffles, and deep pools. The best time to target smallmouth is from late spring through early fall, when water temperatures are ideal. Focus your efforts during periods of stable water flow, as heavy rains can muddy the river and make fishing difficult. A productive technique is to drift crayfish imitations or small crankbaits along the bottom in areas with moderate current. Consider wading the river for better access to prime smallmouth habitat (check water levels first!). The smallmouth in this section of the Housatonic tend to be scrappy fighters, typically ranging from 1 to 3 pounds, and provide excellent sport on light tackle.